The final phase of a COVID-19 relief grant is now open for eligible hospitality industry businesses through SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), and they have until June 15 to apply or until the funds are spent – and then the grant program ends.

The seven counties that have remaining funds are Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, and Snyder.

Following are the remaining Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) funds per county, totaling $1.2 million:

• Northumberland: $539,401
• Snyder: $249,208
• Juniata: $173,435
• Mifflin: $116,456
• Columbia: $103,906
• Clinton: $21,440
• Montour: $13,420

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said with the end of the new grant program approaching, she hopes more businesses will apply.

“We know there are more businesses in these counties that could use these free funds, so we urge you to apply as soon as you can. We understand that times are busy and stressful, so we are here to help you through the process,” Wheeler said.

Those with questions may contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.

For-profit hospitality businesses can apply until funds are spent or June 15 at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at https://csgiving.org/chirp/. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000 to help alleviate 2020 revenue losses and pay for eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible hospitality industry businesses must be for-profit businesses which include hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, bars, taverns, catering companies, and food trucks. These businesses must fall within eligible industry codes which include the Accommodations subsector NAICS code (721) or Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (722) found here: https://www.naics.com/search/

Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, having fewer than 300 full-time employees; a net worth that does not exceed $15 million; a 25% reduction in gross receipts in 2020 compared to 2019; and be located within Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, or Snyder counties.

Priority will be given to businesses that did not already receive COVID relief funds; that were subject to closure following the disaster emergency declared by Gov. Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020; or had more than a 50% reduction in gross receipts from March 31, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. For a full listing of eligibility requirements and prioritization guidelines, visit www.csgiving.org/chirp

SEDA-COG contracted with 10 of its member counties to manage a total of $7.3 million in grants on their behalf. SEDA-COG receives the applications and determines eligibility and grant amounts. SEDA-COG also disburses the funds to awarded businesses.

The grant program was created from the law Act 1 of 2021, which was passed Feb. 5, 2021. Statewide, it provides $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

Knoebels Amusement Resort Tied for Favorite Traditional Park

The National Amusement Park Historical Association has released the results of a 2020 survey of their members, ranking the top amusement parks in the nation on a variety of categories. Knoebels Amusement Resort tied with Kennywood Park for first place for Favorite Traditional Park. The Phoenix at Knoebels was also voted the nation’s favorite wooden roller coaster.

Bloomsburg University Held In-Person Commencement Ceremonies

 Bloomsburg University celebrated the achievement of 1,300 students who earned bachelor’s degrees and 200 students who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in five ceremonies.  The ceremonies were held outdoors at Redman Stadium on May 14th through the 16th. 

NEPIRC Will Hold a Rebroadcast of Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Webinar

On Tuesday, May 25th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. join the PA IRC Network (NEPIRC) for the rebroadcast of Legal Aspects of COVID-19 Vaccination for Employers Pt. 2, virtually through Microsoft Teams.  Register here.

On Tuesday, May 18^th, the Board of Directors of The Chamber of Commerce discussed two pieces of legislation and other efforts to help increase the region’s workforce. Filling open positions is a major issue for employers of all types and sizes. Factors keeping people from reentering the workforce include health concerns, school schedules, and the $300 per week federal unemployment bonus. The Board supports the following measures related to these issues:

State House Bill 406– Would reinstate the active work search requirement in order to receive unemployment benefits. The requirement was waived at the beginning of the pandemic.

State House Bill 596– Would require an individual to demonstrate health or safety concerns when refusing work or quitting work in order to receive unemployment benefits.

Eliminating the $300/week unemployment compensation bonus – The federal bonus was extended until September 6^th as part of the American Rescue Plan. At least 21 states are ending the bonus program prior to that date, though Governor Wolf has not indicated that he would do so. Legislation is being drafted that would end that benefit early in Pennsylvania.

Encouraging individuals to get vaccinated – The Chamber is partnering with Geisinger to encourage people to voluntarily get vaccinated by sharing information on social media and in other messaging. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also developed resources to help employers communicate with their employees that are hesitant about the vaccine.

