The Montour County Commissioners have awarded a total of $384,868 in financial assistance to 31 small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The Commissioner approved grants of up to $20,000 per business at their September 8th meeting. The funds were provided through the COVID-19 County Relief Block Grant from the CARES Act.
Ken Holdren, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, expressed his appreciation to the committee that developed the program guidelines and reviewed applications. The committee was chaired by Commissioner Trevor Finn and included representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Danville Business Alliance, DRIVE, and County Planning Commission. The Central Susquehanna Community Foundation administered the application process.
A second application round for small businesses is planned for early October.
Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s (PASSHE) 14 universities offer programs and opportunities that prepare students for successful lives and careers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In November of 2019, the State System held a two-day workforce summit with 80 chief executives and human resources officers from across the Commonwealth. The summit identified the skills and competencies needed within six industry sectors: advanced manufacturing, agri-business, information technology, healthcare, finance & business services, and energy.
As a next step in its work to identify workforce needs, PASSHE is coordinating Regional Workforce Assemblies that are being offered to businesses (free of charge) within each region this Fall to provide participants with the opportunity to validate the skills and competencies required for in-demand occupations, share information about existing partnerships and programs dedicated to building our workforce, and make connections for building solutions to meet workforce demands now and in the future. The Northern Regional assembly, which includes Columbia and Montour counties, will be held from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. on September 24th . Assemblies will include condensed and interactive sessions between 20 and 45 minutes long with a break for lunch.
Comprehensive information and registration is available at www.prepared4pa.org/assemblies.
On Tuesday, September 8th, Governor Tom Wolf announced that restaurants may increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent starting September 21. To ensure that these businesses operate safely as Pennsylvania continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and to instill customers and employees with confidence knowing that they can dine safely, restaurants will commit to strictly complying to all public health safety guidelines and orders through a self-certification process.
Restaurants that self-certify will appear in the Open & Certified Pennsylvania searchable online database of certified restaurants across the commonwealth. Consumers will be able to access this database and find certified businesses in their area, ensuring that consumers can make more informed choices about the food establishments they are looking to patronize.
The self-certification documents and information about the Open & Certified Pennsylvania program can be found online starting September 21 and will contain the following:
- A list of requirements contained in the current restaurant industry guidance and enforcement efforts;
- A statement that the owner has reviewed and agrees to follow these requirements;
- The business’ maximum indoor occupancy number based on the fire code; and
- A statement that the owner understands that the certification is subject to penalties for unsworn falsification to authorities.
Any restaurant that wishes to increase to 50 percent indoor capacity on September 21 must complete the online self-certification process by October 5. Business owners should keep a copy of the self-certification confirmation they will receive by e-mail. Social distancing, masking and other mitigation measures must be employed to protect workers and patrons. Further, starting September 21 restaurants that have alcohol sales will close alcohol sales at 10:00 PM.
Additionally, restaurants that self-certify will be mailed Open & Certified Pennsylvania branded materials, such as window clings and other signage designating their certification, which they can display for customers and employees.
The self-certification will be used as part of ongoing enforcement efforts conducted by Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, and will be shared with the departments of State, Labor & Industry and Health, and other enforcement agencies. Restaurants operating at 50 percent capacity will have their self-certification status checked as part of ongoing enforcement by these agencies starting on October 5, and will focus on educating businesses. The commonwealth will continue its measured approach to easing restrictions, keeping the rest of the targeted mitigation tactics specific to the food retail industry in place as restaurants increase capacity to 50 percent.
The self-certification process is modeled after a similar mitigation effort in Connecticut, and the alcohol sales limitation is modeled after a similar mitigation effort in Ohio.
Restaurant owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.
Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced Pennsylvania will complete implementation of the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program ahead of schedule and begin making payments to eligible individuals on Thursday, September 10, 2020. Individuals who apply and qualify will begin receiving their payments as early as Monday, September 14, 2020.
The federal government requires that only individuals who are fully or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 disruptions may apply for this benefit. To qualify for the extra $300, the LWA program also requires that eligible individuals must have a benefit rate and dependence allowance totaling $100 or more per week in benefits, and must receive a benefit payment for each week from one of the following qualifying programs:
- Regular Unemployment Compensation (UC);
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC);
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA);
- Pennsylvania Extended Benefits (EB);
- Shared Work or Short-Time Compensation (STC); and
- Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA).
Individuals receiving benefits from these programs, with the exception of PUA and Shared Work, will need to apply for LWA by certifying one time only that their unemployment is due to COVID-19. PUA claimants do not have to apply because they previously certified they were unemployed due to COVID-19 and will receive payments automatically. Employers in a SharedWork program must provide the required certification on behalf of all participating employees.
