Governor Tom Wolf signed House Bill 327, now Act 21 of 2020, allowing the temporary sale of cocktails-to-go from bars, restaurants or hotels with a liquor license. The law takes effect immediately.

“This new temporary rule creates more business for bars and restaurants when they need it, helps to meet customer demand and supports social distancing,” said Governor Wolf. “As we approach the holiday weekend, I encourage all Pennsylvanians to remember to drink responsibly.”

The law applies to bars, restaurants and hotels that have lost 25 percent of average monthly total sales during the COVID-19 emergency. The beverages must be sold in containers with a secure lid in quantities from 4 oz. to 64 oz. before 11 p.m. An additional seal is required on the straw opening of a lid. Within 60 days, bars and restaurants must use a transaction scan device to verify a consumer’s age if the person appears to be younger than 35 years of age.

“Our local restaurants are working hard to feed our communities during this difficult time,” said Rep. Perry Warren. “Act 21 both streamlines the process for residents to decide whether to permit alcohol sales in a ‘dry’ municipality and allows restaurants to add another product for their customers for curbside pickup and takeout during this crisis. I thank Governor Wolf and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this bill.”

The temporary rule expires after the COVID-19 disaster emergency ends and a business reaches 60 percent capacity.

Pennsylvania’s open container law applies.

View additional information from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

• Comfort Keepers Offers Donations to Non-profits for Marketing Help
  Non-profit organizations in Columbia County have the opportunity to earn a $1,500 donation from Comfort Keepers Home Care. The company works with groups to place at least 100 yard signs throughout the area for a period of three months. Check local ordinances before placing signs. Interested organizations should contact Kim Noel at kim.comfortkeepers@gmail.com.  
   
• Free Outdoor Community Internet at Bloomsburg Public Library
  The outdoor area around the Bloomsburg Public Library is now a Community Hotspot that provides 24/7 access to the Internet. In partnership with Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), the Library will open its free WiFi service beyond the building. The Library invites the public use the Internet from the Library Lot or benches along Pine Street.
  Free WiFi attracts thousands of users to the Library each year and hundreds of users borrow mobile hotspots from the Library. However, the coronavirus crisis put a stop to these popular services since the Library was required to close in mid-March 2020. With a new outdoor access point donated by ITDRC, the Library will be able to extend its free WiFi network beyond the interior of the building to the outdoor area. Signs on the lawn provide the name of the network – Homework Hub. There is no password.
   
  “Closing the digital divide and providing 24/7 free public Wi-Fi in downtown Bloomsburg is essential during the transition from stay-at-home restrictions to the time when the library can again welcome visitors inside the building,” said Library Director, Lydia Kegler. Access to the Library’s free WiFi network will remain open even after the community returns to normal activities under the Green Phase. “We are excited to provide ongoing support for our community and their need for free, safe access to the Internet in the evening and on weekends. Despite the fact that many students and individuals in our area have Internet-enabled devices, many cannot afford the monthly Internet access fees,” added Kegler. 

  The Town of Bloomsburg made available several benches for people to stop at the library and enjoy the mini-park setting outside the library. During the Yellow Phase of the coronavirus crisis, the Library Director, Lydia Kegler, urges all visitors to maintain social distancing, whether they enjoy a bench or stay in their car.

Sara Blakely, founder of SPANX is donating $5 million to female entrepreneurs to help their business, families, and employees to alleviate the pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Red Backpack Fund will provide 1,000 female business owners with $5,000 in funding each. In addition to the funding, each woman will also receive a “lucky” red backpack and a free annual All-Access Pass to all 80+ MasterClass instructors including Blakely’s class on entrepreneurship.

The next application rounds will open on June 1, July 6, and August 3.

Click here to learn more.

As Pennsylvania begins a phased re-opening plan for the state, businesses are doing all they can to prepare for a safe work environment, ensure the safety of their employees and determine how to operate in this new business landscape. As part of its mission and Bringing PA Back initiative, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is committed to helping businesses come back stronger than ever. The Chamber is working with top experts to bring essential training to companies across the Commonwealth.  This 5-part webinar series will assist your company in navigating important regulations to guide you through a safe re-opening and help answer some of your critical questions as we move to this next phase.

Upon completion, your organization will receive a Course Completion Certificate which demonstrates that your company has attended all five parts and has put forth a “good faith” effort to educate yourself on these key topics of importance to business.

