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PVCC Events
June 9, 2020
9:00am - 10:00am
Panel Discussion: Navigation Small Business Loans During COVID-19
All welcome to attend!
FREE Event
Join us for a panel discussion about SBA funding available to small business owners. There's over $120 billion still left unallocated for small businesses. Whether you have already received SBA approval/funding or ready to apply, this program will provide insight and guidance on available business loan/grant programs.

Our panelists will review the application process, approval, documentation requirements for forgiveness, and explain how recent legislation impacts the programs. The Senate approved and the President is expected to sign legislation that will impact PPP loan foregiveness.

Event Panelists:
Maura Shenker - Temple Univ. SBDC
Joe Bergquist - Harleysville Bank
Matt Baker - Maillie, LLP

This program will include time for audience Q&A. Submit your questions when registering for the event.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Coming later this month...Virtual Town Hall Meeting featuring Gene Barr , President & CEO Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
A Message From The Chamber Office
Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

Adding to the stress of a global pandemic, we struggle to process the senseless death of George Floyd and the events that have followed throughout our nation. My heart aches as I can only imagine the trauma, fear and frustration so many are feeling right now. We must continue to fight ignorance and intolerance, demonstrate inclusivity and embrace diversity. Despite the challenges of social distancing, we can still spread kindness, lend support, foster inclusion, listen with compassion, rise to challenge and love unconditionally. The path forward is never straight, easy or obvious, but when we stand together, listen to each other and open our hearts and mind, we will find the path to a better place!

The storms that swept through our region yesterday brought yet another challenge to many business owners planning to reopen tomorrow as Montgomery County moves from the Red to Yellow phase. Roughly 25% of the County is still without power, phone lines are down and property restoration is underway throughout the region. Don't let this dampen your spirits! Tomorrow we move to YELLOW phase ...a step in the right direction! What can we expect in the yellow phase? All businesses are expected to follow social distancing and cleaning guidelines. In-person retail is allowed, though curbside and delivery are still preferred. Restaurants are permitted to open outside dining on Friday, but due to strict guidelines, will look much different than "normal". Please treat your local restaurants and small businesses with the same patience, love and care in which they've always shown to our community.

Please share your positive experiences with others and on social media platforms to help promote and support our local businesses. Should you have a less than satisfactory experience, please be patient; relay your concerns privately with the store manager so he/she can evaluate the issue and consider ways to improve for future visits. TOGETHER we will reset, restore and rebound!

We have a fantastic virtual program scheduled next week to discuss SBA loans and business funding . There's over $120 billion still left unallocated for small business. So whether you are already knee deep in the loan process, or still considering options to cover business expenses, you won't want to miss this event. Our expert panelists will review recent legislation that impacts loan forgiveness, tax considerations, and more. Submit questions when you register and our panelists will provide answers during the program. Click here to register for this free event.

Our COVID-19 Resource Hub received a makeover last week! Information is organized into 8 categories; Bookmark the page for time-sensitive announcements, resource links, local deals and positive things happening in our community! Montgomery County unveiled a new website today to provide Reopening Guidance for businesses and residents as we move to the Yellow Phase; it offers simplified industry specific guidelines , and the ability to drill down to find comprehensive details from CDC and State .

Membership Renewals: To provide relief to our members, we deferred billing the April 1st membership renewals and extended renewal due date to July 1st. In addition, we have developed new payment plans and COVID-19 discounts to meet the needs of all members during these challenging times. Invoices will be mailed next week. Our mission remains steadfast; we continue to support and advocate on behalf of the small business community. A heartfelt THANK YOU to members that requested their membership invoices and have paid in-full.

If your business hours and operations have changed, please details to info@pvchamber.net and we will share on our website and social media platforms.

Stay safe and healthy,

Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
renee@pvchamber.net 
610-489-6660
Support Small Business, Friends and Neighbors!
Shop Local!
Small business is the backbone of our regional economy. Please look for ways to support these businesses during the pandemic. Please visit the  Chamber Directory  for a complete list of members. Consider purchasing gift cards for businesses that are not currently open (salons, restaurants, spas, retailers, etc) to support them now and use at a later date. Please call your senior neighbors and friends to lift their spirits and ensure they have food and proper medication. Contact the  Community Food Pantry  for updated hours of operation and needed supplies.  
Supplies Needed for Phoenixville Hospital
Phoenixville Hospital is in immediate need of the below Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) items for their staff:
* Masks: looped procedure masks, surgical masks, and N95 masks
Note to seamstress in our community: WE ARE ACCEPTING CLOTH MASKS!
* Gowns: surgical and Isolation gowns
* Eye ware: protective googles and face shields
* Disinfectant wipes and sanitizers
* Surgical gloves

Anyone wishing to contribute is asked to email PhoenixvilleHospitalPrograms@towerhealth.org to arrange delivery. 
Welcome New Members!
The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this year! 
 Click on a business name for more information. 
All Current PV Chamber Members can be found in the Directory on our Website
COVID-19 Resource Hubs
PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
Bookmark the PV Chamber's COVID-19 Resource Hub for up-to-date information for business owners, employers and residents.
  • County, State and Federal Resource Links
  • Member-to-Member Resources
  • Gift Card Program
  • Shop Local
  • Brighter Side
  • Event News
Montgomery County Resource Hubs
May 29, 2020 - Montgomery County unveils new website to provide reopening guidance as we move from Red to Yellow phase.
Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed here.
PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Bringing PA Back is an initiative of the PA Chamber to help businesses re-open prepared and stronger. The site contains resources to help prepare your workplace, welcome back employees and customers.
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
Self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and others not eligible for regular unemployment compensation can begin filing claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.
NOTE: Borrowers cannot use PPP and tax credit. However, small businesses can receive EIDL and PPP funds, but they cannot be used to cover the same costs. Speak with your financial advisor for best option
Chamber Advocacy
The Bright Side :)
Now more than ever, we love sharing stories of great things happening in our community, reflective thoughts and positive vibes. 