Beginning after 6:00 AM on September 6, 2020, claimants who need to complete the certification process should visit www.uc.pa.gov/cert and log in using their PIN as if they are filing a biweekly claim. Select the “Complete LWA Certification” button and fill out the certification. Again, this process will only need to be competed one time.
LWA payments will be made for the previous claim weeks below:
- August 1, 2020;
- August 8, 2020;
- August 15, 2020;
- August 22, 2020; and
- August 29, 2020.
Individuals who may qualify for LWA but have not yet received payment for an approved week from a qualifying program should still apply as soon as possible. At the time benefits are paid from a qualifying program to an individual for any of the approved dates, the LWA payment will follow one week later if the individual has already completed the LWA certification.
The temporary LWA program runs through December or until the federal funding is depleted. Pennsylvania will make public announcements when the final payment date is known.
For updates on the LWA program, visit www.uc.pa.gov or follow L&I on Facebook or Twitter.
In early August, President Trump directed the Secretary of the Treasury to defer the withholding, deposit, and payment of certain payroll tax obligations as a way to provide financial assistance to individuals impacted by COVID-19. Employers may suspend the withholding of the 6.2% Social Security payroll tax for wages paid between September 1st and December 31, 2020 if the biweekly compensation of the employee is less than $4,000. Withholding and remitting the deferred tax is the responsibility of the employer beginning in January.
Guidance was provided by the Treasury and IRS on August 28th, but leaves a number of questions unanswered. Member accounting firm McKonly & Asbury and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provide some additional guidance for employers.
Learn more about current government orders and legislation that could affect your business at the Chamber’s Virtual Legislative Luncheon with Congressman Dan Meuser sponsored by PPL Electric Utilities on Tuesday, October 6th at 12:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to get updates on discussions in Washington and ask questions to the person representing you in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The cost for the program is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Registration is required by October 2nd and the Zoom meeting link will be emailed separately. Register for the event online, download the registration form, or call the Chamber at 570-784-2522.
Going Gold 2020 Virtual Kick-Off Event Scheduled for September 2nd
Area businesses and volunteers are teaming up for the sixth year of Going Gold, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer and funds to help local families battling the disease. This year, Going Gold events and fundraisers will be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will kick-off with a virtual event on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 6:00 pm. The event will be streamed on Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s Facebook page located at www.facebook.com/service1stfcu.
The virtual event will feature local families sharing stories of love, hope, strength and determination during their fight against pediatric cancer, as well as performances by Woody Wolfe and Tim Latshaw. During this online event and throughout September the Going Gold Committee will be announcing a number of online fundraisers, including a shirt sale featuring a new design for 2020. The group will also share details about an online Going Gold raffle, specials offered by local businesses and other ways you can get involved and show your support. All proceeds will benefit the ThinkBIG® Pediatric Cancer Fund.
Over 15,500 children are diagnosed with cancer annually in the United States. The Going Gold initiative, which began in 2015, continues to expand. To date, this initiative has raised over $60,000.
Since 2014, ThinkBIG® has provided over $655,000 to help local families. To learn more about this organization, visit https://www.thinkbigpa.org/
For more information about Going Gold 2020, visit https://service1.org/goinggold or call Service 1st at 800.562.6049.
United in Recovery Celebrates Recovery Month this September
From free webinars to a Virtual 5k, join United in Recovery for 30-days of self-care and other special events – all geared towards providing anyone experiencing substance use disorder with resources, support, and community.
Now in its 31st year, Recovery Month takes place every September and is a month-long event designed to provide education on mental health and substance use disorders. It also celebrates the work of individuals in recovery and provides support to affected families and individuals in need.
“It is a time to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and, ever importantly, celebrate the people who recover,” said Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction and Education Coordinator at United in Recovery. “It is also a time to honor the treatment and service providers who make recovery possible.”
September 1st kicks off United in Recovery’s celebration of Recovery Month with 30-days of self-care and their annual 5k fundraiser. Each day there will be a self-care challenge posted on the United in Recovery Facebook page (@unitedinrecoverycolumbiamontour). A printable version of the calendar can also be downloaded from the United In Recovery webpage.
Due to the unique circumstances of COVID-19, United in Recovery is partnering with Titan Event Company to offer a ‘Virtual 5k’ this year. Participants choose from multiple distances (1 mile, 5k, or 10k) and can run or walk anytime, anywhere between September 1st – 21st. Everyone who participates is entered for a chance to win prizes. Winners will be selected at random. Registration is just $10 per person and kids 12 and under are free. Sign up today as an individual or a team at https://unitedinrecovery5k.itsyourrace.com/. Commemorative T-shirts are also available for purchase on the website for $15 each. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the United in Recovery program.
