Business News
December 2, 2020
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FREE COVID-19 Resurgence Webinar featuring Governor Tom Wolf and PA Dept. of Health Secretary Rachel Levine
Friday, December 4 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
As COVID-19 case counts reach critical levels in Pennsylvania, the PA Chamber invites you to hear directly from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine as they share insight into the Administration’s latest targeted mitigation orders.
Governor Wolf and Secretary Levine will address the status of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania, and offer critical clarity and guidance for the business community regarding liability protections, travel restrictions, mask wearing, mandatory telework requirements, and other health and safety measures impacting businesses statewide.
This one-hour webinar is FREE and open to Pennsylvania’s business community at large – including PA Chamber members and non-members – as part of the PA Chamber’s Bringing PA Back initiative.
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Department of Health Secretary
Rachel Levine
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Webinar Highlights
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Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary Rachel Levine provide clarification for businesses on the Administration’s most recent mitigation orders, with emphasis on liability protections, travel restrictions, mask wearing, and other restrictions impacting the business community
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Businesses have an opportunity to engage in Q&A with Governor Tom Wolf, Secretary Rachel Levine and PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr
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PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr shares updates on the Bringing PA Back initiative, including advocacy efforts to provide relief for Pennsylvania’s job creators
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Governor's Veto of COVID-19 Liability Protections Strick Another Blow to State's Business, Non-Profit, Education and Medical Communities
HARRISBURG - PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of H.B. 1737, legislation which included temporary safe harbor protections against unwarranted COVID-19 related lawsuits for employers complying with public health guidelines.
“Businesses across the Commonwealth struggling to simply survive were dealt yet another blow today as Governor Wolf vetoed critical liability protections; and instead backed opportunistic trial lawyers anxious to profit from this crisis. This threat is not hypothetical, Pennsylvania employers are already being targeted with unwarranted lawsuits – a number which is expected to increase in the months and years ahead given the large sums of advertising the trial bar is dedicating to the effort, along with the fact that there is a two year window to file such suits.
“The Governor’s recent Executive Order might mention liability protections, but the language falls short of what is needed and many businesses and organizations are still trying to determine exactly what protections the order does afford. Many employers are left vulnerable, including the companies working to produce the vaccines that are so desperately needed.
“House Bill 1737 was not revolutionary. The governor’s description of the bill is completely off the mark. The safe harbor protections contained in the legislation were narrow in scope, temporary and would have incentivized best practices by still holding bad actors accountable. Across the nation, nearly 30 other states have implemented some form of either product or exposure liability protections. These types of protections are broadly supported and a top priority for small businesses, non-profits, educational and health care institutions.
“As we collectively work to fight COVID-19 and try to sustain our economy, we are disappointed the governor chose to stand with those attempting to profit off the pandemic over what’s in the best interests of the state’s economic recovery and public health.”
We thank Representative Irvin, and Senators Ward and Corman for voting in favor of this bill.
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The Auxiliary of Penn Highlands Huntingdon Collective Goods Virtual Book and Gift Fair
Please join The Auxiliary to Penn Highlands Huntingdon for the Collective Goods--VIRTUAL Book and Gift Fair starting now through December 14, 2020. Shop from the comfort of your own home. Sip your favorite beverage and check all the important people off your list! Share the link with family and friends and support The Auxiliary to Penn Highlands Huntingdon this holiday season.
***IMPORTANT DELIVERY INFORMATION***
Items that are purchased will be delivered to the Education Center on the Penn Highlands Huntingdon Campus from 7-11 am on Tuesday, December 15. You can pick up your purchases by driving up to the Education Center during the designated hours.
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Startup Alleghenies Holiday Marketplace
It has never been more important to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Alleghenies. That is why Startup Alleghenies (SUA) launched its first online Holiday Market. The directory, which will be available on the SUA website from November 23 to December 31, 2020, includes entrepreneurs and small businesses from six counties, including: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon, Fulton, and Somerset. http://startupalleghenies.com/holiday/
They wanted to make it easy to find inspiration and unique gift ideas for friends and family while still supporting entrepreneurs who have chosen the Alleghenies as the place to start their businesses.
Santa’s Helpers can use this directory to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their shopping list and support local businesses by following the links to the businesses in the Holiday Market. Offerings include everything from skincare to clothing, leather boots, honey, candles, apparel, beauty products, craft beers and local wines, sporting goods, home goods, and more. In addition, many small businesses participating in the Holiday Market are offering special promotions and coupons, so be sure to click on the coupon page for special discounts.
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Hometown Heroes Banner Applications Being Accepted
The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce and Huntingdon Borough are proud to present the Hometown Heroes Banner Program. This program is a tribute to soldiers from the Huntingdon Borough area who served or are serving our Country in a branch of the military.
Each banner will honor a specific individual. They will be 30 x 60 all-weather banners. They will include his/her photo, branch of service and era of service. Banners will be displayed on poles throughout Huntingdon Borough.
This program is non-political and non-artisan. These banners will serve as a reminder of those individuals who have proudly served our Country. The banner cost will be $150. Banners will be hung before Memorial Day 2021 and remain up until Veteran's Day 2021.
