Thank you to our E-NEWS Sponsors!
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July 30, 2020
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Business Roundtable
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Our monthly Business Roundtable luncheons have gone virtual on ZOOM!
Join us for an interactive discussion and sharing of best practices among other business owners and key decision makers, right from the comforts of your home or office.
3-Tier Event Registration
(free, $10 or $25)
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
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Discussion Topic: Business Challenges and Opportunities
How has the move to green impacted your business operations? Customer/employee safety measures, morale ,telework, travel policies, new business opportunities, mask policy for customers and employees
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PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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August 6, 2020
4:00pm
Community Town Hall
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Dr. Broker is a Board Certified ENT specialist and surgeon who will answer your questions about COVID-19. In our next edition of Town Hall, Dr. Broker will provide the latest medical research findings and discuss antibody testing, contact tracing, social distancing, masks, clinical updates, safety concerns for parents, and more.
3-Tier Event Registration
(free, $10 or $25)
After registering, you will receive a link with instructions to join the meeting.
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COVID-19 - The science behind the disease
What do the latest studies reveal about the disease? How have other regions/countries successfully mitigated the spread of COVID-19?
If I have the antibody, can I still get sick?
What's the science behind the masks?
Is going back to school safe?
ASK THE EXPERT - Submit your question(s) for Dr. Broker when you register!
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PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
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Virtual Town Hall with Gene Barr
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Listen to our virtual town hall discussion with
Gene Barr
, President and CEO of PA Chamber of Business and Industry.
Gene is regarded as the
Voice of Business in the Commonwealth
. With over 1,000 members ranging from mom-and-pop shops to industry leaders, Gene overseas all operations of the PA Chamber, the state’s largest broad-based business advocacy association. During the Virtual Town Hall event, Gene discussed advocacy initiatives to support small businesses, State guidelines, resources for employers and employees, legislative updates, policy recommendations and answered audience questions.
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This program was pre-recorded
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SAVE THE DATE...
September 10, 2020
4:00pm - 6:00pm
PV Chamber Mixer
Salter's Fireplace, Patio and Grill
PV Chamber members and guests will enjoy a sneak-peak at Salter's Annual Sales Event which opens to the public Friday, September 11th 10am - 8pm and Saturday, September 12th 10am- 6pm. As we get closer to the date, we will determine if this will be an in-person or virtual event. Stay tuned for updates and registration link.
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A Message From The Chamber Office
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Dear Chamber Members and Friends,
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Last week, Montgomery County opened the third round of funding with a
$10 million MontcoStrong Small Business Grant Program.
The application window was open onThursday, July 16th, 2020 and closed at Noon on Friday, July 17th, 2020. In case you missed out,
there are still several funding programs available to qualified business, including:
PA 30 Day Fund ,
provides
forgivable loans
for Pennsylvania-based small businesses and is eager to see an increase in applications from
eligible small businesses
in Montgomery County, particularly in applications from eligible minority and/or women owned businesses. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum 3 days).
COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Grants
:
$225 Million grant program
for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 are available through 3 programs; $100M for Main Street Business Revitalization; $100M for historically disadvantaged business revitalization program and $25M for loan payment deferment and loss reserve program. The program expects to begin accepting applications by the month's end and businesses
must apply through an eligible CDFI.
The claim week ending July 25, 2020 will be the last week eligible for the $600/week additional pandemic unemployment benefit. More information about unemployment compensation can be found on
PA's pandemic unemployment assistance portal.
Montgomery County released guidance for reopening Pre-K to 12 schools for Fall 2020. Montgomery County officials and the Montgomery County Office of Public Health in collaboration with Montgomery County school superintendents have developed general recommendations to support the prevention of the spread of coronavirus in the school environment as they plan to open for the 2020-21 school year. The complete recommended guidelines can be found
here
.
If your business hours and operations have changed, please send details to [email protected] and we will share on our website and social media platforms.
In response to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in PA, Governor Wolf and Sec of Health Dr. Levine announced tighter restrictions on bars, restaurants and businesses last week. Under the
order
, restaurants and bars that serve food will only be allowed to seat people
indoors at up to 25%
of their capacity (previously, seating was allowed up to 50% capacity). Seating will only be allowed at tables, and patrons
can only order alcohol with a meal
. Bars that don't sell food can sell alcohol to-go but cannot offer in-person service. Outdoor dining restrictions will not change. Indoor gatherings/events are limited to no more than 25 people and outdoor events limited to 250 people. Additionally, businesses are required to have employees telework if possible. Another recent
order
by Dr. Levine states that
masks must be worn
whenever anyone leaves home.
