Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
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June 30, 2020
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Business Roundtable
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FREE Event
Our monthly Business Roundtable luncheons have gone virtual on ZOOM!
Join us for an interactive discussion and sharing of best practices among other business owners and key decision makers, right from the comforts of your home or office.
Pre-registration is required.
FREE Event for our members.
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
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Discussion Topic: Green Phase
How has the move to green impacted your business operations? Customer/employee safety measures, moral , telework, and more...
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PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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A Message From The Chamber Office
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Dear Chamber Members and Friends,
GOOD LUCK to all small business owners in Montgomery County as we move to
GREEN phase today!
Green is not a return to the way things were pre-COVID-19, but a relaxing of some retrictions and changing behavior for a
new norma
l. Let’s all be patient and supportive of local restaurants/bars, barber shops, salons, spas and gyms as they dip their toes in the new phase! — feeling happy.
Telework is still "strongly encouraged", and businesses with in-person operations must follow
updated business and building safety requirements
.
As a reminder, the business re-opening guidance prepared by the County in collaboration with regional partners can be found online at
https://www.montcopa.org/3524/Reopening-Guidance.
I hope you can join us for
Business Roundtable discussion on Tuesday, June 30th at Noon.
This is a FREE event and registration is required to receive Zoom meeting login and password.
Click here to register.
Gene Barr, President and CEO of PA Chamber of Business and Industry, was the guest speaker at a Virtual Town Hall meeting on Wednesday. Gene shared insights on issues facing businesses throughout the State, politics, education and advocacy. A recording of the meeting will be posted to Chamber website (Webinar tab) next week.
Montco Works recruited the help of chambers of Commerce to conduct in-depth interviews with members to determine current and future workforce planning needs. Survey deadline has been extended through July 7th. We are
seeking members to participate in one-on-one interviews
(approx 20-30 minutes). Contact Renee to request an appointment. 610-489-6660 or email renee@pvchamber.net.
As mentioned last week, the PA
PA 30 Day Fund ,
provides
forgivable loans/grants
($3,000) 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.
COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Grants is a
$225 Million grant program
for small businesses impacted by COVID-1.
Click here to read the latest information
on the upcoming statewide grant program for small business being administered by the
CDFI network
. The window to apply for the first round of this program is expected to begin no later than June 30th and be open for 10 business days. Please note to anyone that is planning to apply to
begin working now on the required documentation
– particularly the demonstration of lost revenue between the March-May period in 2019 vs. the March-May period on 2020. The website for the grant program is
www.pabusinessgrants.com.
PPP SBA Loan program
application deadline is June 30th. Recent changes in the act include expansion of the “covered period” for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks from eight weeks, a reduction of the proportion of proceeds that must be spent on payroll costs to 60% from 75%, and the establishment of a safe harbor for businesses that have been unable to return to the level of business activity they had before the COVID-19 pandemic due to compliance with health and safety guidelines for slowing the spread of the virus.
Stay safe and healthy! Have a wonderful weekend in GREEN!!!
Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net
610-489-6660
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Support Small Business, Friends and Neighbors!
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Small business is the backbone of our regional economy. Please look for ways to support these businesses during the pandemic. Please visit the
Chamber Directory
for a complete list of members. Consider purchasing gift cards for businesses that are not currently open (salons, restaurants, spas, retailers, etc) to support them now and use at a later date. 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.
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Please
share your positive experiences
with others and on social media platforms to help promote and support our local businesses. Should you have a less than satisfactory experience, please be patient; relay your concerns privately with the store manager so he/she can evaluate the issue and consider ways to improve for future visits.
TOGETHER we will reset, restore and rebound our community!
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Welcome our newest member!
Loci House LLC
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The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this past year!
Click on a business name for more information.
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Loci House LLC
Mary Allen - Kelly Williams Realty
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All Current PV Chamber Members can be found in the Directory on our Website
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PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
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Bookmark the PV Chamber's COVID-19 Resource Hub for up-to-date information for business owners, employers and residents.
- County, State and Federal Resource Links
- Member-to-Member Resources
- Gift Card Program
- Shop Local
- Brighter Side
- Event News
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Montgomery County Resource Hubs
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Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed
here.
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PA Chamber of Business & Industry
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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.
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
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Self-employed,
independent contractors, gig workers, and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
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CARES Act Information and Resources
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IMPORTANT:
PPP application deadline is June 30th.
President Trump signs law to change PPP rules, extending funds spending from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.
Read more here.
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The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.
NOTE: Borrowers cannot use PPP and tax credit. However, small businesses can receive EIDL and PPP funds, but they cannot be used to cover the same costs. Speak with your financial advisor for best option
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On June 17, 2020
,
a coalition of
80 Chambers of Commerce
sent a
letter to Federal and State Lawmakers
to support
temporary, targeted legal safe harbor protection
for employers and
healthcare communities
operating in good faith and complying with relevant requirements.
An open letter to state lawmakers expressed the
deep concern
Chamber leaders feel
with both the pace and process of reopening businesses in the SE PA region
. The letter, sent on
May 28, 2020
was singed by 24 Chamber leaders, including myself. The letter urges legislatures to work with the Governor to revise metrics for reopening and with the Chambers' assistance, develop guidance and support to help businesses reopen safely.