Applications are being accepted between November 1 and March 20. Applications will not be accepted after March 20.
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Nominations Sought for Community Improvement Awards
Nominations are being sought for the Huntingdon County Community Improvement Awards, recognizing excellence in development. Awards will be considered in the following categories: New Construction, Preservation, Community Spirit, and Special Merit. The awards are jointly presented by the Huntingdon County Planning Commission and the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce.
The award program seeks to recognize excellence in development based on both visual or design elements and environmental impact of the project. Judges will focus on enhancement of the attractiveness of Huntingdon County, compatibility with the site and environment, creativity in design, innovation, and enhancement in the quality of life. Finally, projects will be rated on the basis of sustainability.
- New Construction Category includes any type of new construction of buildings of all types.
- The Preservation Category includes the restoration, preservation and/or rehabilitation of buildings of all types to retain historic character.
- The Community Spirit Category includes the recognition of individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to Huntingdon County in the field of community development.
- A Special Merit Award may be made for projects, persons or groups that demonstrate outstanding achievement on their own merits.
Send nominations by January 6, 2021 to the
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce
500 Allegheny Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
Phone: (814) 643-1110
If you intend to deliver the nomination form, please email Yvonne Martin at the email address above to arrange a time.
Detailed applications are due from the nominees by February 5, 2021. The nominations are judged by the Planning Commission, with awards being presented at the Huntingdon County Planning Commission’s Annual Meeting in March, or when COVID-19 restrictions allow.
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New Coronavirus Guidance and Citations
Holiday Workplace Safety
As the holiday shopping season approaches, train workers on job hazards and establish safe work practices to prevent exposure to the coronavirus.Click here to read more.
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PPP and EIDL: Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
The NFIB Small Business Legal Center has answered thousands of questions in recent months regarding PPP and EIDL. Here are answers to the most common questions.
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Partners In Excellence
Platinum
Fulton County Medical Center
Gold
Stern Insurance Agency
Silver
Community State Bank
Mutual Benefit Group
Bronze
Bumgardner & Flasher Oil, Inc.
Orbisonia Hardware, Inc.
Royal
BottomLine Pros LLC
FirstEnergy Corporation
Helpmates, Inc.
Jeff Tate Paving, Inc.
Juniata College
Keller Engineers
Lincoln Caverns, Inc. and Whisper Rocks
McDonald's
MDB Drafting & Design
Stiffler, McGraw and Associates, Inc.
Interested in learning about becoming a Partner in Excellence?
Packages range from $125 to $1,000.
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Small Business Saturday
November 28, 2020
Business After Hours
SPE Federal Credit Union
March 17, 2021
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Spring Jam
Huntingdon Country Club
April 11, 2021
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Administrative Professionals Luncheon
Huntingdon Country Club
April 21, 2021
12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Highway to Rock!
Beside Lincoln Caverns
May 22, 2021
4:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Business After Hours
Huntingdon Rotary &
Huntingdon County Foundation
Gage Mansion Bed & Breakfast
May 26, 2020
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
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Annual Golf Tournament
Huntingdon Country Club
June 16, 2021
11:30 a.m. Registration
1:00 p.m. Shotgun Start
Business After Hours
Lincoln Caverns
June 24, 2021
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Family Fest & Car Cruise
Huntingdon Presbyterian Church
July 3, 2021
6:00 p.m. Car Cruise
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Family Fest
Sporting Clay Tournament
Shenecoy Sportsmen Club
September 15, 2021
September 22, 2021 Rain Date
2:15 p.m. Registration
3:00 p.m. Shoot
Annual Awards Gala
Huntingdon Country Club
October 7, 2021
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:00 p.m. Dinner
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Wellbeing in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Employers
Just recently, the coalition released its Practical Guide for Employers—a toolkit providing actionable steps to help businesses of all sizes take measures to prioritize mental health and emotional wellbeing in the workplace. Click here to view the toolkit.
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Resources from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber continues to create, update, and evolve its various guides and resources to continue bringing you and your members the information you need during this difficult time. We encourage you to continue utilizing and sharing the following items as you see fit:
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Free Re-opening Signage
As Pennsylvania businesses begin to reopen, each business owner will need to examine their operations and make changes to meet public safety guidelines. PASBDC has created signage to address common health concerns. All images are completely free to use, so please share, download, print and distribute as you wish!
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Business Resources
Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
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Office Hours
Following the Governor's guidance, staff is once again working remotely and only going to the office as necessary. If you need to reach us, please call 814-643-1110 and leave a message for us or email [email protected] or [email protected]
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Huntingdon County Strong:
Business and Community Resources
Click graphic below.
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Quick Connect Coaching Sessions
Weekly, Tuesdays at 8:30 am
Looking for a quick answer to a question related to disaster recovery, reopening, stabilizing, or projecting for growth? Then attend a "Quick Connect" session to get your questions answered. Each week a consultant will address answers related to a specific topic.
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Contact Us
Yvonne Martin
President/ CEO
MacKenzie Huntsman
Program Director
Phone: 814-643-1110
Fax: 814-643-1115
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Looking to start an endowment or to support community efforts? Click the logo above to learn more about the Huntingdon County Foundation. |
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