Business News
September 28, 2020
|
|
Federal Court Says Wolf-Levine Orders Unconstitutional
A U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of Pennsylvania ruled the Wolf Administration’s COVID-19 mitigation measures regarding congregate gatherings, stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns are unconstitutional. Governor Wolf requested a stay on this order while it is being appealed and that was denied.
U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV said that while both Gov. Wolf and health secretary Dr. Rachel Levine made “a well-intentioned effort to protect Pennsylvanians from the virus," the limits on gatherings of 25 people indoors and 250 out of doors, as well as the stay-at-home and business closure components violated the First Amendment Right to assemble.
This ruling does not change the order to wear masks or the restaurant orders. Restaurants that self-certify were permitted to return to 50% occupancy on September 21. Click here to learn more about self certification.
|
|
RISE to the Challenge: Upcoming Free Program to Highlight Bringing PA Back, Election 2020
It’s a program you won’t want to miss. On Thursday, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the PA Chamber is proud to be presenting an upcoming, FREE program for businesses across the Commonwealth that will hit on the hottest topics of fall 2020 – the state’s pandemic recovery, the upcoming General Election and its implications for business, and so much more.
The RISE to the Challenge program will be broadcast statewide and will be open to all Pennsylvania businesses as part of the PA Chamber’s Bringing PA Back initiative. It will showcase Pennsylvania’s road to economic recovery post-pandemic; forecast what businesses can expect in the year ahead; and provide exclusive insight into the 2020 General Election from state and federal perspectives.
|
|
The Winners Are.....
Top Gun Team: (left to right) Matt Thomas, Kimi Carbaugh, Bob Carbaugh, Dan Carbaugh, and Rodney Fleck.
|
|
Congratulations to the
2020 Sporting Clay Tournament Winners!
|
|
Top Gun Male: Tony Payne
Top Gun Female: Kimi Carbaugh
|
|
|
Member Sponsored Webinar: Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
Presented in Partnership with Steptoe and Johnson PLLC
Thursday, October 22, 2020 | FREE | 11 a.m. – Noon
Continuing Education Credits Available
The 2016 legalization of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania created an array of challenges for employers. Businesses across the Commonwealth continue to report significant confusion interpreting the Medical Marijuana Act and navigating its impact on the workplace.
With insight and expertise from one of Steptoe and Johnson PLLC’s top Labor and Employment Law attorneys, this FREE one-hour webinar will provide business leaders and HR professionals with clarity on the law, offer strategies for compliance, and discuss considerations if Pennsylvania legalizes recreational marijuana.
The program has been approved for SHRM, HRCI, CLE and CPE credits.
|
|
NFIB Webinar: How to Complete a PPP Forgiveness Application
Wed., Sept. 30, 2020, 12:00 PM ET
Presented by: Holly Wade, Executive Director, NFIB Research Center, Elizabeth Milito Senior Executive Counsel, Legal Foundation, NFIB
In this 90-minute webinar, PPP experts Beth Milito and Holly Wade will instruct you on how to complete a PPP loan forgiveness request. We will walk you through the forgiveness applications and help you determine if you qualify for the Standard or EZ Loan Forgiveness Application. We will devote 45 minutes to live Q&A.
Can't make this Webinar? Don't worry! Register Now and we'll email you an on-demand version!
|
|
On October 13-15, 2020, in partnership with Chase for Business, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will connect business owners like you with the tools you need to navigate a business world that's been forever changed. Register now to reserve your spot to this complimentary virtual event. Share you successes and challenges with your peers and gain the skills and perspective you need to come out on the other side stronger than ever.
|
|
An Introduction to Equity Investing
As a company owner, financing its growth is your responsibility. If a loan isn’t a possibility, how about equity? If all you know about equity investment is what you’ve seen on “Shark Tank”, you’ve only scratched the surface of this method of financing high-growth companies. Whether you’re sure that equity funding is the right financing vehicle for your company or you just want to get more information, here’s a webinar that will give you some straight answers and help you prepare for equity investment.
Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum is hosting a free webinar, “An Introduction to Equity Investing” on October 1, 2020, at 9:30 AM. The presenter will be Jill Edwards, Executive Director of Ben Franklin Venture Investment Forum.
|
|
Direct Care Workers Training Grants
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on patients and employees in long-term care settings. Grants are available through the Department of Labor and Industry to provide new career opportunities for direct care workers and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
The Direct Care Worker Training Grants program helps create and develop training programs that increase the quality of services, offer specialty certifications, and create viable career opportunities for personal care assistants, home health aides and certified nursing assistants. The deadline to apply is October 2.
|
|
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:
|
|
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!
|
|
The Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund is a non-profit recently launched to provide forgivable loans of $3,000 to Pennsylvania small businesses struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility criteria is simple:
- Employs between 3 and 30 people
- Based in Pennsylvania and operating for at least a year
- Owned and operated by a Pennsylvania resident
- Operate as a for profit business.
Eligible employers must complete a short application and submit a video detailing how they could benefit from the funding. The funds do not need to be repaid. However, business owners who are able may choose to "pay it forward" by paying the proceeds back to the Fund to be used by other small businesses.
The Chamber has been informed that the application process is simple and that preference is being given to those that are involved in their community.
|
|
Flowchart Helps Employers Understand New Tax Credits
The IRS recently issued Publication 5419, New Employer Tax Credits (PDF) to help employers understand the tax credits available to them due to the coronavirus pandemic. The one-page document breaks down the details of the Employer Retention Credit and the credits for paid sick and family leave in easy-to-follow charts. Using the document, employers can quickly determine whether they are eligible for the credits, the amount of the credits and which wages apply to the credits.
|
|
Business Resources
Monitor public health indicators, adjust orders and restrictions as necessary
|
|
Download this questionnaire for sample screening questions to ask employees upon return to work and on a regular basis moving forward. This template is based on questions required or recommended by various states as well as input from U.S. Chamber member companies of all sizes and sectors.
|
|
Huntingdon County Strong:
Business and Community Resources
Click graphic below.
|
|
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.
|
|
Contact Us
Yvonne Martin
President/ CEO
MacKenzie Huntsman
Program Director
Phone: 814-643-1110
Fax: 814-643-1115
|
|
Looking to start an endowment or to support community efforts? Click the logo above to learn more about the Huntingdon County Foundation. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