“Our area’s economy is getting stronger, but we could be doing so much better if area employers were operating at full capacity.” said Fred Gaffney, Chamber president. “People have done a lot to support one another and area businesses through the pandemic. Now, we all need to do our part to get out of it.”

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcement that fully vaccinated individuals only need to wear masks in certain settings, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is reminding Pennsylvanians that fully vaccinated individuals may choose not to wear a mask, unless a business or organization, such as a school, requires that added layer of protection.

The CDC guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals – two weeks after their final dose — can resume activities that they did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by law, rule, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Under the guidance, individuals are still being required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs, such as airports and stations. In addition, all individuals should still follow guidance at workplaces, local businesses, long-term care facilities, hospitals, prisons, and homeless shelters.

The State Secretary of Health’s face covering order remains in effect for people who are not fully vaccinated, including children. Once 70 percent of Pennsylvanians over the age of 18 are fully vaccinated, Pennsylvania will lift the masking order. As of May 14, 47.4 percent of adults 18 and older were fully vaccinated in Pennsylvania.

Employers are considering how to manage this latest guidance. Many are erring on the side of caution by continuing to require masks for all employees in the workplace. OSHA has not yet updated its guidance, but references the latest CDC guidance, which creates regulatory uncertainty. The Chamber of Commerce will provide further updates and guidance as it becomes available.

Most businesses today have come to the realization that the traditional 9-5 in-office workday has permanently transitioned to a hybrid environment where employees work from the office some days and from home other days.  Although for many firms this transition began over the past several years, the COVID-19 pandemic only served to hasten the process.

Employers and their employees, however, are finding that although there are many advantages to the hybrid work environment, there are also a few challenges. 

Aside from the technical and logistical challenges of creating a hybrid workforce (which have largely been addressed at this point), many business owners and HR professionals are now focusing on rebuilding policies and processes to maintain employee engagement and a unified culture. As many business owners will attest, a sound culture is critical to any company’s success with the payoff showing in revenue growth, retention and increased operating income.

The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Tanya Ruiz at (800) 377-3539.

COVID Vaccination Clinic in Danville

Danville Pharmacy is hosting a COVID vaccination clinic today, May 12th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The clinic is first come, first served but they do not anticipate running out.

Spring Graduation to be held in person at Redman Stadium

Bloomsburg University is thrilled to announce plans to host in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2021! The ceremonies will be held outdoors (rain or shine) at Redman Stadium from May 14 to 16. Each ceremony will follow the appropriate COVID-19 safety guidelines from the CDC, the PA Department of Health, and Gov. Tom Wolf’s office.

Youth in Philanthropy Awards- 2021 Grants

Youth in Philanthropy is a philanthropic-oriented education program offered by the Community Giving Foundation. The purpose of the program is for youth to understand the meaning of philanthropy, learn about the local nonprofit world, and take part in the grantmaking process. Through this program, students are empowered to make a positive impact in their communities now and in the future.

In 2020-21, groups consisting of approximately 15 high school students from 11 school districts in our region completed their annual grant round. The program was adapted to suit social distancing guidelines due to the pandemic. Christine Orlando, senior program officer of the Foundation, explained, “The students met virtually to review and discuss their grant recommendations. Our grant awards ceremony was also held in a virtual format and checks were mailed to the nonprofit organizations in support of the valuable services they provide youth across our region.”

Students presented their awards and recapped this year’s program through ceremonies held on April 28th and May 5th. This year, 47 grants totaling $53,500 were awarded. These grants were funded by generous community support. Lists of 2020-21 program sponsors and grant recipients are included below.

