The East Broad Top is many things — a delightful family destination, a National Historic Landmark, a great volunteer opportunity, an unparalleled preservation undertaking, and more. Built beginning in 1872, The railroad is the only surviving three-foot gauge common carrier railroad east of the Rocky Mountains. And its shops, parts of which date to the 1880s, are among the best-preserved examples in the U.S. of a late-19th-century/early-20th-century industrial complex — in this case, powered by an overhead belt system driven by a stationary steam engine. Contact Jonathan Smith at 814-447-3285 or jsmith@eastbroadtop.com

The Kutztown Folk Festival is the oldest continuously operated folklife festival in America. This nine-day event continues to draw visitors from all over the world, entertaining families while providing valuable insight into the traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch and their fascinating way of life. Children's activities abound and admission is free for children 12 and under. The festival also houses the largest quilt sale in America and has an internationally attended Quilt Auction of top prize-winning quilts.

Contact Heather Zimmerman 610-683-1537 or zimmerman@kutztownfestival.com

Technology: A Key Factor For Business Success

Powered by Lancer Insurance and Busie, this will webinar will feature a discussion of: Technology Trends, How to Evaluate Technology for Your Business, The Impact of Choosing the Right Partner, Where Technology is Needed the Most in the Industry. Register here.

Motor Coach Industries announced the reopening of MCI Academy in-person classes at the National Training Center in Louisville, Ky.

2022 In-person class schedule:

For more details about the programs, visit mciacademy.com.

The Pennsylvania Bus Association alerted the public to a troubling trend we are seeing across the United States regarding a new type of “bus company” primarily marketed to school districts. The problem is that these are not bus companies at all, but artfully created websites that imitate a bus company, using various names and websites. They do not own any buses or motorcoaches, or maintenance facilities, nor do they employ any drivers, mechanics, or typical support staff. Read the full article.

Names were randomly drawn and we are excited to let you know that Clare Ritter, Penn Wells Hotel and Lodge, is the Amazon gift card winner for submitting her PBA testimonial. The gift card was emailed to her. Thank you to everyone who submitted their testimonials and congratulations Clare! All testimonials have been posted to our social media channels.

Pattie Cowley, PBA Executive Director is in the October WIB newsletter, regarding the 2022 Operational Excellence Award she received.

Your Election Guide

Check to see if you're registered at your current address and make a plan to vote before important deadlines pass. Download a quick guide.

• Check your registration status
• Register to vote
• Apply for mail ballot
• Find your polling place
• Contact county election office 

Changes to Pennsylvania’s Minimum Wage

Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced that changes to regulations in Pennsylvania's Minimum Wage Act take effect today, Friday, August 5, with the goal of protecting wages earned by thousands of workers across the commonwealth and leveling the playing field for employers competing in a tight labor market. Read more...

Travel Alert Next Weekend

Travel alert! Drivers on the PA Turnpike’s Northeastern Extension can expect a 90-minute detour next weekend as we replace the Huckleberry Road Bridge near Allentown. A portion of I-476 will be closed Oct. 14 and is expected to reopen Oct. 17. You can find project and detour information here: https://bit.ly/3MhCcUU

PennDOT Accepting Unsolicited Public-Private Partnership Proposals Until October 31

The PennDOT Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) announced that it is accepting unsolicited proposals for transportation projects from the private sector through October 31. Read more...

PennDOT Reminds Customers of Updates to Identification Products and REAL ID Deadline

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reminds Pennsylvania residents that, as part of ongoing security enhancements, PennDOT is updating the design and enhancing the security features of its driver license and identification card products and urges residents who are renewing their products to decide if they will need a REAL ID before the federal enforcement deadline of May 3, 2023. Read more...

President Joe Biden Said the Pandemic Is Over

President Joe Biden declared the COVID pandemic ended, but that statement may reflect what Americans are willing to accept more than a sudden change in the virus’ course.  Read more...

Feds Open More Funding for Diesel School Bus Phase-out

The move comes in response to high demand for the program among applicants, EPA said. In May, the agency made $500 million available for the 2022 Clean School Bus Rebates under a program created by the $1.2 trillion, bipartisan infrastructure law President Biden signed last year. But after receiving around 2,000 applications totaling almost $4 billion in requests, the agency announced last week that it would increase this year’s funding to $965 million. Read more. 

A Notice for Federal Drug Testing Collection Sites & CDL Employers Regarding FMCSA Regulated Employees

The notice reminds collection sites and employers to only use a Federal Drug Testing Custody and Control Form (CCF) when testing employees subject to FMCSA drug testing regulations and to properly fill out the Federal CCF. Read more...

ICYMI

Alerts, Invitations, Press Releases, and more are sent out to our Members as needed. Here are the emails we sent out since last Go News below.

• We need you to take action today on CERTS Tax Bill, H.R. 7477
• Early Bird Pricing in Effect! Meet Us in the Pennsylvania Americana Region!