“Here at United in Recovery we celebrate everyone’s path to recovery. That is why we wanted to make sure to honor the month with lots of events, opportunities to get involved, and informational sessions to learn more about substance-use disorder and local resources,” said Adrienne Mael, President/CEO of United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties.
Two ‘Lunch and Learn’ webinars will be offered, the first on September 15th and the second on September 17th, from 12-1pm. Topics will include substance use disorder, what it is and how to fight the stigma surrounding this disease; the history of Recovery Month, as well as inspirational stories of recovery. Registration is free and opens on September 1st. Attendees must register in advance via the Zoom platform at https://cmcuw.org/events.
September 22nd at 7 pm is ‘Recovery Stories,’ a virtual storytelling event. This event provides an opportunity for those experiencing substance use disorder to come together to inspire, teach, and influence change. The hope is to tear down the walls of stigma by creating a safe place to share, learn, and grow in our understanding of this disease and how it affects individuals, their families, and our community as a whole. Registration for this event is free and opens September 1st. To sign-up, visit https://cmcuw.org/events/recoverystories or follow our Facebook page for the link.
“We want to cheer on those who have found recovery and support those still in the process,” said Ms. Mael. “Together we can end overdose deaths in our local communities and reduce the instances of substance-use disorder.”
To learn more about Recovery Month and all the events United in Recovery has planned, visit the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties’ website https://cmcuw.org/unitedinrecovery or email UIR@cmcuw.org for more information.
Committed to a Clean Energy Future
To meet the world’s growing energy demand while simultaneously addressing the risks of climate change, Williams must execute on practical and immediate solutions. We’re proud to share our climate commitment, which sets a near-term objective of 56% absolute reduction from 2005 levels in company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. This puts Williams on a positive trajectory to be net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the United States, we see firsthand the critical role natural gas plays in a viable and sustainable low-carbon future. By setting a near-term goal for 2030, we plan to leverage our natural gas-focused strategy and technology that’s available today to focus on immediate opportunities to reduce emissions, scale renewables and build a clean energy economy – while looking forward and anticipating future innovations and technologies.
Our path to net zero by 2050 involves a combination of immediate and long-term solutions, including investments in renewables, technology and the best and brightest talent who are committed to doing what is right.
This is in addition to our $400 million solar initiative across nine states spanning Williams’ footprint.
I’ll be sure to keep you updated on our climate commitment progress and milestones, and we’ll also highlight our progress in our Sustainability Report going forward. Williams’ 2019 Sustainability Report is now available, showcasing our environmental, social and governance performance.
Our path to a clean energy future is underway, and we look forward to helping our customers and stakeholders like you meet your climate goals.
The PA Chamber last week reiterated its call for targeted and temporary liability protections for businesses adhering to health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, in response to Gov. Tom Wolf unveiling a fall legislative agenda and failing to include this top priority for the business community. The Columbia Montour Chamber Board previously expressed support for limited protection for businesses.
In a statement, PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said that employers who have invested tremendous resources to adhere to health and safety guidelines should be able to proceed with confidence that they won’t be targeted with unwarranted lawsuits brought on by plaintiffs’ attorneys looking to profit from the pandemic. “Pennsylvania employers are already being targeted, including some for safety policies the governor himself has directed the business community to enforce,” Barr said. “This ongoing litigation threat puts Pennsylvania at risk for additional economic and societal hardships.”
Among the priorities listed in Governor Wolf’s fall agenda include legalizing recreational marijuana, hazard pay for workers, expanding access to childcare, allowing for paid parental leave and $225 million in proposed grants and loans for Pennsylvania businesses. The press release announcing the fall agenda is available here.
The Columbia Montour Chamber’s Visionary Member Spotlight highlights United States Gypsum Company- Washingtonville Plant. USG is North America’s leading producer of gypsum wallboard, joint compound and an array of related products for the construction and remodeling industries. Since 1902, the company has led the manufacturing industry with innovations and products that set new standards for design, productivity and performance for customers all over the globe.
USG is highly engaged in a number of initiatives to strengthen the local workforce and enhance the communities in our region. The company has been a proud sponsor and participant of Chamber events such as the Holiday Open House and informational seminars. They also participate in legislative events, which are offered in both the spring and fall to give members an opportunity to discuss issues with elected officials at the state and federal levels.
The Chamber looks forward to partnering with USG on initiatives to make our area a better place for people to live and work. For more information on USG, visit their website, or connect with them on Facebook.
More than 430 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 Flavor City Oils.
Flavor City Oils offers a wide assortment of flavored olive oils, gourmet spreads, balsamic vinegars, and more. Located in downtown Danville on Mill Street, its grand opening will be held on Friday, August 28th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Members from the community are invited to stop by, meet with staff, and learn about the products that are offered.
Flavor City Oils can be reached at 570-275-5000 or by visiting its website.