Youth in Philanthropy Donors

• Anonymous
• Berwick Health and Wellness Fund
• Mr. Jeremy Betz
• Central Columbia Educational Foundation
• Danville Superintendent’s Educational Initiative Awards Fund
• Ms. Michelle Ebner
• ERDI Partners, Inc.
• First Columbia Bank and Trust Company Employees
• Dr. Alan Hack
• Joan and Fred Miller Family Fund
• Dr. John M. and Mrs. Jacqueline Kurelja
• Marr Development
• Ms. Nancy Mathna
• Mr. Robert J. and Mrs. Kathleen A. McWilliams, Jr.
• Millville Community Foundation, Inc.
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors Unrestricted Fund
• Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Fund
• Ms. Julie Petrin
• Robinson Donor Advised Fund
• Seebold Family Fund
• The Booth Family Fund
• The Cole Family Fund

Youth in Philanthropy Grant Recipients

Benton students awarded the following grants:

• Benton Area School District—Adapting with Job Boxes, $1,500
• Benton Area School District—Animals for Mental Health, $650
• Benton Area School District—Rebuilding our Future Through Social and Emotional Care, $800
• Benton AYSO—Purchase New Goals, $850
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $200
• Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center—Summer Camp Mental Health Initiative, $1,000

Berwick students awarded the following grants:

• Berwick Area YMCA—Esports Lab at the Berwick YMCA, $1,500
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $2,500
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—All Abilities Swim at the Berwick YMCA, $330
• The Children’s Museum, Inc.—All STEAM Ahead!, $670

Central Columbia students awarded the following grants:

• AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $1,000
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $1,000
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1.000
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—Creating Sensory Safe Environments at Community Events – $1,000
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000

Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech students awarded the following grants:

• Central PA Business & Education Association—College & Career Preparedness Opportunities & Outreach, $500
• Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $400
• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $850
• Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—CAMPS (Construction, Art, Music, Play, Sensory), $500
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000
• The Children’s Museum, Inc.—Materials Support for Summer Maker Camp, $750
• Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Therapy Dog, $1,000

Danville students awarded the following grants:

• Danville Child Development Center—Engaging School Age Children in SEL & Bullying Prevention, $750
• Montour Area Recreation Commission—Chillisquaque Creek Access Project, $1,000
• The Good Samaritan Mission—Beds for Kids Program, $2,250
• The Good Samaritan Mission—Many Hands Helping Others Program, $1,000

Midd-West students awarded the following grants:

• Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $750
• Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—GSVUW Youth Mental Health Assistance Fund, $1,710
• Middlecreek Area Community Center—Recreational Activity for Youth through the MACC Kid’s Night / Teen Night Events, $2,540

Millville students awarded the following grants:

• AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $250
• Millville Borough—Little Fishing Creek Area Swimming Pool Improvement, $3,500
• Millville Little League—Registration Sponsorship & Field Upkeep, $500
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
• Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Zoey, $250

Northwest students awarded the following grants:

• For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1,500
• Northwest Area School District—Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, $1,500
• Northwest Area School District—My Plate Food Project, $1,000
• Susquehanna Warrior Trail Council—Mile Marker Project, $1,000

Selinsgrove students awarded the following grants:

• DIG Furniture Bank—Providing Good Night’s Sleep to Selinsgrove Youth, $250
• Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—Youth Mental Health Financial Assistance Fund, $250
• Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
• Regional Engagement Center (REC)—After School Drop-In Program and Food Pantry Support, $2,000
• Selinsgrove Area School District—Seals in the Garden, $2,000

Shikellamy students awarded the following grants:

• Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $1,000
• Shikellamy High School—Bikes and Hikes Program, $4,000

Warrior Run students awarded the following grants:

• Father’s Hope—Hope for the Holidays, $500
• Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA—Growth of Our Community, $3,000

If approved by the PASSHE Board of Governors this summer, the integration of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield universities is expected to happen by July of 2022. The Northeast Integration plan was released recently and public comments are being accepted through June 30^th. According to system officials, students and the communities where those institutions are located should see little change initially.

