Message from the Chamber Office
We hope you are doing well and enduring the sudden change to our lives. In accordance with Governor Wolf's COVID-19 Order, the PV Chamber has shifted operations to work remotely from home. The PV Chamber is  HERE TO SERVE our member businesses and community during this difficult time.  We know the situation is fluid and  information is changing rapidly.  We will continue to  share resource links and member news through  PVCC Data HubEnews and  FaceBook

New Communication Efforts: 
PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
 Bookmark this page and visit often for updates from Local, State and Federal sources.  The page is updated several times a day!  In addition, you will find a list of restaurants, food stores and caterers offering curb-side and delivery options and special offers from our members. 

Gift Vouchers
- Buy today for a better future! Our small businesses are what make our community special. Purchasing a gift voucher today, to use when mandates are lifted, will help many small businesses survive. 

Membership Renewals - April 1st kicks off 2020-2021 Fiscal Year.  Your membership is valued and appreciated.  As such, we are suspending the April 1st membership renewal invoices until further notice. Additionally, the Board Election that was to take place at the Annual Meeting on April 8th has been postponed. The 2019-2020 Board Directors will continue to serve our membership until the election is rescheduled

I would love to hear from our members! Please contact the Chamber office for assistance, to update company contact information and report modified hours of operations, share positive stories, event news and special offers. Or just call to say "hello"...I am hear for you!  The office number is forwarded to my cell phone...you can reach me at 610-489-6660 or email renee@pvchamber.net.  

Thank you for your patience and stay safe. 

Sincerely, 

Renee Blomstrom
renee@pvchamber.net 
Supplies Needed at Phoenixville Hospital!
Phoenixville, 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
* 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. 

About Phoenixville Hospital:
Located in Phoenixville, Pa., and a member of Tower Health, Phoenixville Hospital is a 144-bed facility that provides comprehensive medical services through emergency room visits, inpatient admissions, outpatient procedures and community outreach programs. Phoenixville Hospital's services include an award-winning cardiovascular program, a fully accredited cancer center, NAPBC-accredited breast health center, an acute inpatient rehabilitation center, and a large robotic surgery center. Phoenixville Hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines that include joint replacement surgery, advanced heart failure care, and the designation as a Primary Stroke Center. For more information, visit www.phoenixville.towerhealth.org.

Media contact: Susan Graham, susan.graham@towerhealth.org, 610-983-1551
Message from Governor Wolf - March 30, 2020
Governor extends Stay-At-Home Order through April 30th and extends school closures indefinately.   Read More


CARES Act Information and Resources
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act will inject nearly $2 trillion into the U.S. economy, including provisions to help businesses stay open and pay their employees, reduce the potential of future layoffs and ensure continuity of employment for workers across America.

 The Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist takes a small business step-by-step through the process of preparing to file for a loan, when they become available 

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan for payroll and certain other expenses.  Borrowers are eligible to have the loan forgiven if certain guidelines are followed. We will post more information when the loan application is made available. 

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance (EIDL)
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. To learn more, participate in Disaster Relief Loan Training webinars offered daily
County COVID-19 Update
Follow the protocols posted on Montgomery County's COVID-19 data hub:
We need your feedback!
MONTCO ECONOMIC & WORKFORCE RESPONSE TEAM
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. 

Survey Link:  https://arcg.is/1ryu5 

Seeking Feedback from Small Business Owners Re: Internships
  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!
Member Sponsored Ad _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Visit www.uas.com
March and April Events Postponed! 
If you registered for an event that has been postponed, you registration will be carried over to the new date.  This includes registrations received for Annual Meeting, Dow Expo, PV MEN, PV WIN, Business Roundtable and Book Club. 

Member Sponsored Ad                                                                                                                                          www.dirkspestmanagement.com
  Welcome Our Newest Members!




 
The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this year! 
 Click on a business name for more information. 
































All current PV Chamber Members found in the  Directory on  www.PVchamber.net
Member Sponsored Ad                                                                                                                              Visit www.scilliaphotography.com
In these times of social distancing, Giuseppe Scillia is going back and posting work that he has done in the past. It's fun. You can see his  "Time Capsule" on Scillia Photography Facebook Page.Visit daily to see beautiful photos to brighten your day! 
Member Sponsored Ad                                                              Visit www.patriotpestsolutions.net
Silver Linings - Stories of Hope:)
Now more than ever, we love sharing stories of great things happening in our community, reflective thoughts and positive vibes. 

