e-NEWS
Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
Member Advertisement
PVCC Events
Business Book Club
FRIDAY, December 16, 2022@ 11:30am - 1pm
PVCC Office
End of Year Wrap-Up Meeting!
No required reading this month! During the luncheon, we will review 2022 Books and select the 2023 reading list. All welcome to attend! If you are new to our book club, the luncheon is a great opportunity to learn more about the program and network with chamber members.
LUNCH PROVIDED!
Business Roundtable Luncheon
THURSDAY, January 19, 2023 @ 11:45am - 1pm
PVCC Office
The first Business Roundtable of the New Year! Join us for an interactive discussion and sharing of best practices among other business owners and key decision makers.

The luncheon will be held at the PVCC office; catering by Wegman's. Pre-registration required. Catered by Wegman's
Featured Event
Check out the Chamber's Facebook page for member-testimonials from...

Greg Bowden, The Princeton Group, Alex Blomstrom, Alex Blom Creates , Louise-Marie Tulio, Ambler Savings Bank , Kim Wright, Nothing Bundt Cakes , Matt Baker, Maillie LLP, Cathy McKeever, Bond, Pezzano and Etze, PC. and Debbie Reigner, TR Insurance Group

New testimonials to be released bi-weekly.
Mark your calenders...
Winter/Spring 2023 - Inaugural Cornhole Tournament
Details will be available in January.



We're giving you plenty of time to block your calendar for the PV Chamber's 2nd Annual Clay Shooting Tourney!

October 2, 2023 - Annual Sporting Clays Tournament

A Message From The Chamber Office
Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

Last week's Holiday Mixer at RiverCrest was absolutely spectacular! Thanks to the generous support of our event sponsors, complimentary tickets were provided to our local non-profits, municipal leaders and community VIP's. The evening featured 5 food stations, desserts, exhibitor showcase, signature cocktail, raffles, silent auction, networking, music and lots of holiday cheer. Special thanks to the Events Committee, volunteers, Board Directors and Ambassadors for all of your hard work leading up to the event and day-of support - I couldn't have pulled this off without you!

A big welcome (back) to Fabien Chaigneau, Platform 1 Events @ The Columbia Station, a premium event hall located downtown Phoenixville. We cater social, professional as well as weddings. Visit Platform 1 Events Facebook page for details on upcoming events, including Feast of the 7 Fishes on Dec. 23rd, Christmas Eve Menu, Cooking Classes and more! BTW, those delicious cookie favors display next to exit at Holiday Mixer were provided by Platform 1 Events:)

Montgomery County has introduced a new initiative, Montco Site Select, as a way to bring together a variety of tools, knowledge, and expertise to help everyone fro entrepreneurs to the Fortune 500 explore and understand the possibilities of locating and growing in Montgomery County. Montco Site Select is our approach to supporting site search inquiries through utilizing an online real estate query tool and a local network of stakeholders. We encourage real estate professionals, municipal managers, and all our colleagues in local economic development to sign up for alerts that are sent out whenever we receive a site search inquiry. Inquiries come to us from the PA DCED and GAT, site search consultants, and directly from businesses. Take a few moments to visit the Montco Site Select website and help us grow the local network of parties receiving Montco Site Select. 

The Montgomery County Recovery Office connects our community to information, resources, and opportunities, as well as equitably distributes funding throughout Montgomery County. Our goal is to support the health, social, and economic well-being of all residents, address racial and other disparities, and serve those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are now open for the Montgomery County Small Business Grant with a Focus on Minority, Women, and Veteran Owners. Information on the program can be found here - https://www.montcopa.org/3821/Recovery-Office

Thanks for reading this week's enews. Please help us grow our membership - share this email with colleagues and businesses in your network.

The office will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years and office hours December 21 - 23 are by appointment.

Happy Holidays!

Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net 
610-489-6660
Welcome New Members!
Elegant and Historic Event Venue at the Columbia Station

HR Consulting, Talent Management, Individual Development, Team Building and Equine Assisted Learning.

Realtor with diverse background in new construction, with a major emphasis in Green Building and energy efficiency.

Family run company offering lawn, tree and pest control expertise.

Providing fundraising, services and advocacy to persons in need in the greater PV region.

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
THANK YOU!
Thank you and Congratulations, Senator Bob Mensch!