Visit the PA Chamber’s website to register for this great opportunity to ensure the preparedness of your facility and the safety of your employees and customers as we work together toward Bringing PA Back!

The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC) is proud to announce the award recipients for the “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing?” (WSCM) Central Susquehanna student video contest awards. The ceremony premiered, online, on Thursday, May 14, 2020 on YouTube.

The video with the most votes, during three days of online voting in April, received the “Viewers Choice Award.” A panel of judges reviewed the videos for awards in three other categories: Outstanding Overall Program, Outstanding Team Spirit and Outstanding Brand Placement.

The WSCM contest partners students, from schools in Columbia, Lycoming, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties, with local manufacturers. Each student team scripted, shot, edited and promoted a short video that documents their experience, highlighting what is “cool” about manufacturing. One video in the region will be moving on to represent Central Susquehanna at the third-annual statewide competition in June.

“We had a really great contest our first year, and we’re so excited to share the videos and winners during our awards ceremony online,” said Dan Manetta, Executive Director/CEO IMC. “The students, the teachers and the manufacturers put in so much hard work to build this inaugural contest, and with everything that is happening right now, it’s important to be able to celebrate their accomplishments.”

This year’s awards and their winners are as follows:

1. Outstanding Overall Program: Millville Area Middle School – SEKISUI KYDEX
2. Outstanding Team Spirit: Central Columbia Middle School – Autoneum North America, Inc.
3. Outstanding Brand Placement: Lewisburg Area Middle School – GAF
4. Viewers Choice Award: Mount Carmel Middle School – Brush Industries, Inc./Qcard

Congratulations to the Millville Area Middle School and SEKISUI KYDEX team who are moving on to the statewide competition in June.

Partnering with Innovative Manufacturers’ Center, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce for the project are Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC), eMediaWorks, Sahl Communications, Inc, and EmpowerStar Marketing.

To view the WSCM Central Susquehanna Awards video, visit WSCMCenCSQ Awards Show.

Visit WhatsSoCool.org for more information and resources and follow on Facebook.

Today, May 15th, Governor Wolf announced that Columbia County will move from the red to the yellow phase at 12:01 a.m. next Friday, May 22nd. This change lifts the stay at home order for individuals and allows more businesses to resume operations, with safety protocols in place.

Businesses that remain closed under the yellow phase include indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities, personal care services (salons, barbers, spas), entertainment, indoor malls, and restaurants and bars for dine-in. Additional details and guidance for businesses allowed to reopen is available on the Chamber’s website.

With the governor’s announcement, the resolution passed by the Columbia County Commissioners is nullified.

Today, May 13th, the Columbia County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to move the county from the red to yellow phase related to Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 reopening plan. While the change is scheduled to take effect Friday, May 15^th, the commissioners have offered to comply with the red phase if the Governor announces moving Columbia County to the yellow phase by the 22^nd. The PA Supreme Court has ruled that the governor has the authority to order businesses to close under a disaster declaration. 

During the meeting, Columbia County District Attorney Thomas Leipold stated that he would advise local law enforcement against prosecution of businesses that resumed operations, as long as they comply with safety protocols issued by the Department of Health. The commissioners cautioned that the county cannot defend businesses against any enforcement actions taken by the state. On Monday, Governor Wolf outlined consequences to counties and businesses that do not abide by his order to remain closed:

• Counties will not be eligible for federal stimulus discretionary funds the state receives and intends to provide to counties with populations of fewer than 500,000.
• Businesses that do not abide by the law risk liability insurance coverage.
• Restaurants that reopen for dine-in service will be at risk of losing their liquor license.
• Other businesses that reopen will be at risk of losing occupancy permits and state-issued licenses.

The governor did not publicly indicate any plan for identifying and penalizing businesses that violate the order.

Several bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate in Harrisburg that would limit the governor’s role as it relates to business closures and give the authority of easing restrictions to the counties. Gov. Wolf has previously vetoed legislation with similar intentions.

More than 435 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 Freas Farm Winery to help us fulfill our mission.

Freas Farm Winery is located outside of Berwick, in the village of Summerhill.  They began producing wine in the fall of 2013 and bottling in spring 2014, offering PA Preferred farm to table wines.  For additional information, visit their website or Facebook page. 

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 Harry’s Sporting Goods to help us fulfill our mission.

Harry’s Sporting Goods is located in downtown Berwick. They carry a variety of brands, and specialize in athletic goods including sneakers, clothing, equipment, and more. For additional information, visit their website or Facebook page.