Mr. Andrew Covin, PVSD, helps medical professionals by printing masks. Thank you Mr. Covin! 

Visit "The Bright Side" section of  the PVCC COVID-19 Resource Hub for even more positive news stories in our region:)
Support Small Business, Friends & Neighbors!
Some thoughts to help us through this difficult time... 

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 visit the Chamber Directory for a  list of restaurants., grocery stores, and wholesale clubsRemember to call ahead to ensure services and hours of operation. 

Shop Local and purchase gift cards to support our local small businesses that have modified their operations. 

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! 
Member News - 
PLEASE CHECK WITH INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES

Ursinus College U-Imagine Center 

The U-Imagine Center for Integrative and Entrepreneurial Studies has been supporting local startups and small businesses for the last four summers through its Digital Spark program. The program pays stipends for students to provide digital marketing support to 10 select businesses for 8 weeks during the summer, free of charge. We are pleased to announce that a generous donor has granted funding for this program, again this summer.

Digital Spark was initially designed to help support business growth. There is no greater need than at this time to help the business community. We know that this is not without challenges at the moment. We understand that the COVID-19 government mandates have heavily impacted local businesses. Our team believes that this program can play a minor role in helping the local economic recovery. In the past, our students worked on site with their local business partners. Our plan is to transition Digital Spark to a virtual program, with students working remotely under the supervision and guidance of the businesses that they are supporting. Please note that this could change as circumstances are evolving on a daily basis. We have every reason to believe that we will be able to successfully provide a virtual program.

We know that owners have been terribly impacted by the order to shut down all non-essential businesses. The program does require time, but does not cost anything. Students require guidance, supervision and mentorship during the project.

Student assistance is provided for projects geared towards digital marketing and that can reasonably be completed in 8 weeks. Areas of need that could be supported include, but are not limited to:
Marketing/Communications
Promotions for a launch or a new product initiative
Development of a Social Media presence
Competitive Analysis/Market Research
Internal/External Surveys and Analysis
Data Collection and Organization

Details are included in the application and can be found here.
March 24th - April 3rd @ Noon - 1:30pm 

SBA Disaster Relief Loan Training Webinars 

The U.S. Small Business Administration Eastern Pennsylvania District Office and the Chester Delaware Counties SCORE Chapter will hold webinar training on the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for small businesses and private non-profits due to COVID-19.
The webinar will provide you with answers and help you understand: 1) who is eligible for an SBA Disaster (EIDL) loan, 2) what you need to have in hand before filing your application, and 3) Q&A time devoted to answer your specific questions.
Due to the high volume of questions we are receiving, the webinar will be held daily. If the session is full, please join a session at another day. 

* Schedule begins Tuesday, March 24 and continues daily through Friday April 3. Webinars are offered Monday through Friday.
* Each Webinar starts at 12:00 noon and concludes at 1:30 p.m.
* Log in Information: https://score.zoom.us/j/723846010
* Call our SBA District Office at 610-382-3062 with any questions about the training.

Socks for the Homeless

Socks are a challenge for the homeless as they wear out and shelters do not accept used socks.  Michelle Mitchell, Long & Foster Real Estate, will be collecting socks (or monetary donation to purchase socks) for the homeless.  The goal is 900 socks. The donation, along with Easter package, will be delivered to St. Francis Inn on Kensington Ave in Philadelphia.  To make a donation, contact Michelle Mitch, 610-731-7551 (cell), 
Montco Happenings List 2020

The results are in for Montco Happenings List 2020. Many of our members made this year's list.  Check out the results at  http://montco.happeningmag.com/happening-list-2020/ 
Elmwood Park Zoo Business Partners Program Opportunity!

