Business News
December 23, 2020
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Gov. Wolf Initiates Transfer of $145 Million in Funds to Support Businesses Adversely Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Tom Wolf today announced that he has initiated a transfer of $145 million in funds from the Workers’ Compensation Security Fund at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to be appropriated by the state legislature into grants for businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Business owners and employees have worked hard to protect their customers and their communities during this pandemic, and I thank all of those who have prioritized health and safety despite the hardship of the past several months,” Gov Wolf said. “Our business owners and workers have been forced to make sacrifices because of COVID-19 and they need and deserve our support.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that my administration will make funds available to help businesses whose operations and revenue were significantly adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The $145 million transfer from the fund into the state’s general fund requires legislative authorization to expend the money for the purpose of making grants to businesses. The legislature has the authority to establish grant agreements for purposes it deems appropriate, in this case, to support businesses adversely affected by the pandemic.
Gov. Wolf urged the legislature to follow his lead and allocate this funding as quickly as possible to businesses affected by the pandemic, among them restaurants and bars, gyms and entertainment venues.
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Here’s what is in the new stimulus bill
On Monday, December 21, 2020, the Senate approved a massive emergency economic relief package, government funding, and tax cuts designed to counter the effects of the pandemic and stimulate economic growth. The legislation, introduced as a 5,593-page bill, was passed with a 92 to 6 vote following weeks of intense negotiations.
Efforts to pass economic relief measures in the weeks leading to the presidential election had failed despite numerous attempts. But after the election, a bipartisan group of lawmakers teamed up and successfully negotiated for action to spur economic activity by helping businesses and consumers.
Why was the 5,593-page bill passed?
The spike in COVID cases across the country and strong concern that the economy is weakening informed the need for the federal government to intervene -- cushioning households and jump-starting the economy. Nearly a year after the first case of Coronavirus was reported, government-mandated restrictions are still in place across the country. Congress is upbeat that the stimulus bill will protect jobs, businesses, households, and livelihoods.
Just hours after the bill was sent to the White House, the President asked Congress to amend the current bill to afford a greater distribution to qualified Americans.
What is inside the $900 billion stimulus package?
As of now, the $900 billion economic relief stimulus includes:
- $600 direct payments for qualifying adults and children
- Economic assistance for struggling small businesses, including more than $284 billion for forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans and $15 billion for theaters, cultural institutions, and other venues
- $300 per week for enhanced Unemployment Insurance benefits for eleven weeks
- $25 billion for rental assistance and an eviction moratorium extension
- $82 billions for schools and colleges
- $10 billion to help with childcare assistance
- $13 billion in increased food assistance and child nutrition benefits
- $7 billion to bolster broadband access across the country
- Support for coronavirus vaccine distribution, testing and contract tracing efforts
- A tax credit to support employers offering paid sick leave
The bill extends aid to millions of households and businesses hammered by COVID. The aid is given through stimulus checks, enhanced federal unemployment benefits, and money for small businesses, childcare, and schools. It also covers the funding for free vaccination that will be distributed across states. Additionally, the package will repurpose $429 billion in unused funding provided by the Cares Act for Emergency lending programs run by the Federal Reserve.
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Powerful tools to build your business – and community
Strengthen your small business with training sessions, webinars and more. Learn from experts, build connections, and get inspired by tuning into the content from Boost with Facebook’s Women’s Small Business Summit.
In this new series of videos on Inc.com, you’ll learn some of those essentials, as well as about some powerful new social media tools you can use to help build your business. Hear first-hand from successful women business owners and watch some of their best strategies and tactics. Be sure to watch:
A tutorial about how to use the tool to create paid online events on Facebook
he inspiring stories from TogetHER, a series of entrepreneurial women on Instagram
And more. You’ll be inspired to learn about tools and approaches you can apply to your business. LEARN MORE HERE
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January 6 Community Improvement Award Deadline
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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We Need Your Help
As we mentioned previously, Governor Wolf vetoed H.B. 1737 which included comprehensive, temporary, pandemic-related liability protections legislation. Again, we thank Representative Irvin, Senator Ward and Senator Corman for their votes to pass this legislation.
The Chamber community is not ready to give up on our push to have pandemic related liability protections for businesses that are following the guidelines. To continue this effort the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is compiling a collection of short videos (30ish seconds) of employers explaining their support for legislation to provide temporary liability protections for those working in good faith to comply with public health guidelines, why they’re concerned, etc.
We have been asked to recruit one of your business members to participate. Your video (mp4 taken horizontally is preferred but we can work with anything) can either be emailed to me or we can schedule a quick zoom call. Please let me know ASAP if you are willing to be the business representing Huntingdon County.
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Policy Guidelines, Updates, and Events from the U.S. Chamber
U.S. Chamber experts have been busy convening groups from across the country to discuss what's happening now for American business and to keep you updated on what's coming next. See below for policy guides and event recaps:
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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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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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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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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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