Read the letter here.
On April 3, 2020,
leaders from 50 Pennsylvania chambers
of commerce
signed a letter
to Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf
requesting that the Administration allow more businesses to operate under CISA and CDC guidelines to ensure the critical infrastructure supply chains are protected during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read the letter here
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Now more than ever, we love sharing stories of great things happening in our community, reflective thoughts and positive vibes.
- On June 26, 2020 Montgomery County moved into the GREEN phase. Reopening guidance can be found on the County website.
- Bars and indoor dining at restaurants are permitted to open today, along with gyms, hair salons, spas and barber shops. Some businesses may need more time to open safely so please call ahead to check opening date, new policies and hours of operation.
- Community Music School is delighted by the way our community has embraced virtual music lessons and live-stream concerts and events since the state-mandated closure in March. Please help them reach their 2020 fundraising goal by donating online here.
- Senator Bob Mensch is helping businesses around the community stay in touch during this time through his virtual meeting series, ‘Zooming Around the 24th District,’ in which the Senator meets one-on-one over Zoom with businesses around the District.
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who
BOOK NOW ~ SHOOT LATER
Celebrate your Amazing Achievement and your Bright Future.
We are still booking Graduation and Senior portraits for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. Give us a call Now at (610) 608-6095
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Trouble's End Brewing is Hiring
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Troubles End Brewing
is hiring prep and line cooks. This is a great opportunity to get in at the ground floor of a new exciting growing business. Major opportunities for advancement and extremely competing wages. If you are interested in working with us please email our executive chef Kris Serviss at kris@troublesendbrewing.com
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Dirk's Pest Management Specialists - Office Staff Position
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Purpose: To effectively and efficiently maintain a high level of organization within the office.
Responsibilities will include:
Schedule Routes/appointments; Generate daily route sheets/ work orders and invoices; Coordinate, scheduling and mailing termite renewal notices; Answer phones (with a smile); Enter all new customers / update current customer account information into the computer; Initiate and maintain customer accounts which include follow up; Communicate with technicians and sales staff of any changes to their work schedules and/or work; Add weekly Dirks Pest Management Specialist Facebook status; Responsible for account functions, including but not limited to accounts payable and accounts receivable; Issued Proposals for Termite Renewals/Service Plans
Qualifications:
Good written, verbal, follow up and telephone communications skills; Abilities to sell and communicate; Excellent human-relations skills- a sense of humor, a quick smile and a thick skin; Basic skills in reading, writing and math; Extremely flexible, adaptable, quick to learn new skills /knowledge and handle rapid change effectively; Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail; Good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point. Ability and eagerness to learn a robust pest control software (Pestpac); Must be a TEAM PLAYER- work as a competent member of the team and willingly provide back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively support team goals; The ability to self-start and work independently. Must be proactive!
To apply: send resume to office@dirkspms.com
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First Financial Group - Philadelphia is Hiring!
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First Financial Group - Philadelphia is looking to recruit Financial Representatives who have an entrepreneurial spirit and who are passionate about helping people live better financial lives. If you’re coming from a financial services background, we can help you take it to the next level. But, it doesn’t matter to us what your background is, as long as you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for helping people, are self-motivated, and have character and integrity. First Financial Group Philadelphia is located in the heart of King of Prussia and provides the training, structure, and support to help you create financial security for your clients, while creating a better life for you and your family. Please contact Steven D. Earhart, President (FFG PA, NJ, DE), at steven.earhart@ffgadvisors.com, or by phone at
610-293-8330.
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Touching Hearts at Home is Hiring
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Touching Hearts at Home
is seeking Part-Time Employed In-Home Caregivers to provide one-on-one care for the elderly and disabled. We are a RAPIDLY growing home care agency and are looking for dedicated and compassionate Caregivers with a true calling to help others! Our Caregivers provide individuals with extra support to keep up with life's daily tasks. We value our clients AND those that serve alongside us! Our goal is to give our Caregivers the support, training, and confidence they need in order to be successful. Our territory spans across all of Montgomery County.
Call 484-854-9300
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We want to hear from you!
Please let us know about changes to your services, business hours and more and we will share with our follower on enews, social media and COVID-19 Resource page. Send business updates to info@vpchamber.net. Also, our partners at Dow have offered to share member promotions with employees at the Collegeville site. Send your updates
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SCORE Tri-County is seeking volunteers!
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Now more so than any recent time, our volunteers are hard at work side-by-side to assist small businesses through education and mentorship.
As our requests for assistance remain steady, so is the genuine need for more qualified SCORE volunteers. If you are recently retired or thinking about retirement and are looking for ways to give back to your community, then becoming a SCORE volunteer just might be a rewarding fit. Email us at tricounty@scorevolunteer.org.
We look forward to hearing from you because YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Annual Student Art Exhibition
Now through July 15th
The Berman Museum of Art is proud to present a digital Annual Student Exhibition, featuring the art of nine student artists, working in painting, drawing, sculpture, video, mixed media, and photography. From the perspective of many voices, this exhibition explores themes of family, identity, the environment, and more.
