A new COVID relief grant for eligible hospitality industry businesses opens for applications March 15, 2021.
Businesses are urged to apply as soon as possible for the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) grants since funds may be quickly exhausted.
Businesses can apply at the Community Giving Foundation’s website at www.csgiving.org from March 15 until the funds are exhausted or June 15, 2021.
Grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000 and the funds will alleviate revenue losses and pay eligible operating expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible hospitality industry businesses include hotels, restaurants, bars, and taverns. 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 Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union 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; and 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.
The grant program was created from Act 1 of 2021, which was passed Feb. 5. Statewide, it provides $145 million in funding assistance to the hospitality industry businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
For more information, contact SEDA-COG Grants Manager Betsy Lockwood at 570-522-7265 or elockwood@seda-cog.org.
From the U.S. Chamber
The Biden Administration has announced changes that impact access to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will only accept applications for PPP loans from businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees for two weeks starting from February 24th. After the two-week period ends, all other companies that have not already applied for first- and second-draw PPP loans will be able to apply until March 31, 2021. The SBA also initiated additional changes designed to “open the PPP to more underserved small businesses.” Read more from the SBA here.
In order to bring more clarity, compiled here are some of the most popular questions that have been asked and answered during our Small Business Update series and National Small Business Town Halls from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These virtual events have featured expert commentary on PPP and other issues facing small businesses during this uncertain time.
Leadership Strategies for Building a Positive Workplace Culture
McKonly & Asbury is teaming up with our partner, Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic, to bring you a webinar entitled, “Leadership Strategies for Building a Positive Workplace Culture.”
The new year brings welcome hope for fresh opportunities and a respite from the difficulties of the last one. For many, stress and burnout rose sharply in 2020 as work invaded the sanctuary of home life. Productivity grew and then, frequently, declined. Rumors filled the voids left when remote work disrupted communication patterns and trust suffered as a result.
But through every adversity, there are those whose ability to cope, recover and learn stand out from the rest.
As we move on from the coping phase of this crisis and look toward recovery, leaders have an important role to play. While many will be eager to forget the tough times and return to “normal”, this is also an unmissable chance to build organizational resilience. By consolidating the good that has come of recent changes and recognizing where old behaviors and techniques are no longer achieving the desired outcomes in a world where virtual communication and flexible work arrangements retain a great deal of their heightened importance, organizations can further strengthen their ability to “bounce back” from adverse experiences.
Experience tells us that further adversity awaits us in the not-too-distant future; now is the time to level-up organizational resilience using the four strategies we’ll explore in this session with special guest, Dale Carnegie President & CEO, Joe Hart.
What you will learn:
Attendees will learn how performance has been impacted by the crises of 2020 and the four strategies that can help their organization improve collaboration, innovation, and organizational agility in the post-pandemic recovery by:
- uncovering potential leadership blind spots that have may been exacerbated in virtual communication,
- demonstrating reliable leadership,
- creating an environment of psychological safety, and
- developing resilience across the organization.
This free, 45-minute webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 17th at 2:00 p.m. EST. You can register by clicking here.
Community Giving Foundation Now Accepting Scholarship Applications
The Community Giving Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for scholarship awards for the 2021-2022 academic year are now available. Graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate students, and non-traditional students residing across the Foundation’s regional service area (Columbia, Lower-Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties) can apply for a variety of scholarships. There are two different application processes. The scholarship opportunities are available through an online application process, available at csgiving.org (click on “grants &
scholarships”). The deadline for applications requiring an online submission is April 1, 2021. Additional scholarship funds managed by the Foundation require a paper application process and are available in coordination with local school districts. For more information on those opportunities, as listed below, please contact your high school guidance office.
rabbittransit Provides Free COVID-19 Vaccination Transportation
rabbittransit has partnered with area organizations to offer free shared ride transportation service to any community member who needs transportation to and from their scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment. As the COVID vaccine continues to become more available, rabbittransit is dedicated to ensuring that transportation is not a barrier in getting vaccinated and is ready to assist the community with transportation to reach their vaccine appointments.