In closing, your investment in the PV Chamber of Commerce connects you to like-minded business and community leaders. During these challenging times, we are all working together to provide support, revitalize and succeed in the new normal.TOGETHER we are STRONG!
Chamber renewals
are pouring in and I'd like to personally
thank you
all for your commitment to the Chamber and your community. If you have not receive your renewal invoice, please send an email to [email protected] to confirm A/P address on file.
Stay safe and healthy!
Renee Blomstrom
Executive Director
610-489-6660
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Support Small Business, Friends and Neighbors!
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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.
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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 our community!
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Welcome our newest member!
Loci House LLC
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The following organizations joined the PV Chamber this past year!
Click on a business name for more information.
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Loci House LLC
Mary Allen - Kelly Williams Realty
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All Current PV Chamber Members can be found in the Directory on our Website
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PV Chamber COVID-19 Resource Hub
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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
- Webinars & Recordings
- Brighter Side
- Event News
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Montgomery County Resource Hubs
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Montgomery County COVID-19 Daily Press Releases can be viewed
here.
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Zooming Around the 24th District
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Senator Bob Mensch presents Zooming Around the 24th District, a series of virtual meetings with local businesses and organizations to discuss the experiences they have had during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of these meetings is for businesses to stay in touch with their communities, and for us to spread the word about some of the challenges facing our local businesses during this time. Watch the meetings here:
https://www.senatormensch.com/zooming-around-the-24th-district/
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PA Chamber of Business & Industry
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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.
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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).
PA Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Portal
Note: $600/week additional benefit expires the week of July 25, 2020.
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CARES Act Information and Resources
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IMPORTANT:
PPP funds are still available. Small businesses are encouraged to contact their banker for information.
President Trump signs law to change PPP rules, extending funds spending from 8 weeks to 24 weeks.
Read more here.
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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
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On June 17, 2020, a coalition of
80 Chambers of Commerce
sent a
letter to Federal and State Lawmakers
to support
temporary, targeted legal safe harbor protection
for employers and
healthcare communities
operating in good faith and complying with relevant requirements.
An open letter to state lawmakers expressed the
deep concern
Chamber leaders feel
with both the pace and process of reopening businesses in the SE PA region
. The letter, sent on
May 28, 2020
was singed by 24 Chamber leaders, including myself. The letter urges legislatures to work with the Governor to revise metrics for reopening and with the Chambers' assistance, develop guidance and support to help businesses reopen safely.
Read the letter here.
On April 3, 2020,
leaders from 50 Pennsylvania chambers
of commerce
signed a letter
to Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Wolf
requesting that the Administration allow more businesses to operate under CISA and CDC guidelines to ensure the critical infrastructure supply chains are protected during the COVID-19 crisis.
Read the letter here
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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
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Installation
:
A&E Flooring
is always looking to add installation teams that can offer a customer-first experience as well as genuine quality installations. Please send resumes to [email protected]
Retail Sales Associate:
A&E Flooring
is currently looking to hire a retail sales associate to work in the showroom. Our Ideal candidate is someone who puts the customer first and is friendly and outgoing. Strong computer skills are a must. Flooring experience is a plus but not a requirement. Please send resumes to [email protected].
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Dirk's Pest Management Specialists - Office Staff Position
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Purpose: To effectively and efficiently maintain a high level of organization within the office.
Responsibilities will include:
Schedule Routes/appointments; Generate daily route sheets/ work orders and invoices; Coordinate, scheduling and mailing termite renewal notices; Answer phones (with a smile); Enter all new customers / update current customer account information into the computer; Initiate and maintain customer accounts which include follow up; Communicate with technicians and sales staff of any changes to their work schedules and/or work; Add weekly Dirks Pest Management Specialist Facebook status; Responsible for account functions, including but not limited to accounts payable and accounts receivable; Issued Proposals for Termite Renewals/Service Plans
Qualifications:
Good written, verbal, follow up and telephone communications skills; Abilities to sell and communicate; Excellent human-relations skills- a sense of humor, a quick smile and a thick skin; Basic skills in reading, writing and math; Extremely flexible, adaptable, quick to learn new skills /knowledge and handle rapid change effectively; Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail; Good working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point. Ability and eagerness to learn a robust pest control software (Pestpac); Must be a TEAM PLAYER- work as a competent member of the team and willingly provide back-up support for co-workers when appropriate and actively support team goals; The ability to self-start and work independently. Must be proactive!
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First Financial Group - Philadelphia is Hiring!