More than 500 students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community leaders helped shape the plan. Some of the highlights are as follows:

• A single faculty providing instruction in a unified academic program array. Students will be able to select from an expanded array of academic programs, including nearly double the program options for Mansfield and Lock Haven students.
• 75% of enrollment is clustered in 8-10 disciplinary areas and these academic programs will continue to be delivered 100% in-person on all three campuses. A typical student will take most in-person courses at their home campus and some courses through real-time remote learning.
• Expanded opportunities for adult students seeking to re-skill and up-skill through non-degree credentialing courses.
• Each institution’s name, logo, mascot, and identity will be preserved. An integrated entity name will be established and used for accreditation purposes.
• Students will have access to on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, athletics, and other activities on all three campuses. The system is pursuing a path with the NCAA for each campus to retain its current complement of teams.
• Students can design a university experience that works for them with dedicated support services on each campus.
• A single President and leadership team with one reporting relationship to the Board of Governors through the Chancellor.

A link to the plan, FAQs, and a form to submit comments are available at bloomu.edu/integration (link). On Thursday, May 6^th, B.U. President Bashar Hanna, Ph.D., and Chamber President Fred Gaffney participated in an hour-long discussion about the integration on WVIA’s Keystone Edition program. That video is available here.

The Wolf Administration announced that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 AM.

This update will not prevent municipalities, school districts, restaurants and venues from continuing and implementing stricter mitigation efforts. Based on current CDC guidance, social distancing is strongly recommended for municipalities, school districts, restaurants, and venues.

An event or gathering is defined as a temporary grouping of individuals for defined purposes, that takes place over a limited timeframe, such as hours or days. For example, events and gatherings include fairs, festivals, concerts or shows and groupings that occur within larger, more permanent businesses, such as shows or performances within amusements parks, individual showings of movies on a single screen/auditorium within a multiplex, business meetings or conferences, or each party or reception within a multiroom venue.

Face coverings are still to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home. In accordance with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians are not required to wear a mask during certain activities. The current order requiring Pennsylvanians to wear masks will be lifted when 70 percent of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated.

Currently, maximum occupancy is 25 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 50 percent for outdoor events and gatherings, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.

From The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce

If you are a current or past participant in PA’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program or maybe filing for tax credits for the first time, we wanted to share with you some timely information as we approach the application deadline of Wednesday, July 1st, 2020. Hopefully, this will clarify what can sometimes be a confusing process. Please see below
FILING DEADLINES:
If you are a current participant and you:
– Are entering year two of a two-year cycle, or
– Have just completed a two-year cycle and are applying for a new two-year cycle,
Your filing date for 2021 credits is Monday, May 17, 2021
(Normally, the early filing date is May 15th, but since that falls on a Saturday this year, DCED has extended the early filing date to Monday, May 17th.)

If you:
– Are entering the EITC program for the first time
– Have been past participants but have been knocked out of the program
– Are currently participating, but want to apply for additional tax credits above your current allocated amount,
Your filing date is Thursday, July 1, 2021

Pass-through entities, such as S-Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, etc., can now apply the same day as C-Corporations. Applications must be submitted electronically using DCED’s Single Application for Assistance. Click here for the business application guide.

You may not file before May 17 or July 1 (depending on your status), but you may fill out the application ahead of time, save it, and then submit it any time between 12:00 am – 11:59 pm on the appropriate date. It’s important to file on those exact days. Please don’t be late!

VERY IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATES
Since Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 Disaster Declaration is still in effect, the rules that were put in place by SB 841 due to the pandemic ARE CURRENTLY STILL IN PLACE. Here is a summary of these changes:
– The 60-day requirement for making a contribution after receiving approval from DCED is now extended until the end of the business firm’s applicable tax year. However, once contributions have been made for the approved amount, businesses still must submit proof of such contributions to DCED within 30-days, as always.
– Businesses fulfilling the second year of their two-year commitment that are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic shall be permitted to receive a tax credit of up to 90% of the amount contributed in year two even if they are not able to contribute as much as the prior year. As part of this COVID-19 emergency relief, DCED is prohibited from reducing the credit authorized in year one of the two-year commitment if the year two contribution is less than that of year one.

The primary purpose of the legislation is to extend the timeframe in which to make a contribution and not penalize companies in Year Two of Two who cannot make the same contribution as in Year One due to the pandemic. We understand that many companies will have no idea of their tax liability this year, but we encourage you to still apply for credits. If you miss filing on May 17th, you risk being dropped from the program and losing your early filing status.