Advance reservations are required. When scheduling a shared ride trip to a vaccination site, riders must have a confirmed COVID-19 appointment at the location they are requesting transportation. Residents will need to call rabbittransit no later than noon the business day prior to their appointment. rabbittransit staff will assist individuals through the reservation process.
If you are in need of transportation to a COVID vaccination site, contact the rabbittransit Call Center at 1-800-632-9063 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00AM and 5:00PM.
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has released guidance on how financial assistance provided to businesses and individuals through the CARES Act should be treated for state tax purposes. The information addresses Federal stimulus checks, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, the Paycheck Protection Program, and local grants.
As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and vaccinations continue, the Wolf Administration announced revised and lifted mitigation restrictions that are effective statewide as of Monday, March 1.
The revised mitigations restrictions include:
- Revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering (mask-wearing), social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
- Revised maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering (mask-wearing), social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
- Eliminate out-of-state travel restrictions. In November, the Department of Health provided an updated travel order requiring anyone over the age of 11 who visits from another state to provide evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or place themselves in a travel quarantine for 14 days upon entering Pennsylvania. This order has been rescinded. The current downward trend of cases nationwide and implementation of testing requirements and universal face covering on public transportation and transportation hubs are reducing the risk that interstate travel is a vector of disease transmission.
The administration considered a broad range of data for the announcement (all data is as of Feb. 26):
- Percent of population receiving at least one dose of vaccine: 14 percent of the population under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health has received at least one dose of vaccine; if you remove those under age 16, the percentage increases to 16.9.
- Percent positivity; this stands at 6.3%
- The incidence rate per 100,000 residents; this stands at 101.3 over a 7-day period; and
- Hospital bed capacity (availability) stands at 41%.
The Governor’s revised order on travel can be found here.
The Governor’s order for mitigation, enforcement and immunity protections can be found here.
The Acting Secretary of Health’s revised order on gatherings can be found here.
The Acting Secretary of Health’s order rescinding travel restrictions can be found here.
Find FAQs for the mitigation order changes here.
From PA Chamber of Business & Industry
Over the weekend, the U.S. House approved a $1.9 trillion stimulus package, marking a significant first step in what would be the Biden administration’s first major piece of legislation.
The “American Rescue Plan” provides $1,400 stimulus checks, with those making less than $75,000 being eligible for $1,400 and married couples earning less than $150,000 would receive $2,800. It would also increase the weekly unemployment compensation benefit (which currently sits at $300 and is set to expire in a few weeks) to $400 through the end of August.
Notably, the House-passed version of the bill includes an increase in the federal minimum wage rate to $15 an hour – but that provision is in peril, as the Senate parliamentarian ruled late last week that the minimum wage increase cannot remain in the legislation as written – a ruling that prompted White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to say that President Biden was “disappointed in this outcome” but that he “respects the parliamentarian’s decision and the Senate’s process.” U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has since committed to continue his party’s push to raise the wage.
The bill also provides $25 billion in grants to restaurants and bars that have lost revenue because of the pandemic. Another $15 billion will fund the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance grants of up to $10,000 per business. Additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program loans and expanded eligibility to nonprofits and digital media companies is also in this bill, totaling $7 billion. It also sets aside $58 billion in grants for multi-employer pension plans and changes to single-employer pension rules.
The legislation also expands the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child, and $3,600 for children under age 6; and expands the Child and Dependent Tax Credit so families can claim up to half of their child care expenses on their taxes.
The bill also invests heavily in COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, to the tune of $50 billion; while another $19 billion will increase the size of the public health workforce and $16 billion will fund vaccine distribution and supply chains.
Other notable provisions in the legislation include:
- $350 billion for state and local governments
- Nearly $130 billion for K-12 education, which would be dedicated to improving ventilation systems, reducing class sizes, buying personal protective equipment and implementing social distancing
- Almost $40 billion would go to child care providers through the Child Care and Development Block Grant program. The bill also would dedicate $1 billion for the Head Start program, which is focused on helping young children from low-income families.
The bill now heads the U.S. Senate for consideration.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with local employers to support area restaurants while thanking essential employees. Beginning in March and running through April, thousands of employees in the region will have access to a $10 meal voucher through the Chamber of Commerce’s website redeemable at a participating restaurant as a thank you for their efforts throughout the pandemic. Area restaurants are invited to participate in the program at no cost. Vouchers will be specific to participating restaurants and the business will receive the full value of the voucher through the Chamber of Commerce. The number of vouchers offered for each restaurant will be based on the total number of those that participate to ensure that all businesses have equal opportunity.
