Compromise Overtime, Minimum Wage Bill Passes State Senate

 

Legislation passed the Senate last week to rescind a controversial overtime eligibility expansion proposal and incrementally increase Pennsylvania's minimum wage rate from $7.25 an hour to $9.50 by 2022. Senate Bill 79 was approved by a 42-7 vote.

The PA Chamber has strenuously opposed the Administration's proposal to greatly expand the population of employees eligible for overtime pay, or time-and-half for any hours worked over 40 in a week. Specifically, the proposed rule would nearly double the salary level over which employees may potentially qualify for a so-called "white collar" exemption. The PA Chamber has been a leading voice against this proposal, which has been strongly opposed by many sectors of the employer community - particularly nonprofits, educational institutions and small businesses that cannot afford such a dramatic expansion and would be forced to convert salaried employees into hourly positions so hours can be closely monitored and overtime avoided. The bill also includes important overtime regulatory reform long sought by the PA Chamber to better align federal and state overtime laws and help employers comply with the law.

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Event Recap

On Thursday, November 14 the Lake Raystown Resort, Lodge & Conference Center hosted a Business After Hours. They had entertainment provided by Matt Otis and Robin Chambers during the evening. We began the event upstairs enjoying food, drinks and music. The Resort gave a brief presentation on what they have to offer and what they are able to do. We ended the evening in the ballroom enjoying more food, drinks and music.

It's Time to Submit Nominations for the Community Improvement Awards

The Chamber has once again partnered with the Huntingdon County Planning Commission to recognize those that have contributed to the attractiveness of our county. Nominations are being accepted until January 6, 2020 in the following categories: New Construction, Preservation, Community Spirit and Special Merit. Information about the categories can be found by clicking on the links below. Once nominations are received, applications will be sent to the nominees to gather additional information that will help with the award selection process. Awards will be presented in March at the Huntingdon County Planning Commission Dinner.

Click here for the nomination form.

Click here for the guidelines.

Chamber Bucks: Give the Gift of Choice

Chamber Bucks gift certificates can be purchased at the Chamber office at 500 Allegheny Street, Huntingdon PA 16652. If you would like us to have them ready for you when you arrive to purchase them, please call ahead. (814) 643-1110. The Chamber office is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but there are times when we need to close to attend meetings and events. If you are interested in purchasing Chamber Bucks and can’t make it to the office during those hours, please call us and we will do our best to be available when you are able to stop in.

Chamber Bucks can be used at the following participating businesses. 

8th Street Corner Deli & Grill, LLC  Visit our gift shop. 

Ace Fix-It Hardware  (Huntingdon location)

Appleby's Drug Store

Boswell Pipes

Car Care Auto

Cassville Country Store and Restaurant 

Cricket Wireless at One- Stop  (Huntingdon location)

Family Chiropractic  Visit our vitamin and wellness product section.

GoDezi   Transportation Services

Hoss's Steak and Sea House  (Huntingdon location)

Huntingdon Cinema, Inc.

Lincoln Caverns, Inc and Whisper Rocks   Visit our unique gift Shop.

Mt. Union Lumber & Supply, Inc . (muls,inc)

Orbisonia Hardware

ReKlaimed Vines Winery and Vineyard

Roots & Branches Massage and Herbals

Standing Stone Coffee Company

The Garlic Clove

The Inn at Solvang

The Uniform Place

Walkin' the Dog

 

If you are a Chamber member, but not on the list and would like to accept Chamber Bucks, please let us know. 

Holiday Happenings

Small Business Saturday is November 30. Please click here for more information.

Hometown Holiday Celebration - A Colonial Christmas. Please see the flyer below for more information on these events.

Huntingdon Community Center Spaghetti Dinner and Craft Festival. Please see the flyer below for more information on these events.

Huntingdon Dance Academy presents The Nutcracker. Please see the flyer below for more information.

Looking to start an endowment or to support community efforts? Click the logo above to learn more about the Huntingdon County Foundation.