The Governor’s Disaster Declaration could be lifted at any time which would nullify SB 841 and return the EITC giving deadlines and contribution requirements to their normal parameters. However, this would most likely require legal action to determine how and when the normal pre-COVID EITC program could be phased back into its normal pre-COVID status.

As things develop, we will attempt to notify you of any changes as soon as they become available, but we encourage you to watch closely for the lifting of the Disaster Declaration and contact DCED personally to make sure you are fully aware of the changes. The key is to maintain your credits and early filing status.

General Information
For those of you who support Educational Improvement Organizations (EIOs) like the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, you know that this side of the program has been oversubscribed for many years. Most likely, this means that if you are entering the program for the first time, applying to get back into the program, or applying for additional credits, the $37.5 million in available EIO tax credits may be exhausted by your filing date of July 1. However, we encourage you to still apply for EIO credits because businesses drop out of the program every year and there may be EIO credits available. There is no penalty or obligation for applying.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TAX CREDITS?
All businesses authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and who are subject to one or more of the following taxes:
• Personal Income Tax
• Capital Stock/Foreign Franchise Tax
• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Bank Shares Tax
• Title Insurance & Trust Company Shares Tax
• Insurance Premium Tax (excluding surplus lines, unauthorized, domestic/foreign marine)
• Mutual Thrift Tax
• Malt Beverage Tax
• Retaliatory Fees under section 212 of the Insurance Company Law of 1921

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
When you donate to an approved EIO or Scholarship Organization (SO), you will receive a credit on your Pennsylvania tax liability in the current fiscal year. If you participate for one year, your tax credit is 75 percent of your contribution up to a maximum of $750,000 per taxable year. If you make a two-year commitment, your tax credit increases to 90 percent of your contribution, again up to $750,000 per year.

For contributions to Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Organizations, a business may receive a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the first $10,000 contributed, and up to 90 percent of the remaining amount contributed up to a maximum credit of $200,000 annually.

FINALLY…
If there are other people in your organization who manage the EITC program, please forward this email to them, and if possible, share their contact information with us so we can reach the proper people in the future.

WHAT PROGRAMS CAN BE IMPACTED?
Currently, The Foundation has the following Programs approved as an Education Improvement Organization (EIO):

• Classroom in the Hospital
• Classroom on Main Street
• What’s So Cool About Manufacturing
• STEM Magnet Program in partnership with Bloomsburg University
• Annual STEM Competition
• Tech Theatre in partnership with Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
• Educator in the Workplace
• Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW)
• PFEW’s Stock Market Game
• EVERFI Financial Literacy

We are currently developing additional programs for approval by PA DCED that include a youth leadership program and additional Classroom in the Workplace programs like Classroom in the Courtroom.

FINALLY…
If there are other people in your organization who manage the EITC program, please forward this along to them, and if possible, share with us their contact information so we can reach the proper people in the future.
For more information on the EITC program, click here.

For the complete application guidelines, click here.
You can always call or email Jeff Emanuel, Director of The Foundation with questions at 570-784-2522 or foundation@columbiamontourchamber.com

Restoring the network to normal operations is a process that requires the diligent remediation of the systems, and takes time. In response to the cybersecurity attack on the system, certain systems were switched offline to contain the threat, which temporarily halted all pipeline operations, and affected some of the IT systems. 

While this situation continues to evolve, the Colonial operations team is executing a plan that involves an incremental process that will facilitate a return to service in a phased approach. This plan is based on a number of factors with safety and compliance driving our operational decisions, and the goal of substantially restoring operational service by the end of the week.

Actions taken by the Federal Government to issue temporary hours of service exemption for motor carriers and drivers transporting refined products across Colonial’s footprint should help alleviate local supply disruptions. However, businesses are encouraged to monitor fuel usage closely and take fuel savings measures over the next several days. Prices are likely to vary significantly over the next few weeks.