Our long-standing Chamber friend and community leader, Senator Bob Mensch, retires from the Pennsylvania Senate today. For the past 16 years, Senator Mensch has made a positive impact on our community and we are grateful for his service. Senator Mensch participated in many PVCC Legislative updates over the years, celebrated the grand opening of the new Chamber office in 2018, attended Galas and other Chamber events, and lended support to the local Chamber communities throughout the pandemic. When I would run into Senator Mensch at a local restaurant or store, he would greet me with a friendly smile and hug and always took the time to ask about our members:). Senator Mensch delivered a farewell address on the Senate Floor last month, which can be viewed here. Congratulations on your retirement, Senator Mensch!
MEMBER ADVERTISEMENT
MEMBER NEWS
Vote for 2023 River of the Year

Perkiomen Creek is in the running to WIN Pennsylvania River of the Year! Please take a moment to cast your vote!
https://pawatersheds.org/vote-for-a-2023-river-of-the-year/
Arts & Culture Grant

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has begun accepting applications for the statewide COVID-19 ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR). Information on this program can be found online at https://dced.pa.gov/programs/covid-19-arpa-pa-arts-and-culture-recovery-program-pacr/.
Support Women's Resource Center
Matching Gift Donation - Now through Dec. 31

The Job Exchange will be matching donations up to $1000 to Women’s Resource Center a local non profit that has helped women and girls in southeastern Pennsylvania successfully navigate life’s transitions and inspire others to do the same. The populations served are women who are mainly low income and the average age is 45, with an increasing number of women immigrants. 83% of WRC clients report an annual income of $25,000 or less. They serve all of southeastern Pennsylvania, with most of their population residing in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties. Click here to make a donation.
Montgomery County 2023 General Budget - Public Budget Hearings
December 1st and December 15th

The Montgomery County’s proposed 2023 general fund budget and capital improvement plan are now available for public review. The budget document and supporting materials can be found online at https://www.montcopa.org/4215/Proposed-and-Adopted-Budgets.  

The proposed budget does include a property tax increase from 3.923 mills to 4.237 mills (an approximately 8% proposed increase). The budget also maintains the expected fund balance and other conditions to keep Montgomery County as one of the 100 or so counties in the United States with a AAA credit rating. Highlights of the proposed capital improvement plan include the continuing work on the County’s downtown Norristown campus, improvements along Ridge Pike, new additions and improvements to the County’s Public Safety Training Facility, and the construction of other facility to alleviate the County’s use of rented properties in order to lower future operating costs.

The County is hosting two public budget hearings on December 1st, 2022 and the Commissioners will vote on adoption of the budget on Thursday, December 15th, 2022.  
Bach's Lunch Concert Series

CMS proudly presents a FREE lunchtime concert series called “Bach’s Lunch”. Join us on the third Thursday of each month and enjoy a mini concert featuring a different CMS faculty artist each month. Pick up your box lunch at a local eatery or bring from home. Concerts begin at 12:10pm and finish by 1:00pm. The concert series is FREE. ALL AGES WELCOME.
2022-2023 Bach’s Lunch Schedule
December 15, 2022 – Holiday Brass
• January 19, 2023 – Melinda Rice, violin
• February 16, 2023 – Teresa D’Andrea, mezzo-soprano & Thad Shirey, baritone
• March 16, 2023 – MaryAnn McCann, harp
• April 20, 2023 – Hye Kyung Choi, piano
• May 18, 2023 – Chris Macy, piano & vocals

Community Music School, 775 West main Street, Trappe, PA 19426
December Happenings @ Platform 1 Events

Join us for these events and more...
Afternoon Tea - Sunday, December 18th @ 1pm
French Classics: Make and Take Cooking Class with Chef Chris Siropaides - Dec. 18th and January 14th
Feast of 7 Fishes - December 23rd
Night Before Christmas Dinner Menu- December 24th
Harry Potter Holiday at Hogsmeade - Dec. 29th and 30th @ 6pm
Platform 1 Events @Columbia Station, Phoenixville. Visit Website and Facebook for details.
Snowshoe 5K @ Spring Mount
January 28 @ 8:00am

Don't let Ole' Man Winter get you down...

Join us for the 17th Annual Pennsylvania Championship Snowshoe Race at Spring Mount Ski Area. This year's event is shaping up to the best ever! We have a great course, a great cause, and a great after-party! Register by January 13th to get a custom event knit hat!
Registration begins at 7 am. The race begins at 8 am sharp! The Snowshoe 5k is great for everyone. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair from us for just $15 (while supplies last). After the race, we'll have some great eats and treats including our famous hot rum cider!
We're hoping for snow so we can send you off on the 5k cross country course. Don't worry though, even if we don't get snow we'll hold the race right on the slopes! 
Congratulations, Alex Blom Creates!

