Business News
September 18, 2020
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Gov. Wolf changes rule on alcohol sales in restaurants and bars, moving last call to 11 p.m.
Ron Southwick, PennLive
Thursday, September 17, 2020
Gov. Tom Wolf is changing the time for last call in bars and restaurants, but it won’t be as early as he had previously indicated.
The governor signed an order Thursday putting a halt to sales of alcoholic drinks in bars and restaurants at 11 p.m., beginning Monday, Sept. 21. Customers will have until midnight to finish their drinks. Wolf had previously said the cut-off would be at 10 p.m. to reduce congregating at bars and restaurants, a measure designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
As he previously said he would, Wolf is allowing restaurants and bars can raise their indoor seating capacity to 50% of their occupancy limits beginning Sept. 21. Wolf’s new order includes that provision allowing restaurants to serve more customers.
Since July, restaurants and bars have been limited to 25% of indoor capacity, which some owners have said threatens their ability to stay open.
Restaurants and bars hoping to move up to 50% of capacity will have to participate in a self-certification process to demonstrate they will comply with measures to protect guests and their workers.
When Wolf announced the new intentions to raise seating capacity while changing last call, some restaurant and bar owners complained that cutting off alcohol sales at 10 p.m. would be a blow to their business. They said it’d be especially harmful on nights where NFL games and other sporting events run late.Those ordering alcoholic drinks will still be required to order food even under the new seating limits, the Wolf administration has said.
We thank Senator Corman's office for the following information.
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PennDOT Resumes Issuance of REAL ID - Federal Enforcement Will Begin October 1, 2021
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that it has resumed issuing REAL IDs at reopened Driver License Centers offering driver license services throughout the state. PennDOT paused REAL ID issuance throughout the state in March 2020 out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public health, due to COVID-19. Additionally, the federal Department of Homeland Security postponed the enforcement date for REAL ID from October 1, 2020 to October 1, 2021 in response to COVID-19 and the national emergency declaration. Please note that the correct photo ID renewal fee is $31.50. https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/PENNDOT-Details.aspx?newsid=598
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A Message From the Business Continuity and Preparedness Coalition (BCPC): National Preparedness Month – “Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today”
It is hard to believe that Friday marked nearly two decades since the attacks on September 11th, 2001. This week is also the six-month anniversary of when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and our lives changed yet again in a way we never thought possible.
We will hopefully never experience another event like 9/11 again, but emergencies large and small unfortunately happen all the time. The unique challenges of this new COVID-19 environment means it is especially important to prepare as much as we can for common threats and hazards. Every September we recognize National Preparedness Month (NPM) to promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. While it can be daunting to think about preparing for a hurricane, tornado, or fire right now, this month’s theme of “Disasters Don’t Wait, Plan Today” reminds us that we need to stay proactive.
It just takes a few small steps to start your preparedness journey and there are so many resources available to help you on your way. Tips, checklists and other information for all kinds of emergencies are available on the Ready PA webpage at www.Ready.pa.gov and the FEMA webpage at www.Ready.gov. In addition, check with your state and local officials and emergency management agencies for updates and guidance on hazards in your area.
What has been instrumental in getting us through COVID-19 so far, like every other challenge we’ve faced, is the support of our friends, family, colleagues and communities. So as you work to prepare yourself, your family, your workplace and your community for emergencies let us know how we can help and if you have ideas and lessons learned that we can share with others. Let’s work together to continue to develop our resilience and preparation.
Cheryl M Johnson
814-237-8998
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Deciding Factor
We knew that Pennsylvania was going to play a significant role in determining the 2020 Presidential election, but a new report says the Keystone state could be the deciding factor. An article published by FiveThirtyEight (a political analysis and opinion site) earlier this week notes “Pennsylvania looks like the single most important state of the 2020 election.” The article goes on to state that there is a 31 percent chance that the Commonwealth will be the “tipping-point” state in the election – significantly increasing both Trump’s and Biden’s chances of securing an overall victory if they take Pennsylvania. You can read more about the report here.
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An Introduction to Equity Investing
As a company owner, financing its growth is your responsibility. If a loan isn’t a possibility, how about equity? If all you know about equity investment is what you’ve seen on “Shark Tank”, you’ve only scratched the surface of this method of financing high-growth companies. Whether you’re sure that equity funding is the right financing vehicle for your company or you just want to get more information, here’s a webinar that will give you some straight answers and help you prepare for equity investment.
Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum is hosting a free webinar, “An Introduction to Equity Investing” on October 1, 2020, at 9:30 AM. The presenter will be Jill Edwards, Executive Director of Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum.
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On October 13-15, 2020, in partnership with Chase for Business, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will connect business owners like you with the tools you need to navigate a business world that's been forever changed. Register now to reserve your spot to this complimentary virtual event. Share you successes and challenges with your peers and gain the skills and perspective you need to come out on the other side stronger than ever.
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Direct Care Workers Training Grants
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on patients and employees in long-term care settings. Grants are available through the Department of Labor and Industry to provide new career opportunities for direct care workers and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
The Direct Care Worker Training Grants program helps create and develop training programs that increase the quality of services, offer specialty certifications, and create viable career opportunities for personal care assistants, home health aides and certified nursing assistants. The deadline to apply is October 2.
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NFIB Webinar: Security in the Remote Working Environment (Presented by Dell Technologies)
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020, 12:00 PM ET
Presented by: Matt Papendorf, Senior Advisor, OEM Security Brand Manager
Get an understanding of where to start on developing a security package for your small business from Dell Technologies. They’ll cover the current landscape of security threats and how the work from home environment has changed the need to secure your companies and customers more. During this session, you’ll get answers to questions like, “why security matters” answered and advice on where to start to secure your business.
Can't make this Webinar? Don't worry! Register Now and we'll email you an on-demand version!
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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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The Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund is a non-profit recently launched to provide forgivable loans of $3,000 to Pennsylvania small businesses struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility criteria is simple:
- Employs between 3 and 30 people
- Based in Pennsylvania and operating for at least a year
- Owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident
- Operate as a for profit business.
Eligible employers must complete a short application and submit a video detailing how they could benefit from the funding. The funds do not need to be repaid. However, business owners who are able may choose to "pay it forward" by paying the proceeds back to the Fund to be used by other small businesses.
The Chamber has been informed that the application process is simple and that preference is being given to those that are involved in their community.
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Flowchart Helps Employers Understand New Tax Credits
The IRS recently issued Publication 5419, New Employer Tax Credits (PDF) to help employers understand the tax credits available to them due to the coronavirus pandemic. The one-page document breaks down the details of the Employer Retention Credit and the credits for paid sick and family leave in easy-to-follow charts. Using the document, employers can quickly determine whether they are eligible for the credits, the amount of the credits and which wages apply to the credits.
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Business Resources
Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
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Download this questionnaire for sample screening questions to ask employees upon return to work and on a regular basis moving forward. This template is based on questions required or recommended by various states as well as input from U.S. Chamber member companies of all sizes and sectors.
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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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