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First Financial Group - Philadelphia is looking to recruit Financial Representatives who have an entrepreneurial spirit and who are passionate about helping people live better financial lives. If you’re coming from a financial services background, we can help you take it to the next level. But, it doesn’t matter to us what your background is, as long as you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a passion for helping people, are self-motivated, and have character and integrity. First Financial Group Philadelphia is located in the heart of King of Prussia and provides the training, structure, and support to help you create financial security for your clients, while creating a better life for you and your family. Please contact Steven D. Earhart, President (FFG PA, NJ, DE), at [email protected], or by phone at
610-293-8330.
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Touching Hearts at Home is Hiring
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Touching Hearts at Home
is seeking Part-Time Employed In-Home Caregivers to provide one-on-one care for the elderly and disabled. We are a RAPIDLY growing home care agency and are looking for dedicated and compassionate Caregivers with a true calling to help others! Our Caregivers provide individuals with extra support to keep up with life's daily tasks. We value our clients AND those that serve alongside us! Our goal is to give our Caregivers the support, training, and confidence they need in order to be successful. Our territory spans across all of Montgomery County.
Call 484-854-9300
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Montgomery County COVID-19 Testing
Montgomery County is now offering free COVID-19 testing, for all ages, at
six sites
across the county. This testing is made possible by CARES Act funding that has been allocated directly to the County.
(all testing sites will be closed on July 10th)
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SCORE Tri-County is seeking volunteers!
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Now more so than any recent time, our volunteers are hard at work side-by-side to assist small businesses through education and mentorship.
As our requests for assistance remain steady, so is the genuine need for more qualified SCORE volunteers. If you are recently retired or thinking about retirement and are looking for ways to give back to your community, then becoming a SCORE volunteer just might be a rewarding fit. Email us at [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you because YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Trivia Night
Wednesdays @ 7PM
(every Wednesday through Aug. 5th)
Davinci's Pub
presents Thing and Drink Trivia Event hosted by Larry Hoffman. Join us every Wednesday, until August 5th for Happy Hump Day Trivia Nights!
DaVinci's Pub, 217 E. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426. 610-831-1955.
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SCORE TriCounty Webinar
Retail Revelations - Strategies for Improving Sales, Margins, and Turnover
July 23, 2020 @ 1:00pm
This time presents unique challenges for retailers of all sizes, across industry and geographical boundaries. It’s more important than ever to be doing the right things that directly impact your retail business surviving and thriving – even amidst the most challenging of times.
In this webinar, presented by retail expert and
SCORE
mentor Ritchie Sayner, you will learn why retailers fall prey to the non-profit cycle and how to rise above it.
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Celebrate Parents Appreciation Day
July 25th
Show your parents how much you care on Parents Appreciation Day, July 25th. Surprise them with a beautiful, handcrafted and hand delivered arrangement, right to their door! Shop at
Risher Van Horn Florists
, 3760 Germantown Pike, Collegeville PA.
www.rishervanhorn.com
610-489-4421
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FREE Injury Prevention Screening for HS/College Athletes
July 25, 2020 @ 8AM
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Most high school/college athletes have been unable to train for the upcoming Fall season. Insufficient training and preparation before a long season can lead to an increased risk of injury. Don't put your Fall season in jeopardy!
Christian Barrett, our Clinical Director in Royersford, is hosting a FREE injury screening event for all high school/college athletes in the area. Christian will perform a comprehensive screen and provide a customized recommendation on how to best avoid injury so you can stay healthy for the upcoming season!
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Summer Science Camp
July - August
Summer Science Academy features science-based day camp programs for children
ages three through 6th grade.
If you child enjoys spending time outdoors and learning about about nature, they will love summer camp at the Conservancy! All camps are held at the Conservancy's Brownstone Barn.
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Virtual Summer Lessons
July 6th - August 14th
Community Music School's 6-week private lesson summer schedule will continue in our virtual format from July 6th to August 14th. Virtual lessons can be scheduled flexibly depending on teacher availability.
In addition to individual lessons, we are offering a discounted package for students that sign up for the entire summer session at once (6 lessons).
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SCORE TriCounty Webinar
Reopening and Staying Open - How to Assess the Past 60 Days and Prepare for What's Next
August 6, 2020 @ 1:00PM
If you’re like many businesses, you are probably working overtime to navigate the ever-changing landscape created by C19. Whether you’ve already reopened or will be opening this summer, August will be an ideal time to assess what you’ve experienced already and develop a strategic plan for the rest of the year.
This session, presented by
SCORE mentor Suzanne McGrath, will help business owners – including retailers and restaurants – learn from the experience they’ve had over the summer to:
- Create a pro forma Profit & Loss statement as a basis for planning the next 12 months
- Minimize costs and maximize revenue through market positioning
- Develop strategies for dealing with capacity limits, especially in a restaurant context
- Consider how to plan for a potential second wave as well as long term changes in consumer behavior
- Analyze options for dealing with lease issues
- The goal of this webinar is to address these very real issues that will continue to pose existential challenges to many businesses at least through the next year.
