e-NEWS
Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
PVCC Events
Holiday Party Commmittee
THURSDAY, November 17, 2022 @ 2pm
THURSDAY, December 1, 2022@ 2pm
PVCC Office
Many hands make light work! Please help us get ready for the Annual Holiday Party! On Thursday, November 17th, our tasks will focus on securing raffle donations and sponsorships. On December 1st, we will organize prizes and wine donations, assemble gift baskets, name tags, decor, etc. Prior to the meetings, please reach out to local businesses, colleagues, etc to seek prize donations and sponsorships. Help us make this event spectacular!!!
PV Men Happy Hour Networking
TUESDAY, November 29, 2022 @ 4:30pm
The Dutch Cottage Tavern
Gentlemen….join us for PV Men’s Happy Hour Networking Event at The Dutch Cottage Tavern.
ALL welcome to join in on the fun! Appy’s will be provided. Cash bar.
Sponsored by Steven Earhart, National Financial Network
Business Roundtable Luncheon
THURSDAY, December 1, 2022 @ 11:45am - 1pm
PVCC Office
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

Silent Auctions/Gift Basket Donations, to date, include Eagles Tickets, Framed Artwork, 76er's Tickets, Extreme Wine Basket, Artisan ornaments, Godiva Chocolates Basket, Winter Blues Buster Basket, Overnight Hotel Stay Basket, Tequila, Cooking Class, Professional Headshot, Escape Room GC, Laurel Burch Bags and more!


Registration closes November 26, 2022
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...
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,

A big welcome to our newest member, Yetty Uscher, founder and CEO of Global Prism, a locally owned HR Consulting Firm. Global Prism offers individual leaders and small-medium businesses access to best in class development and HR services tailored to their specific needs. Services include HR Consulting, Talent Management, Individual Development, Team Building and Equine Assisted Learning. Contact Yetty Uscher (215) 219-6905 or visit the Global Prism website.

This is the last week to register for PV Chamber's Annual Holiday Party! This event includes an Exhibitor showcase, silent auction, raffles, wine pull, music, food stations and open bar! We are still accepting sponsorships....sign up now to receive recognition on pre-event promotions. Holiday Party Silent Auction and Wine donations may be dropped off at the chamber office now through November 28th. Please call 610-489-6660 before stopping by to ensure that someone is in the office. Event registration closes on 11/26/22.

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

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/ Applications will be considered in the order they are received, while funding lasts – Click HERE to apply! 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.

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net 
610-489-6660
Welcome New Members!
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.

Professional office complex offering 500 square feet to 12,000 square feet; ample off street parking; convenient location!

Providing the highest quality of dental care for children ages infant to teens!

Family owned real estate company with over 40 years in the real estate business. 

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
MEMBER NEWS
Win Flyers Tickets to the 1Nov. 29th game
Raffle Ends 11/23

Integrate for Good is raffling off two tickets for the 11/29 game vs. the NY Islanders. These lower lever tickets include parking! The game starts at 7:3opm at the Wells Fargo Center. 
 
Raffle tickets are only $10 or 3 tickets for $25! We'll spin the prize wheel live on Facebook on Wednesday 11/23 at 5 pm! Get your tickets here!
 
Proceeds benefit Integrate for Good programs like our Empowerment Lab and Opening Doors on Campus! 
Good luck & thank you for supporting IFG!
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.
Open House at Providence Place Senior Living
November 23 @ 1pm - 3pm

Find your new home for the holidays!
Tours, information, & on-demand assessments! Come explore the community, mingle with residents, & meet team members! Call 610-222-5007 if you have any questions.
Providence Place Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living and dementia care.
Providence Place Senior Living, 4000 Ridge Pike, Collegeville
Small Business Saturday
November 26, 2022
Mark your calendar: Small Business Saturday is Nov 26, 2022. PV Chamber is proud to announce that we have once again been accepted into the American Express Neighborhood Champion Program! In early November, AMEX will be sending the Chamber a limited number of Shop Small merchandise kits filled with items to encourage local shopping. Contact the Chamber to reserve your kit 610-489-6660 or email renee@pvchamber.net
Historic Trappe
November 26, 2022 @ 10am - 4pm

Shop Local at our Museum Stores for Small Business Saturday!

Support Historic Trappe this weekend and shop local for Small Business Saturday! Make your holidays merry with unique gifts and seasonal home decor from our museum store, located behind the Henry Muhlenberg House at 201 W. Main Street. We've also stocked up on a great selection of books on Pennsylvania history and folk art. The Center for Pennsylvania German Studies, located in the Dewees Tavern at 301 W. Main Street, will also be open on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm. Hurry in for the best selection! 
Ursinus College Dance Company presents Joy Resides Here December 1 - 3 @ 7:30pm - 9:30pm

The Ursinus College Dance Company presents “Joy Resides Here,” a concert that celebrates the beauty of movement and the delightful dance community at the college. With work by Ursinus dance faculty, students, and guest choreographers, the concert will be a perfect way to usher in the holiday season. Join us! Ticket information here.
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.  
Candlelight Tours
Saturday, December 3, 3 - 9 pm

Henry Muhlenberg House
Savor the sights, sounds, and smells of a Pennsylvania German Christmas as you travel back in time at the Henry Muhlenberg House for a candlelight tour. Parking is across the street at St. Luke's UCC. Members free; non-members $5. Henry Muhlenberg House, 201 W. Main Street, Trappe, PA 19426
Nutcracker Tea Party!
December 4, 2022

Kick of the holiday season with a special twist on a holiday favorite! Community Music School is proudly partnering with the LeRoux School of Dance to feature a festive seasonal family event, The Nutcracker Tea Party! This fun filled afternoon will welcome guests with a picture in front of festive décor next to special characters from The Nutcracker Ballet. Featuring live music, families will be delighted by a seasonal and Disney themed sing-along while they enjoy delicious treats in the style of a traditional British Tea! The fun continues with a special holiday craft that each child will take home. Be sure to stay for the holiday hula-hoop freeze dance with special prizes. In partnership with LeRoux School of Dance, the event concludes with special choreography taught by the Nutcracker characters on the CMS stage for all families to enjoy a mini performance! All children are encouraged to dress in their Nutcracker or holiday inspired costumes. This event is for the full family and child participation is encouraged! All children and parents aged 3+ need a ticket to enter. Age 2 and below are free!
Freeze-Up 5K
December 4 @ 8:30am

The Freeze-Up 5k begins and ends at Free Will Brewing Company in Perkasie, PA. Join us for this unique 5k race on the scenic trails in and around Perkasie and along the East Branch of the Perkiomen Creek. The Freeze-Up is open to runners and walkers of all ages, but you must be 21 or older (with a valid ID) to get your free craft brew from Free Will. Want an event t-shirt? Register before Friday, November 18th! Limited shirts available. Register here.
Wreath Making
December 11@ 11am - 2pm

Please join us for a festive event to view community-sponsored Wreaths and participate in our silent auction to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. All greater community members are welcome to join along with residents, team members and family members.
Providence Place Senior Living at Collegeville Inn, 4000 Ridge Pike, Collegeville, PA 19426.
Click here for more information contact Morgan Hartmoyer, 610-222-5007.
GVF Insite Event
December 12 @ 7:30am - 9:30am

This signature event is an opportunity to hear past and future insights from leaders in the transportation field.
Confirmed Speakers to Date: Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Leslie Richards, General Manager SEPTA and Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan.
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
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! 
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
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
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

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
Montgomery County Small Business Grant Program

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