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Music on Main
Friday, June 26@ 5pm
Singer-songwriter Kaitlyn Myers.
A live stream of the concert will be available
here
:
LIVE! On Main is your virtual destination for music, arts and culture. Our neighborhood is full of talented musicians, creative artists, big-hearted restaurants, innovative entrepreneurs and experts on trending topics.
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SCORE TriCounty Webinar
How to Protect & Grow the Value of Your Business During a Pandemic
July 2, 2020 @ 11:00am
In this webinar, Ashley Micciche, a certified business exit planner and CEO of True North Retirement Advisors, will help business owners understand the value of their business today, as well as how to take advantage of the abundance of opportunities that exist for business owners to protect and grow their business value.
Read more and Register
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SCORE TriCounty Webinar
Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely
July 16, 2020 @ 1:00am
This webinar, presented by digital marketing expert Randi Penfil, will introduce digital tools that can help business owners strengthen connections while working and managing their business remotely.
Read More and Register
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Summer Science Camp
July - August
Summer Science Academy features science-based day camp programs for children
ages three through 6th grade.
If you child enjoys spending time outdoors and learning about about nature, they will love summer camp at the Conservancy! All camps are held at the Conservancy's Brownstone Barn.
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Virtual Summer Lessons
July 6th - August 14th
Community Music School's 6-week private lesson summer schedule will continue in our virtual format from July 6th to August 14th. Virtual lessons can be scheduled flexibly depending on teacher availability.
In addition to individual lessons, we are offering a discounted package for students that sign up for the entire summer session at once (6 lessons).
E-mail info@cmsmusic.org for faculty availability or click
here
for more information.
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Ursinus Launches LIVE! on Main
LIVE! On Main is your virtual destination for music, arts and culture. Our neighborhood is full of talented musicians, creative artists, big-hearted restaurants, innovative entrepreneurs and experts on trending topics.
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Music on Main
September 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm
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MUSIC ON MAIN,
ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 4TH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020.
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.
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Integrate for Good
Community Heroes
September 10, 2020 @ 6:00pm - 9:30pm
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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 at Talamore Country Club. Bet with "funny money" and win fabulous prizes and raffles baskets! Keynote speaker,
Rohan Murphy
.
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.
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September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
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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
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Home Tutoring Services
With schools now resorting to virtual classrooms, are you worried about your child falling behind in their math? Even if schools are closed until the end of the school-year, LEARNING CAN'T STOP!
We are here to help! Discover how we can provide face-to-face interactive math instruction and meet your child's math needs with Mathnasium @Home.
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Donations Needed at Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
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Due to COVID-19, the number of families we support has grown considerably.
CURRENT NEEDS:
Any canned meat, cereal, juice, tomato products, spaghetti sauce, juice, jelly, and canned pastas. We also need personal care items: baby wipes, bars of soap, laundry/dish soap, tissues, and any cleaning products. For many of our families your donations are a lifeline. If they do not get it here they must go without! Thank you everyone for your kindness and support!
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NEW Escape Room "Among Thieves" is OPEN!
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Our new escape room "Among Thieves" is NOW AVAILABLE for
booking!
We have worked very hard to build an escape room we think you all will love and we are so excited to show you!
(Coming soon..."Among Thieves", Escape Trappe's 4th room!)
Escape Trappe,130 W. Main Street, Trappe. 610-489-3877.
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Ursinus College Offering Business Assistance During COVID-19
During this unprecedented time, Ursinus College is committed to supporting the local community. We recognize that, while these are difficult times for many, small and medium sized businesses are uniquely affected by the quarantine. Ursinus students seeking remote/virtual work opportunities can assist you with promoting your business, advertising your services, redesigning a business plan, driving commerce, promoting or building online platforms, and more
Please
fill out this form
with as much details as possible to indicate your interest. We will review the submission within 2 business days. Appropriate opportunities will be shared with our students within 5 business days or less. While we hope you will receive interest from our students, we cannot guarantee applications. Ursinus College values our local business partners and hopes to play a role in navigating through these difficult times. Please email Olivia Correll, Assistant Director for Employer Engagement, at ocorrell@ursinus.edu, with questions or for additional information.
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Montgomery County Updates
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Take the US Census
As of 4/22/20, the countywide response rate was 61.2%.
You can view the latest response rate at the county and community level here.
Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year.
With just a 5% undercount in 2020, we could lose $72,336,780 annually in funding for Montgomery County
schools, infrastructure, Medicaid, SNAP, housing choice vouchers, head start, senior programs, and more!
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MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program Awards
THE COMPLETE LIST OF MONTCOSTRONG SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM ROUND 2 GRANT AWARDS HAVE BEEN POSTED. THE LIST AND GRANT AWARD INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND
HERE
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We want to share YOUR upcoming events in E-News and Community Calendar.
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The PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates. For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director.
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521 W Main Street, Suite 103 | Trappe, PA 19426
Telephone:
(610) 489-6660
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FAX: (610) 454-1270
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