Chamber Urges Safe Harbor Protections for Business

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As businesses are allowed to reopen, many business owners have expressed concerns about the risk of frivolous lawsuits seeking damages from COVID-19 infection as such lawsuits have been reported around the state. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce joined a coalition of 80 chambers of commerce throughout the Commonwealth in sending a letter to Pennsylvania’s federal and state lawmakers urging support for safe harbor protections for employers related to COVID-19. Gene Barr, PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO, issued the following statement.

“Pennsylvania employers have faced unimaginable challenges during this pandemic, the mandatory business shutdown and resulting economic fallout. Many now face the threat of unwarranted, opportunistic lawsuits, including hospitals and many healthcare professionals bravely treating patients, companies who have been working to keep our critical supply chains intact, manufacturers producing personal protective equipment and others on the front lines. Businesses that have stayed open to serve communities, as well as those who were forced to shut down but have managed to survive, should feel confident that if they take the necessary steps to comply with public health and safety guidelines, they are protected from unscrupulous plaintiffs’ attorneys seeking to profit from this disaster.”

“Pennsylvania employers have the talent, ingenuity and grit to rebound and rebuild, but they need smart policies out of Harrisburg and Washington D.C. to help remove obstacles to economic recovery. We urge Pennsylvania’s lawmakers to recognize this particular significant obstacle, as well as the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania employers depending on them to act.”

“Pennsylvania’s chambers of commerce are effective and passionate advocates for the businesses in their communities. Employers should be proud and lawmakers should take heed that so many chambers from throughout the Commonwealth have come together to support a most critical issue at this most critical time.”

Member News- June 17, 2020

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Bason Coffee Roasting Celebrating 9th Anniversary

Bason Coffee Roasting is celebrating their 9th birthday all month long! Stop in and see the store, all decorated for the occasion, and join them in celebrating!

All month long for every $10 spent each customer will receive one raffle ticket to enter into a basket raffle to be drawn at the end of June. Raffle baskets are posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Each Saturday for the rest of the month they will feature a different special.  On June 27th,  Bason Coffee Roasting invites you to join them in their parking lot from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. along with a variety of food vendors, to celebrate. Raffle basket winners will also be drawn on this day. 

 

 

“May the Force Be With You Day” at the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum

On Saturday, July 18th, at the Children’s Museum, meet and take pictures with professional Star Wars characters, make your own lightsaber, enjoy new games, crafts, food vendors. Plus dunk-a-trooper, Jedi obstacle course, blast-a-trooper, and new activities for this year’s event. $1 off admission if you wear Star Wars t-shirt or costume! Learn more here or by calling the Children’s Museum at 570-389-9206.

Due to Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines, tickets will be sold in advance. There will only be a limited number of tickets sold. TICKETS ARE REQUIRED FOR ENTRY, EVEN FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS. A portion of the Museum will be closed to maintain social distancing. Indoor restrooms and additional facilities outside will be available for ticketed guests.

PPP Deadline is Approaching on June 30

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The Paycheck Protection Program was modified earlier this month to provide greater flexibility in how small businesses can use their loan funds. The U.S. Chamber has updated its Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness accordingly. Click here to view the updated guide.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are responsible for updating the application form and instructions for loan forgiveness. You can find the most up-to-date information here.

Sharpen Business Skills with Google

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With digital platforms for business marketing ever increasing, a business owner needs to have an understanding to use these outlets to help grow.  Google Primer is designed to help anyone learn more about digital marketing and business. This is ideal for people like small business owners, job seekers, students, and startup entrepreneurs. Primer’s free lessons offer instructions on boosting sales, getting started with online marketing, customer engagement, and much more. 

After the app is downloaded, users can choose which topics are most relevant to them and take mini-lessons on those topics, all on their phones, and in 5 minutes or less. Some of the skills include video marketing, website, selling, email marketing, business planning, content marketing, customer engagement, business insights, business management, startup, digital marketing 1 and 2, mobile marketing, agency marketing, user experience, analytics, and brand building.

Primer and Grow with Google have partnered to create 3 unique mini-courses for business owners, job seekers, and startups. To find these mini-courses, learners can open the Primer app and search gwgbiz for business lessons, gwgstartup for startup lessons, and gwgjobs for lessons for job seekers.

For more information on Google Primer check out these resources and the Getting Started with Primer guide so you can find lessons that are right for you.

Welcome Allison Crane & Rigging

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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 Allison Crane & Rigging.  

Allison Crane & Rigging has over forty-two years of experience in crane and rigging tasks. Their certified operators can perform a variety of jobs with the capability to travel.  Their main office is located in Williamsport. Other locations include State College, Mansfield, and Pittsburgh, PA as well as Pecos, & San Angelo, TX.  Visit their website, or Facebook page to find out more information.