We are pleased to share an article published VoyageDenver, about PVCC member, Alex Blomstrom, a recent PSU grad that started Alex Blom Creates, an apparel business started during the pandemic. The business has grown to service customers all over the globe, with a focus on spreading positivity and kindness. Read the article here.
2023 Small Business Week Awards

Do you or someone you know have what it takes to become America’s “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2023? If so, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants to hear from you. 
The SBA is proud to announce that its Eastern Pennsylvania District Office is ready to accept nominations for the 2023 National and District Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Visit the SBA’s dedicated website at www.sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a National nomination. The Eastern Pennsylvania District Office award categories and guidelines can be found on the district’s website https://www.sba.gov/document/support-philadelphia-district-nsbw-award-guidelines or here.
The Eastern Pennsylvania District Office must receive all nominations by electronic submission ONLY to the District’s BOX account  https://sba.app.box.com/f/568e3f23d6794829bbc6a6b2fb6cd48e or found HERE no later 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 8, 2022
american-flag-wavy.jpg
Springford Veterans Memorial

The Springford Veterans Memorial is seeking Veterans and families of Veterans from the Springford area, who served between the years of 1950 until now! We are building this Memorial to recognize any Veteran who has served during these years. If you are a Veteran, are a family member of a Veteran or know a Veteran, please contact us! We have printable Plaque forms on our website or call us and we will be more than happy to help! Thank you! Visit us on Facebook
267-640-7516
Keystone HMO CHIP

A free newsletter comes with all Keystone HMO Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans. Its three issues a year are full of tips to help kids stay healthy. And remember, no family earns too much for their child to enroll in Keystone HMO CHIP! Learn more: https://www.ibx.com/chippvcc
Please give me an opportunity to speak with you and the families you serve about the value these plans bring to families’ lives. Karron Ross, Community Outreach Coordinator, Independence Blue Cross
215-241-3176
karron.ross@ibx.com
More events can be found online...
Bookmark the Chamber's online community calendar to view even more community events!

Employment Opportunities
Member Savings

We are here to make your event unforgettable! Platform 1 Events at Columbia Station is a premium event hall located downtown Phoenixville. We cater social, professional as well as weddings.

Member to Member Offer:
10% any events or ticketed events

Email: Bookings@platform1events.com | Call: (484) 986-5503 | visit website

Realtor with diverse background in new construction, with a major emphasis in Green Building and energy efficiency.

Member to Member Offer:
1 year home warranty plan, at the time of settlement, to any buyer or seller who uses me for their real estate transaction.
Contact Erin Conlen @ (267) 933-6836 or visit website

 spreading kindness, positivity & ~good vibes~ through everyday apparel and happy designs
Now Accepting Winter Collection Pre-Orders
Sign up for text alerts and receive 10% off your next order

Kitchen and bath design & material supplies

MEMBER TO MEMBER DISCOUNT:
5% off first purchase for new clients. (Does not include labor)
Contact Brent Antman 484-808-5711
Discount for businesses and non-profits!
25% off all new sponsorships in either Limerick Living and 40% off new sponsorships for Non-profits. Contact Victoria Leigh Dean for details 610- (484) 393-1255
20% off Escape Rooms!

Member to Member Discount:
Use Promo Code CHAMBER at checkout
Your first ride is FREE!

CycleBar® will motivate you with energizing rides tailored to all fitness and experience levels. Call to schedule your first ride for FREE. (484) 750-6100

Melissa Dell Renner, M.A., Realtor, Licensed PA & NJ
SRES, SRS - Keller Williams Realtor


(610) 291-7755
Free home warranty with purchasing or selling your home.

Member to Member Discount:
Free, no obligation home valuation visits &
$250 donation at closing to the charity of your choice!
TLC Massage Therapie

$10.00 off your first massage
20% off gift certificates
TLC Massage Therapie

Men's and Juniors Golf Apparel

Special offer for PV Chamber members families:
Receive 20% off your order when you
use code "chamber 20" at checkout

100% Natural All Organic Cold, Cough, & Flu Remedy to stop infections in their tracks!

Save on your online orders using these coupon codes
Save 10% on online orders by using the coupon code “givemeone”

Save 20% on online order for two or more items using the coupon code “twoormore“
Helping students do better in school and on college entrance exam!

Special offer for PV Chamber members families:
Receive $100 off Academic Evaluation and/or
5% discount off Learning Center & Exam Prep programs

Local, State & COVID Updates
Montco Site Select

Montgomery County has introduced a new initiative, Montco Site Select, as a way to bring together a variety of tools, knowledge, and expertise to help everyone fro entrepreneurs to the Fortun 500 explore and understand the possibilities of locating and growing in Montgomery County. Montco Site Select is our approach to supporting site search inquiries through utilizing an online real estate query tool and a local network of stakeholders. We encourage real estate professionals, municipal managers, and all our colleagues in local economic development to sign up for alerts that are sent out whenever we receive a site search inquiry. Inquiries come to us from the PA DCED and GAT, site search consultants, and directly from businesses. Take a few moments to visit the Montco Site Select website and help us grow the local network of parties receiving Montco Site Select. 
Montgomery County Small Business Grant Program - Still accepting applications!