Restaurants interested in participating can register online at www.columbiamontourchamber.com/meals-in-march or contact the Chamber of Commerce at 570-784-2522 by Friday, March 12th.
More than 425 businesses and organizations belong to the Chamber to receive benefits and support efforts to strengthen their businesses and the region. Increased membership allows the Chamber to offer additional programs and benefits, have a stronger voice in advocacy and be involved in more activities and initiatives. The Chamber welcomes Northeast Training Institute (NETI).
The Northeast Training Institute is an 11,000 square foot training facility located in Bloomsburg. Once completed, NETI will offer classroom, online and hands-on courses for home inspectors, ICC and UCC residential and commercial code inspectors.
At the heart of the training center is the InterNachi House of Horrors 3. The two-story building built within the training center will include a basement and attic, miswired electrical outlets, incorrectly installed furnaces, and badly-joined sewage pipes which are designed to test the skill set of new home inspectors, affording them 1,000 examples of how things look when they go wrong.
For more information on the Northeast Training Institute (NETI) visit its website, or call 570-993-4098.
On Thursday, March 19th, from 10 am-noon, PA CareerLink will be holding an employer webinar, Navigating the Legal Pitfalls of COVID-19 Vaccines.
Topics covered during this webinar include:
• Disability Accommodation (ADA)
• Religious Accommodation (Title VII)
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
• EEOC Guidance
• Wellness Plan Issues
Speakers:
Philip K. Miles III, Attorney
Ethan V. Wilt, Attorney
Register here.
Company Advisor Joanne Cortese, CHMM (far left), EHS & PSM leader at GE Aviation, gets some “air” with her team at PFEW 2019!
For years we’ve supported a program that arms high school students with the tools to be our next great employees – Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW). PFEW brings together students and businesspeople for a powerful hands-on learning experience where students are immersed in the exciting world of modern business and free enterprise. The goal is to properly prepare our young people for the demands of the 21st century workforce.
At PFEW, students make the same decisions real executives make as they run a simulated manufacturing company. Each team is paired with a volunteer business mentor who imparts invaluable real-world perspective as they explore all facets of business operations and develop the skills that today’s employers seek. Teams are responsible for two judged presentations where they must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of all facets of business operations. The week is highlighted by Speakers delivering inspiring messages directed at the students’ personal and professional development. An ethics case study, other business-related activities and the college experience round out this exciting week. Since 1979, more than 46,000 young Pennsylvanians and countless PA companies have benefitted from this unique program.
There’s no more urgent work than preparing our young people for careers in our community, but why PFEW? In the words of 2019 PFEW graduate Brina Cartagenova: “This week at PFEW will resonate with me for years to come, for it is an eye-opening experience for Pennsylvania youth. Arriving as wide-eyed, eager children and leaving as empowered, confident leaders, PFEW students go through an academic cultivation like no other.” Brina describes PFEW perfectly – cultivating our next great generation of empowered, confident leaders. No other model educates students like PFEW, and that’s why we proudly support it.
Every student attends PFEW on a fully tax-deductible $625 sponsorship donated by a business, foundation, organization or individual, but real value of PFEW is immeasurable. I encourage you to provide these vital sponsorships for our local students and, if possible, volunteers for the sessions. FFEE is an approved Educational Improvement Organization through the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, and all programs are eligible to receive EITC funding.
FFEE offers two additional programs that prepare students for success and provide incredible value to our young people and our business community. The Stock Market GameTM (SMG) teaches students in grades 4-12 about investing and financial literacy, and the Speaker Series helps students explore careers and fulfill state mandated Career, Education and Work (CEW) standards. All Foundation programs have one goal in mind – preparing our young people for successful careers in Pennsylvania. If you would like to learn more about PFEW or their other educational offerings, please visit the Foundation’s website, www.pfew.org, or contact Scott Lee, vice president of marketing & development for the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education at (814) 833-9576 ext. 8, or scott@pfew.org.