Business News
December 10, 2020
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Gov. Wolf, Sec. of Health Announce New Protective Mitigation Efforts to Put Pennsylvania on Pause through Early January
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today implored Pennsylvanians to take the next three weeks and stand united against the virus by adhering to existing mitigation orders and stricter efforts announced today.
“Today I am announcing additional, temporary COVID-19 protective mitigation measures in the commonwealth,” said Gov. Wolf. “With these measures in place, we hope to accomplish three goals: First, stop the devastating spread of COVID-19 in the commonwealth. Second, keep our hospitals and health care workers from becoming overwhelmed. And third, help Pennsylvanians get through the holiday season – and closer to a widely available vaccine – as safely as possible. This is a bridge to a better future in Pennsylvania.”
The new, limited-time mitigation orders take effect at 12:01 a.m. on December 12, and remain in effect until 8 a.m. on January 4, 2021.
“Each of the last two days we have reported the highest number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic,” Dr. Rachel Levine said. “In the past week, we have reported close to 1,100 new deaths from COVID-19 across Pennsylvania. The virus continues to strain our health care systems and the dramatic rise in cases among all age groups, including among school-age children, is alarming. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 37,500 cases among children age 5 to 18, yet 9,500 of those cases occurred in the past two weeks.”
The Order provisions outlined here are accompanied by supportive data used in part to make these decisions. The data provides a sampling of research that supports why limiting gatherings, reducing occupancy, and temporarily suspending some activities, among other efforts, are considered vital to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Click here to continue reading, and for details on suspended activities, including indoor dining, bar service, and K-12 sporting activities.
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New Members:
John Franks
Upward Broadband
(717) 869-0968
Culbertson Commercial Cleaning Services
(814) 644-9007
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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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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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Nearly $20B spent by Americans this Small Business Saturday®
American consumers spent an estimated $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday®, according to data recently released by American Express, up from $19.6 billion from last year. Data show shoppers from coast to coast made a significant impact at small businesses during the 11th annual Small Business Saturday®, held November 28, 2020. Started by American Express in 2010 and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2015, Small Business Saturday® continues to provide small businesses and communities across the country with an economic boost to start the holiday shopping season.
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U. S. Chamber of Commerce
CO— Blueprint:
Deepening Customer Relationships Through Technology
The next installment of CO— Blueprint next Tuesday, December 15 at 2:00 pm ET, explores using technology and automation to personalize your customer experience. Jeanette Mulvey, Content Director at CO—, will welcome a panel of experts and small business owners to examine tools and practices proven to enhance customer relationships and grow your consumer base.
Panelists include:
- Tony Kays, Vice President of SMB Sales, Salesforce
- Elizabeth Loge, Chief Executive Officer, CBS Rentals
- Zahir Palanpur, Chief Executive Officer, Azul Arc
- Renaldo Webb, Founder, PetPlate
As a bonus, Salesforce is hosting an additional, discussion-based session, How to Simplify Digital Transformation for Your Small Business, on Thursday, December 17 at 1:00 pm ET, which will offer you the exclusive opportunity to meet with Salesforce team members about your business needs.
We hope you'll join these audience-driven events designed specifically for the small business community, and hosted in partnership with Chase for Business and Salesforce.
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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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The Auxiliary of Penn Highlands Huntingdon Collective Goods Virtual Book and Gift Fair
Please join The Auxiliary to Penn Highlands Huntingdon for the Collective Goods--VIRTUAL Book and Gift Fair starting now through December 14, 2020. Shop from the comfort of your own home. Sip your favorite beverage and check all the important people off your list! Share the link with family and friends and support The Auxiliary to Penn Highlands Huntingdon this holiday season.
***IMPORTANT DELIVERY INFORMATION***
Items that are purchased will be delivered to the Education Center on the Penn Highlands Huntingdon Campus from 7-11 am on Tuesday, December 15. You can pick up your purchases by driving up to the Education Center during the designated hours.
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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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