Special Edition E-Connection: April 29, 2020
ROAD TO REOPENING
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FEDERAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE for Small Businesses
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SBA Puts Hold on New EIDL Applications
PPP, EIDL Apps to be Processed on First-Come, First-Served Basis
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have been replenished to provide assistance to small businesses.
Update: The SBA is processing EIDL loan applications that were already filed (prior to the previous depletion of funds) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
When (and if) they have processed the applications already in cue, the application portal will open to new applications (including for farms/agriculture.)
We will monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available
. 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
Reminder: PPP applications are filed through local lenders (banks, credit unions.) These are to be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis so if you plan to file an application, contact your local lender ASAP,
as these funds are expected to again run out, possibly as early as today or tomorrow. If you have already filed with a bank (prior to the closing of the application process earlier this month) you may want to check back to be sure that your application is being filed if it was not already.
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Inc. Looks to Future of PPP
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With 1.7 million small businesses waiting for PPP funding and a Round 2 that's quickly running out, here's what's next, according to
Inc.
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Governor Wolf's Color-Coded Plan to Reopen PA
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Construction To Resume May 1
Some Other Areas/Industries May 8
As the construction industry prepares to resume work, the Wolf Administration issued guidance for all construction businesses and employees to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
All businesses in the construction industry in the commonwealth are permitted to resume in-person operations starting Friday, May 1 – one week earlier than previously announced.
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READ MORE.
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GOLF, Outdoor Recreation To Open May 1
Starting Friday, May 1, golf courses, marinas, guided fishing trips and privately owned campgrounds may reopen statewide and are required to follow updated
life-sustaining business guidance and
FAQ issued by the Wolf Administration to include specifics for how these outdoor recreational industries can resume activities while prioritizing public health and safety.
Campgrounds in state parks will remain closed through Thursday, May 14.
Learn More.
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UPDATE: Below is the map provided by the Governor's office designating regions for reopening.
Counties of the Southern Alleghenies (e.g. Bedford, Cambria, Huntingdon, Blair) have expressed concern with being categorized with areas that have more cases of COVID-19 and that are not natural partners (i.e. economic development, tourism, etc.) Talks continue about the safest and most effective ways to reopen businesses across PA, and are told that may be more of a county-by-county order. We will provide additional details as they become available.
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Business Resources from the U.S. Chamber
Check out the latest guides and resources from the U.S. Chamber, including the new
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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
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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.
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Updates on Assistance for Farms, Agriculture
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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.
Note: The EIDL portal is not currently open while the SBA processes the applications already in cue.
The American Farm Bureau offers resources as well:
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The Governor has indicated that reopening phases (using above color system) will be implemented by region using the Bureau of Community Health Systems map:
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PA Chamber Announces "Bringing PA Back" Initiative
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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.
Listen to Webinar
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DO YOU NEED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
for when your business re-opens?
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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.
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PA Department of Health Resources for Businesses
Visit the Department of Health website for more important information for your business or organization, and that you can share with your employees:
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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.
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Thank you to Steltek Graphics for making these
SIGNS of SOLIDARITY
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Window Sign (12"x18") - $10
Yard Sign with stake (18' x 24") - $20
Color Banner (20"x24") - $20
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.
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Free Local Coaching for Small Businesses
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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!!
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Pennsylvania Launches COVID-19 Job Hiring Portal
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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
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Topic: Cocktail Demo & Book Tasting
Time: Apr 30, 2020 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 6512 9410
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,87265129410# US (Germantown)
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Thank You To John Moore, Moore Power Sales
for the free sales training offered throughout this crisis:
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NFIB Webinars Available to View
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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.
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Governor Orders Masks for Essential Businesses
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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
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RESOURCE HUB FOR BUSINESSES
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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:
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The PA Chamber is our partner for state legislative information and advocacy.
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Resources are available from Small Business Development Centers across the state to assist businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.
CLICK HERE for Info
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The Community Foundation for the Alleghenies has established an emergency fund for non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
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Important Links to Information
Regarding the Coronavirus:
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DCED provides significant resources for businesses relative to the COVID-19 Pandemic, including:
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Link for Traditional Unemployment Benefits
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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.
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BULK MAIL ASSISTANCE
The Chamber is still assisting members with bulk mail.
Contact Delrae Hagstrom to schedule your mailing.
Thank you!
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CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN
The Chamber is still providing members with
certificates of origin documentation.
Contact Kellie Goodman Shaffer
to arrange for processing.
Thank you!
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Center for Victory Webinar on Coping with COVID-1
Managing Employee Engagement
Thank you to Corey Christman for providing this information
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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.
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Blood is needed during
this critical time.
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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.
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UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
(Subject to change depending on COVID-19 Status)
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Be Part of Our Signature Celebration of Spring!
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Vendor space indoors is
EXTREMELY LIMITED!
Call today to participate.
Outdoor space, sponsorships still available.
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Visit our Major Partners:
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Join us for our 7th Annual Conference
New Date: Tues. August 4th
at the Omni Bedford Springs
Mixer: Monday, August 3rd at SAMA
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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:
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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.
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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.)
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Our next in-person networking breakfast is scheduled for August7th at Homewood at Spring House Estates. HOPE TO SEE YOU!
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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!
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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
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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.
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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.)
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For Your Calendar:
Chamber & Chamber Foundation Save the Dates - 2020
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Events Scheduled (may change due to CDC/PA Health 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
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Call us at 623-2233 to schedule your...
Ribbon Cutting (Including Virtual Ribbon Cuttings!)
Anniversary Celebration
Key Transfer (New Owners)
Groundbreaking
We love to celebrate local business milestones!
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Chamber Foundation
News & Opportunities
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New Date: July 2, 2021 for Concert with
Celtic Thunder's Neil Byrne and Ryan Kelly
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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
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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.
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Chamber Member & Community News
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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!
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Chamber Member UDNI Offers Remote Technology Assistance to Local Businesses
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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.
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Bedford County
Chamber of Commerce
203 South Juliana Street
Bedford, PA 15522 - USA
Phone: 814.623.2233
Fax: 814.623.6089
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