Special Edition E-Connection:
April 27, 2020
ROAD TO REOPENING
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE for Small Businesses
SBA to Reopen Application Process for Accept PPP, EIDL Today
EIDL, PPP Programs receive additional funding with passage of latest stimulus bill.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have been replenished to provide assistance to small businesses.

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
Update on Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed

The office of Rep. Jesse Topper has provided an update on the fix to the issues on the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation website for self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers, including those who are attempting to refile their claim after an initial denial. Learn more
Update on PennDOT
Office Access for CDLs

Construction projects in Pennsylvania will resume beginning Friday, May 1, 2020 as part of Governor Wolf’s phased reopening plan for PA. To assist commercial drivers license holders in preparation for the re-opening, PennDOT offices will offer limited hours in specific locations.

farm landscape
Updates on Assistance for Farms, Agriculture
The latest Coronavirus Assistance Legislation includes benefits for farms that were not included in the original legislation, including opportunities for low-interest loans through the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) program. Click for Info.

The American Farm Bureau offers resources as well:
Governor Wolf's Color-Coded Plan to Reopen PA
Construction To Resume May 1, Some Other Areas/Industries May 8

Over the weekend, Governor Wolf's office clarified the process by which Pennsylvania will begin to reopen, following up on the plan presented last Wednesday. The administration will categorize reopening into three phases: red, yellow, green. Phases will be assigned based on conditions regional conditions (see map below defining regions.)

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.

The Governor has indicated that reopening phases (using above color system) will be implemented by region using the Bureau of Community Health Systems map:

Thank You to
Representative Jesse Topper
for discussing the latest
on the state's response to
COVID-19 on Thursday 4/23.

Recorded Zoom Call is Now available
and May Be Viewed Here.
PA Chamber Announces "Bringing PA Back" Initiative
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
DO YOU NEED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
for when your business re-opens?
Coronavirus prevention medical surgical masks and hand sanitizer gel for hand hygiene corona virus protection.
STATE BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
INTERCHANGE DIRECTORY AVAILABLE
Sources for PPE's, Thermometers & 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.

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.

Thank you to Steltek Graphics for making these
SIGNS of SOLIDARITY

Window Sign (12"x18") - $10
Yard Sign with stake (18' x 24") - $20
Color Banner (20"x24") - $20

Order your sign via email.
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.

ADDICTIVE APPAREL
SHOP LOCAL T-SHIRTS
ORDER DEADLINE TODAY!

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

Free Local Coaching for Small Businesses
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!!

We all need a sounding board. Let me know if I can help - tim@peoplemation.com
 

A Message from the Bedford County Library
Pennsylvania Launches COVID-19 Job Hiring Portal
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
NFIB Webinars Available to View
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.

Governor Orders Masks for Essential Businesses
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
RESOURCE FOR BUSINESSES
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:





The PA Chamber is our partner for state legislative information and advocacy.
SBDC
Resources are available from Small Business Development Centers across the state to assist businesses through the COVID-19 crisis. CLICK HERE for Info
The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies has established an emergency fund for non-profits impacted by COVID-19.

Important Links to Information
Regarding the Coronavirus:
DCED provides significant resources for businesses relative to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including:




UC Benefits for Self-Employed Portal Now Open. CLICK HERE FOR UPDATE.
Link for Traditional Unemployment Benefits
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.
BULK MAIL ASSISTANCE
The Chamber is still assisting members with bulk mail.
Contact Delrae Hagstrom to schedule your mailing.

Thank you!
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
The Chamber is still providing members with
certificates of origin documentation.
Contact Kellie Goodman Shaffer
to arrange for processing.

Thank you!
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.
Blood is needed during this critical time.

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.

UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
(Subject to change depending on COVID-19 Status)
Be Part of Our Signature Celebration of Spring!
Vendor space indoors is
EXTREMELY LIMITED! 
Call today to participate.
Outdoor space, sponsorships still available.
Visit our Major Partners:

Join us for our 7th Annual Conference
New Date: Tues. August 4th
at the Omni Bedford Springs
Mixer: Monday, August 3rd at SAMA
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:
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.

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.)
Our next in-person networking breakfast is scheduled for August7th at Homewood at Spring House Estates. HOPE TO SEE YOU!
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!
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
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.
Follow EBC on Facebook and Instagram to keep up
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.)
For Your Calendar:
Chamber & Chamber Foundation Save the Dates - 2020
Events Scheduled (may change due to DCD recommendations)
Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show (New date to be announced 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   
Byrne and Kelly Concert at Woodhaven (Foundation) - New Date Friday July 2, 2021
Do you have something to celebrate?
Call us at 623-2233 to schedule your...
Ribbon Cutting (Look for Virtual Ribbon Cuttings for Websites Coming Soon!)
Anniversary Celebration
Key Transfer (New Owners)
Groundbreaking
We love to celebrate local business milestones!
Chamber Foundation
News & Opportunities
New Date: July 2, 2021 for Concert with
Celtic Thunder's Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly


POSTPONED - NEW DATE TO COME
All tickets sold will be transferred to new date: Friday, July 2, 2021
Tickets: $50
Benefitting the Programs
of the 501-c3
Bedford County Chamber
Education Foundation
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.
Chamber Member & Community News
SAMA BEDFORD ART CLASSES
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!
Chamber Member UDNI Offers Remote Technology Assistance to Local Businesses

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.

Bedford County
Chamber of Commerce
203 South Juliana Street
Bedford, PA 15522 - USA
Phone: 814.623.2233
Fax: 814.623.6089