Business News
November 23, 2020
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Governor Wolf Announces New Mitigation Efforts
This afternoon, Governor Wolf announced new mitigation efforts during a press conference. I’ve listed some of the highlights below. Click here to read the news release.
Events: All indoor and outdoor events/ gatherings categories size limits will be reduced. Indoor spaces that can accommodate up to 2,000 people can have 10% maximum occupancy. Outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 2,000 people is reduced to 15% occupancy.
Alcohol Sales: On Nov. 25, 2020 ONLY, all sales or dispensing of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption at businesses in the retail food services industry, including bars, restaurants, and private catered events must end at 5 p.m. Indoor dining may continue, takeout is encouraged.
Schools: By 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, chief school administrators and the governing body president/chair must sign an attestation form stating they have either transitioned to fully remote learning or are complying with the orders if they are conducting any in-person instruction while in the “substantial” range of transmission.
Telework: Telework is mandatory unless impossible; safety measures required for businesses including cleaning, social distancing and masking.
Shopping: Online sales and curbside pickup for all shopping are encouraged.
Enforcement: Given that this is a critical time for mitigation efforts and orders to be followed, the Wolf Administration is stepping up enforcement on the following orders:
o Out of State Travel
o Mask-wearing
o Business Safety, including telework, occupancy, cleaning, social distancing
o Restaurant Mitigation, including occupancy, masking, social distancing, self-certification
o Gathering Limits
o School Attestation and Mitigation
Persons who fail to comply with an order may be fined between $25 and $300 dollars. Enforcement agencies include the Pennsylvania State Police, local law enforcement, personnel from the departments of Agriculture and State, and PA Liquor Control Board stores who interact with visitors.
Masks: To help with enforcement of existing masking orders in businesses, the administration is introducing liability protection for all businesses that maintain in person operations and are open to the public. Businesses will receive immunity from civil liability only as related to the Secretary’s masking order given that individuals and entities are engaged in essential emergency services activities and disaster services activities when enforcing the order.
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Securing Safe Harbor Protections
Before the 2019-20 session is officially in the books (the final day for legislative action is Nov. 30), the PA Chamber’s No. 1 priority for businesses operating during the pandemic was passed by the General Assembly - and that is securing temporary and targeted liability protections for those taking the proper public health precautions during this ongoing crisis.
The Huntingdon County Chamber or Commerce has joined the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and other local chambers to fight on behalf of our members to prevent good actors from facing an avalanche of unwarranted lawsuits at the same time that they’re battling other COVID-related financial hurdles. House Bill 1737 includes language that would provide these critical safe harbor protections – and that bill was passed with bipartisan support in the Senate and the House passage.
Employers who are taking the necessary precautions to protect customers and employees should proceed with confidence knowing that they will not be targeted with frivolous, and potentially devastating, litigation. The bill now goes to the governor where we are strongly urging him to sign it into law. Let’s end the 2019-20 session on a positive note for the state’s business community!
We thank Representative Irvin, and Senators Ward and Corman for voting in favor of this bill.
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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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