For 95 years, EPZ has been thriving, conservation and educational minded non-profit located right here in the heart of Montgomery County.  It is with the support of our partners the zoo has achieved some amazing milestones - like adding a herd of massive bull giraffe to our collection and becoming the first zoo in the nation to be named a certified autism center - and with your support as a Business Partner, we can, together, accomplish so much more!
Business Partners support the zoo's day to day operations, education initiatives, and enhance the quality of life for our growing animal family. In return, we are happy to provide great marketing and employee benefits. Click here for information about EPS's Business Partners Program, or contact Asia Crawford acrawford@elmwoodparkzoo.org.  610-277-3825 x254

Support Local Business - Toys For All Ages + Free Delivery!

Learning Express - Collegeville has some great news for you! One of our favorite vendors will ship directly to you (and don't worry, they'll reward us too!). Until we are allowed to legally/safely work in our store and deliver toys, this is a great option! Receive 5% off your order and FREE SHIPPING! 

Remote control cars, outdoor fun, science and more! Click here to order

And, here is a link where customers can purchase gift cards:  learningexpresscollegeville.square.site/
Eden Day Spa - Gift Card Sale

Now through April 16th, receive 15% off for gift card purchases of $50 or more at Eden Day Spa and Salon. Order online

Order-Ahead Dinners

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. 

Escape Trappe Gift Voucher - no expiration!

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. 
Korean Medal Program

I am pleased to announce that I am working with U.S. Senator Pat Toomey to invite eligible U.S. veterans to apply for the Korean War "Ambassador for Peace Medal."

The "Ambassador for Peace Medal" was created by the government of South Korea and will be awarded to U.S. veterans in a future presentation ceremony honoring recipients. Eligible U.S. veterans must complete an application and provide a copy of their DD214 for verification purposes by the Korean Consulate.

To be eligible, U.S. veterans must have served in Korea at any time during the period of June 25, 1950 through July 27, 1953. U.S. Navy veterans are eligible if their vessel was assigned to Korean waters during this specific time. UN peacekeeping forces assigned to Korea through December 31 of 1955 are also eligible. Medals can also be provided posthumously to family members with proper documentation.

Applications are available at my office or by visiting www.senatormensch.com/Korean-peace-medal. If you need an application to be mailed to you, or if you have questions, please call 215-541-2388. Completed applications and a copy of your DD214 can be returned to my office or mailed to the Office of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey at 200 Chestnut Street, Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19106. The deadline for the application is Friday, April 3, 2020.

Again, if you have any questions, please call 215-541-2388 or email srasmussen@pasen.gov. Please accept my most sincere appreciation to all veterans for their service and contributions.
2020 Census 
How to Make PA Count

By April 1, 2020, every home in the U.S. will receive an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. The U.S. Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790, as mandated by the Constitution. It is a very important undertaking. The count determines the number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for each state, and is used to distribute billions in federal dollars to local communities. 

Each year, Pennsylvania receives approximately $26 billion in federal funding toward programs like Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, CHIP, and WIC, as well as grants for education and highway construction. That's equal to over $2,000 per citizen in Pennsylvania.
April 15, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Delos Inc and SCORE Montgomery County present Webinar "Time Saving Tips for Social Media and Digital Marketing". Do you know that 43% of small businesses dedicate six or more hours per week to social media? While it's important to engage for social visibility and key connections online, we all want to do more in less time. This session will help you save time while still getting results from your digital marketing efforts. Click here for details and registration
May 9th @ 9:00am - 3:00pm and May 10th @ 9:00am - 12:00pm
 
Beautify your yard and protect your local environment with native plants.  The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy annually hosts a Native Plant Sale to promote the use of Pennsylvania native plants within the watershed. To purchase beautiful and environmentally beneficial plants for your property please join us! From more information about plants you are likely to find during the sale visit our Native Plant Sale Guide Booklet.