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Half Time Report (Webinar)
presented by Kalejta Financial Management
August 13, 2020 @ 6:30pm
What’s next for the markets, and what forces will influence the economy during the 2nd half? Join us as we help put today’s economic landscape into perspective. Please invite your family and friends who would like to learn more about investing and the markets.
Thursday, Aug 13th at 6:30PM
WEBINAR (Due to COVID-19)
in our 2020 half time report, you will find answers to questions, such as:
• What will the Fed do next?
• Will more Americans get back to work?
• What might happen if there is a second wave of COVID-19?
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Dean Fox
610-831-2195
Kalejta Financial Management
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SCORE Tri-County is seeking volunteers!
Now more so than any recent time, our volunteers are hard at work side-by-side to assist small businesses through education and mentorship.
As our requests for assistance remain steady, so is the genuine need for more qualified SCORE volunteers. If you are recently retired or thinking about retirement and are looking for ways to give back to your community, then becoming a SCORE volunteer just might be a rewarding fit. Email us at [email protected].
We look forward to hearing from you because YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
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Music on Main
September 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm - 5:00pm
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MUSIC ON MAIN,
ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 4TH HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020.
Plans are underway to celebrate our 150th Anniversary and the opening of
Ursinus College's
new Commons building by turning Main Street into a festival venue, featuring more than 25 performances and something for everyone - rock & roll, pop, classical, jazz, country, R&B, rap, theater, dance, puppets and more than a few surprises.
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Integrate for Good
Community Heroes
September 10, 2020 @ 6:00pm - 9:30pm
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THE EVENT SCHEDULED ON APRIL 23RD HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020!
Integrate for Good
is excited to present our Community Heroes 2020 Gala at Talamore Country Club. Bet with "funny money" and win fabulous prizes and raffles baskets! Keynote speaker,
Rohan Murphy
.
Proceeds from our Community Heroes 2020 Gala will benefit Integrate for Good and our Opening Doors on Campus initiatives at Ursinus College, Montgomery County Community College, Temple Ambler and Gwynedd Mercy University.
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Perkiomen Sojourn
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
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Join in the adventure on Saturday, September 12th as we paddle a ten-mile stretch of the Perkiomen Creek from Schwenksville to Oaks! Explore the scenic beauty and hidden treasures of the Perkiomen. Do some boulder dodging. Battle the dams and rapids. Chat with old friends and make some new ones.
Take home a copy of the Perkiomen Creek Paddler's Guide so you can explore on your own.
Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent from us!
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Lenape Challenge - New Date!
September 19, 2020 @ 9:00am
In keeping with the
Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy's
mission, this unique race celebrates the connection between land and water.5 miles on the trail plus 2+ miles on the creek
Location: Start at The Conservancy
Check-in opens: 7:30 am
Event start: 9:00 am
High-water date*: September 26
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Home Tutoring Services
With schools now resorting to virtual classrooms, are you worried about your child falling behind in their math? Even if schools are closed until the end of the school-year, LEARNING CAN'T STOP!
We are here to help! Discover how we can provide face-to-face interactive math instruction and meet your child's math needs with Mathnasium @Home.
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Donations Needed at Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
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Due to COVID-19, the number of families we support has grown considerably.
CURRENT NEEDS:
Any canned meat, cereal, juice, tomato products, spaghetti sauce, juice, jelly, and canned pastas. We also need personal care items: baby wipes, bars of soap, laundry/dish soap, tissues, and any cleaning products. For many of our families your donations are a lifeline. If they do not get it here they must go without! Thank you everyone for your kindness and support!
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NEW Escape Room "Among Thieves" is OPEN!
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Our new escape room "Among Thieves" is NOW AVAILABLE for
booking!
We have worked very hard to build an escape room we think you all will love and we are so excited to show you!
(Coming soon..."Among Thieves", Escape Trappe's 4th room!)
Escape Trappe,130 W. Main Street, Trappe. 610-489-3877.
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Ursinus 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 [email protected], with questions or for additional information.
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Montgomery County Updates
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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
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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!
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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:
[email protected]
.
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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
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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.
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We want to share YOUR upcoming events in E-News and Community Calendar.
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The PV Chamber Board of Directors encourages you to forward this email to friends and associates. For membership information contact Renee Blomstrom, Executive Director.
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521 W Main Street, Suite 103 | Trappe, PA 19426
Telephone:
(610) 489-6660
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FAX: (610) 454-1270
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