The Recovery Office connects our community to information, resources, and opportunities, as well as equitably distributes funding throughout Montgomery County. Our goal is to support the health, social, and economic well-being of all residents, address racial and other disparities, and serve those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are now open for the Montgomery County Small Business Grant with a Focus on Minority, Women, and Veteran Owners.
Information on the program can be found here - https://www.montcopa.org/3821/Recovery-Office
Montgomery County Small Business Grant Program

The Montgomery County’s proposed 2023 general fund budget and capital improvement plan are now available for public review. The budget document and supporting materials can be found online at https://www.montcopa.org/4215/Proposed-and-Adopted-Budgets.  

The proposed budget does include a property tax increase from 3.923 mills to 4.237 mills (an approximately 8% proposed increase). The budget also maintains the expected fund balance and other conditions to keep Montgomery County as one of the 100 or so counties in the United States with a AAA credit rating. Highlights of the proposed capital improvement plan include the continuing work on the County’s downtown Norristown campus, improvements along Ridge Pike, new additions and improvements to the County’s Public Safety Training Facility, and the construction of other facility to alleviate the County’s use of rented properties in order to lower future operating costs.
 
The County is hosting two public budget hearings on December 1st, 2022 and the Commissioners will vote on adoption of the budget on Thursday, December 15th, 2022.  
Grant assistance for PECO Commercial Natural Gas Customers impacted by Covid-19 pandemic

Small businesses affected by the pandemic can now apply to receive a one-time grant of $500 towards their existing PECO natural gas account. The grant will be applied directly to your bill and will lower current outstanding balances or provide a credit for future charges.

To be eligible, applicants must have an active PECO gas account on or before March 31, 2020, take service under Rate GC (gas commercial service), have fewer than 25 employees, and have experienced financial hardship resulting from the pandemic. Each commercial gas business is eligible for only one grant, regardless of the number of gas accounts listed under the business name.

Applications will be considered in the order they are received, while funding lasts – apply today!

Email your completed application as an attachment to: PECOSCIGasGrantProgram@exeloncorp.com

Once your application is approved, you will be notified within 7-10 business days. The actual credit will be applied within 60 days of approval. If you have questions, please call 1-800-494-4000.
Schools to Work Grants

State assistance is available to develop and improve partnerships between schools, employers, organizations or associations for pre-apprenticeship and training pathways for students.Successful project applications should create career opportunities that lessen the gap between high school and employment or post-secondary education through the use of pre-apprenticeships.Applicants must be registered with the department as a pre-apprenticeship program and be connected to a registered apprenticeship program that will be responsible for administering and operating a pre-apprenticeship program. Additional details and the grant application for the Schools-to-Work grants can be found here. Applications are due by Oct. 12.

CommonGoods Initiative

Montgomery County Commerce Department would like to share information about a new state initiative - CommonGoods. This is a unique opportunity for small businesses to expand their footprint while giving consumers the chance to shop “local” from wherever they might be. CommonGoods will expand markets, grow sales, increase sustainability, and help PA local shops and stores thrive. Registering in the directory is easy at commongoods.pa.gov. Visit the website to see if your small business meets the program criteria.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can apply now for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2021.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.
After checking eligibility requirements, you can file your rebate application online by visiting mypath.pa.gov. Submitting your application online does not require you to sign up for an account. You can check the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program instruction booklet to learn which information you will need to complete the process.
Student Loan Relief for Nurses

Applications are being accepted through March 1 for the new Student Loan Relief for Nurses program.
Qualified nurses working through the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible to receive student loan relief of up to $2,500 for each year of work (beginning with 2020) for up to three years, with a maximum benefit of $7,500.
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency indicates the high volume of applications has slowed the review process, and online applications are not offered. You can learn more about the program and the application process here.
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).
No-Cost PPE Kits
Call to schedule pickup time 610-489-6660 or email info@pvchamber.net.
Montco expanded the program to offer up to 7 kits per small business
Chamber membership is not a program requirement - all welcome to participate
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.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed here.

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.
Member Advertisement
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. 
 

PV Chamber
521 W Main Street, Suite 103 | Trappe, PA 19426
Telephone: (610) 489-6660 | FAX: (610) 454-1270