 
  Paint at the Plant Sale Workshop with Blush & Brushes:
Saturday, May 9th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Rain Barrel Workshop: Saturday, May 9th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

May 1, 2020 @ 7:30pm - 9:00pm
 
The Ursinus College Jazz Ensemble, led by Florrie Marks, will feature student soloists in a concert of jazz dating from the classic big band era to the present.
Bomberger Hall Auditorium, 601 East Main Street, Collegeville.
This event is free and open to the public.
May 1st - October 31st 
 
Board one of our meticulously restored century old rail cars for a two hour expedition into one of the most scenic and historic regions in the northeast. Once the province of pioneers and patriots, the Colebrookdale is your ticket to a verdant land lost in time.
Deluxe Coach has beverage service and light snacks available for purchase. First Class Parlor Car has one complementary beverage and hors d'oeuvre plates included with fare.
Dining car provides a full course lunch on lunch trains, and dinner on dinner train.
Each week there are multiple days and times to select from. Please see website for complete details. https://www.colebrookdalerailroad.com/
May 30, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 4:00pm
 
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
September 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm
 
MUSIC ON MAIN, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 4TH HAS BEEN PONTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020. 

Is it a block party or is it a music festival? It's both!

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.

Feast on food trucks, play at family activities, shop at craft and merchandise vendors, enjoy a beer and wine garden courtesy of Brothers Kershner Brewing Co. of Skippack and more. 


We are looking for local food and beverage vendors to participate in Music on Main. If your business is interested please fill out the the  Food and Beverage Vendor Registration Form

We are looking for local businesses, organizations and craft vendors to table at Music on Main. If your group or business is interested please fill out the  Vendor Table Registration Form.

Or email case@ursinus.edu with questions.


Email case@ursinus.edu with questions or to be a part of the fun as a vendor!

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! Join us at Talamore Country Club on Thursday evening, September 23rd from 6:00-9:30 pm for an unforgettable experience!
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. Your support will empower us to bring innovative leadership opportunities to students and adults with diverse abilities on local college campuses. The finale of our evening will include the announcement and presentation of our Integrate for Good 2020 Community Hero of the Year!

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. 
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
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

To learn more, click here
Office Space Available
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. 
PVSD NEWS!

March 23, 2020 - Pennsylvania Department of Education extends school closures for another 2 weeks. School employees are anticipated to return on April 7th to prepare classrooms and students anticipate return April 9th for classes.

PVSD Launches PVSD Alumni Network
We're excited to announce the launch of the new PVSD Alumni Network: alumni.pvsd.org! This alumni portal offers PV graduates a way to stay connected to fellow classmates and the district through an online community that is tailored specifically for alumni interests. If you are a PV grad, or know someone who is, please share news about this platform and its many benefits. See below for more information. 

What does the Alumni Portal allow you to do?
* Connect and network with over 1,000 (and growing) PV alumni. Explore what your peers are up to and find alumni near you.
* Learn about events, career opportunities, and important news from the community.
* Reconnect with your old friends, and share what's new in your lives.
* Learn about ways in which you can contribute to the future of the district.

How is it different from a social network?
* This is an exclusive private community with access restricted to only our alumni.
* Provides a safe, secure way to support one another for career connections, mentorship, professional advice etc.
* The data is secure and no third party can access it.
PVSD Seeks Donations From The Community
Perkiomen Valley School District is seeking financial support to build a Viking statue on the Perkiomen Valley High School Campus that will stand as a permanent representation of our school district pride and also mark the district's 50th anniversary . The project costing $85,000 was recently approved by the school board. PV is now seeking funds to raise the money in time for a Spring 2019 dedication.

You can donate with a credit card by clicking HERE or mail a check payable to PVSD, Perkiomen Valley, SD Business Office, Attn: Viking Statue, 3 Iron Bridge Drive, Collegeville, PA 19426



We want to Share YOUR upcoming events in E-news and Community Calendar. 


Pass It On
T he PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates.  For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director.     Become a Member !
  Learn More ...
Join a Committee!
paper_people_chain.jpg
By joining a committee, you can match your passion and interests in service to our community. Membership is open to all Chamber member firms and their employees. Add value to your Chamber membership and sign up for a committee today!
To learn more, contact Renee Blomstrom at 
610-489-6660. 

Golf Committee,  Ambassador Committee,  Expo Committee,  Gala Committee,  PV WIN  Committee

Minding Your Business
For 61 years, the PV Chamber has been  Minding Your Business  to help grow YOUR customer base in Collegeville, Limerick, Lower Frederick, Lower Providence, Oaks, Schwenksville, Skippack, Trappe and Upper Providence and the surrounding communities! 

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