  • Severe storms yesterday could not stop Day 1 of Drive-Through Commencement for the Perkiomen Valley Class of 2020! Kudos to PV staff for overcoming challenges in an effort to recognize our next generation of leaders. The celebration continues today! See photos on PVSD FaceBook page. Congratulations to all Classes of 2020 at PV, PJP, Methacton, Spring Ford and Ursinus!
  • Retailers and Restaurants are gearing up to welcome customers back tomorrow as we move to the Yellow phase!
  • Montgomery County unveils new website to provide businesses guidance as we move from Red to Yellow
  • Keenan, Ciccitto & Associates is offering a FREE Healthcare Power of Attorney / Advance Directive to all members of the Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who BOOK NOW ~ SHOOT LATER
Celebrate your Amazing Achievement and your Bright Future.
We are still booking Graduation and Senior portraits for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021. Give us a call Now at (610) 608-6095
Employment Opportunities
Montgomery County Updates
MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program Awards
THE COMPLETE LIST OF MONTCOSTRONG SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM ROUND 2 GRANT AWARDS HAVE BEEN POSTED. THE LIST AND GRANT AWARD INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND  HERE .
** NEW ** Montco Regional Business Survey
The purpose of this survey is to assess the needs of businesses in the Greater Philadelphia region in order to help us to develop guidance and resources to help you safely and speedily reopen after the COVID-19 business closures. Please note that these questions are NOT intended to reflect the specific timing of reopening, which will depend on decisions made by the Governor’s office. Survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. In addition, there are three optional sections relating to workforce, transportation, and finances that you may wish to complete.
Take the US Census
As of 4/22/20, the countywide response rate was 61.2%. You can view the latest response rate at the county and community level here.   Census results help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into states and communities each year. With just a 5% undercount in 2020, we could lose $72,336,780 annually in funding for Montgomery County schools, infrastructure, Medicaid, SNAP, housing choice vouchers, head start, senior programs, and more! 
Montgomery County Call for Help to Supply PPE
Montgomery County is asking for donations for commercial masks, surgical masks and impervious (waterproof) gowns. Any business that has an interest in or capacity to turn their existing supply chain into the PPE output that the health care industry so desperately needs to please contact Montgomery County Commerce Department by emailing: COVID19@montco.org .
MontcoStrong T-Shirts
MontcoStrong T-Shirts are for sale as a great initiative through our partners at VFTCB . The t-shirt fundraiser is to help support Montgomery County PA’s COVID-19 Response Fund, which was recently established to support local relief efforts in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The t-shirts can be purchased here 
Small Business Gift Card Program
Help save your favorite local business one gift card at a time.
Support your local restaurants and shops by buying gift cards during the COVID-19 shutdown.
You'll help them get the cash they need now, so you can enjoy their business later.
This is a County-wide program that was developed through input from local chambers and key stakeholders.
Member News
We want to hear from you!
Please let us know about changes to your services, business hours and more and we will share with our follower on enews, social media and COVID-19 Resource page. Send business updates to info@vpchamber.net. Also, our partners at Dow have offered to share member promotions with employees at the Collegeville site. Send your updates
Ursius College Offering Business Assistance During COVID-19

During this unprecedented time, Ursinus College is committed to supporting the local community. We recognize that, while these are difficult times for many, small and medium sized businesses are uniquely affected by the quarantine.

Ursinus students seeking remote/virtual work opportunities can assist you with promoting your business, advertising your services, redesigning a business plan, driving commerce, promoting or building online platforms, and more. We believe this will not only help local businesses, but also provide learning and practical opportunities for our students. Possible projects may include: social media and online marketing, website building, payment processing, writing a business plan, and researching assistance for loans.

Please fill out this form with as much details as possible to indicate your interest. We will review the submission within 2 business days. Appropriate opportunities will be shared with our students within 5 business days or less. While we hope you will receive interest from our students, we cannot guarantee applications. Please note that Ursinus College reserves the right to determine the eligibility of a posting and to delete postings deemed unsuitable for our students. 

Ursinus College values our local business partners and hopes to play a role in navigating through these difficult times. Please email Olivia Correll, Assistant Director for Employer Engagement, at ocorrell@ursinus.edu, with questions or for additional information.
After 56 years of representing his company, State Farm Agent Larry Hoak, has decided to retire October 31st! 
Property for Sale or Lease: 
Office building with rented apartment on top at 363 E. Main Street, Collegeville.
Apartment building, 361 E. Main Street Collegeville (next door) has two residential apartments and a 3rd room commercial occupancy in the front 
For more information, contact Paul Roberto at Weichert Realty 610-804-3218. 
We want to share YOUR upcoming events in E-News and Community Calendar.
Pass It On
The PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates. For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director.