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Help Available For Local Businesses!

Dear Chamber Members, please know that brainstorming is ongoing with Punxsutawney Area organizations and government to find ways to help local businesses that have and continue to be impacted by COVID-19, and in particular, businesses frequently required to shutdown or reduce operations.

And while local resources are not abundant, the Punxsutawney Regional Development Corporation (PRDC) in partnership with the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of five, $3,000 grants, to locally owned businesses affected by COVID-19.

Please click this link for eligibility information, grant conditions, and to obtain the application.

Applications MUST be complete, accurate, and received by the Chamber NO LATER than Monday, February 14, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.  Applications may be emailed to chamber@punxsutawney.com or dropped off at 102 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA.  No exceptions to the deadline will be permitted.

The Punxsutawney Chamber is committed to helping our Community thrive through coordination, partnerships, and creating and maximizing opportunities!


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It is amazing what can be done when everyone comes together to adva
nce community and economic prosperity!

Please join the Chamber to help grow the Punxsutawney Community!
Visit the Chamber website by clicking this link.
 


Thank you!
Bob Cardamone, Chamber Executive Director


Payroll Protection Program (PPP) - Version 2

New guidance and applications have been released by the SBA. The following is know as of this message.

First-Draw PPP Loan Still Available
 
If you did not receive a PPP loan in 2020, it is not too late. The Economic Aid Act has renewed the ability to apply for a First Draw PPP loan and has extended the eligibility to 501(c)(6) organizations (i.e. chambers of commerce), housing cooperatives, destination marketing organizations (i.e. tourist bureau), and selected media organizations.  In addition, increases to your First Draw PPP loan can be requested for the following reasons:
  • Partnership did not include Partner Compensation as permitted
  • Seasonal Employers eligible for higher amount under Economic Aid Act
  • Previously returned portion or all of First Draw loan
Second-Draw PPP Loan Request
 
A borrower is eligible for a Second-Draw PPP loan request if they meet all of the following criteria:
  • Employees 300 or fewer employees.
  • Experienced a gross revenue reduction of 25% or more in ANY quarter in 2020 compared to the equivalent quarter in 2019.
  • Received a first-draw PPP loan and used, or will use the full amount of the first draw loan for allowable expenses before the disbursement of the second draw loan.
Loan Amount
 
Most borrowers are limited to the lesser of $2 million or 2½ times their average monthly payroll. An eligible NAICS 72 restaurant or hotel is permitted up to 3½ times their average monthly payroll costs.
  • Payroll costs are permitted to be calculated utilizing calendar year 2019 or 2020.
  • Same definitions for payroll costs apply, with the clarification that premiums paid on behalf of employees for group life, dental, or vision insurance are included.
  • Additional guidance is provided for seasonal employers and new entities that were not operational for the full year 2019 but were in business prior to February 15, 2020.
Covered Period
 
Borrowers now have the flexibility to determine their own covered period. Once the second draw loan request is funded, the borrower can choose any time between 8 weeks and 24 weeks to utilize the funding. This added flexibility lets you manage your business while adhering to the employee retention guidelines.

Additional Allowable Expenses
 
The Act has expanded the permissible usage of PPP funds for BOTH First and Second Draw loans (retroactive) to include:
  • Operations expenditures, defined as any business software or cloud computing service that facilitates business operations.
  • Uninsured property damage caused by the vandalism/looting that occurred in 2020.
  • Supplier Costs that are essential to operations and made pursuant to a contract or purchase order in effect before the covered period, or during the covered period in the case of perishable goods.
  • Worker protection expenditures, including PPE (personal protection equipment) and any operating or capital expenditure needed to comply with CDC, Department of Health requirements. This can include, but not limited to, renovations costs for drive-thru window facilities, physical barriers such as sneeze guards, health screening capabilities, etc.
Timing
 
SBA has announced that only Community Development Institutions, Designated Minority Institutions, Certified Development Corporations, and Microloan intermediaries will begin accepting First-Draw PPP Loan requests Monday, January 11th and Second-Draw requests on Wednesday, January 13th. SBA has stated that PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.

Loan Forgiveness
 
Principal and interest for First Draw & Second Draw PPP Loans remain eligible for full forgiveness if during the 8 to 24-week covered period following loan disbursement the following criteria are met:
  • Employee and compensation levels are maintained
  • The loan proceeds are spent on payroll costs and other eligible expenses
  • At least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs
A simplified one-page forgiveness application for loans of $150,000 or less will be released in the coming days. Borrowers will need to retain documentation to show compliance with program requirements but will not be required to provide those records to their lender.  Borrowers seeking forgiveness should discuss their PPP forgiveness application with their financial advisors in light of the expanded eligibility for Employee Retention Tax Credits.

Extras
The Act also includes:
 
SBA Extends COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application Deadline through Dec. 31, 2021
 
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that the deadline to apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the COVID-19 Pandemic disaster declaration is extended to December 31, 2021.

To date, the SBA has approved $197 billion in low-interest loans which provides working capital funds to small businesses, non-profits and agricultural businesses make it through this challenging time.
 
“Following the President’s declaration of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the SBA has approved over 3.6 million loans through our Economic Injury Disaster Loan program nationwide,” Administrator Jovita Carranza said. “The EIDL program has assisted millions of small businesses, including non-profit organizations, sole proprietors and independent contractors, from a wide array of industries and business sectors, to survive this very difficult economic environment.”
 
EIDL loan applications will continue to be accepted through December 2021, pending the availability of funds. Loans are offered at very affordable terms, with a 3.75% interest rate for small businesses and 2.75% interest rate for nonprofit organizations, a 30-year maturity, and an automatic deferment of one year before monthly payments begin. Every eligible small business and nonprofit are encouraged to apply to get the resources they need.
 
SBA WEEKLY WEBINAR
 
Do you have questions about the SBA Emergency Loan (2nd Round) for small business owners?
 
This no-cost webinar is designed to provide small business clients with answers.
 
Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Chamber's Five-Star Select Membership is an optional status with member dues dedicated to supporting special Punxsutawney Community activities such as holiday lighting, street banners, festivals, mixers, beautification projects, and more. 

To learn more about becoming a Five-Star Select Member
please contact the Chamber at (814)938-7700
or email chamber@punxsutawney.com
 
A special thank you to the
Chamber's Five-Star Select Members
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER SEND THEM HERE
This update is a great way to stay informed of local news, member information, and community activities. 

Please reach out to the Chamber with your business advertisements, offers, and events.

Send your information to the Chamber via email chamber@punxsutawney.com 
or call (814) 938-7700 ext. 2, or visit the Chamber at 102 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney, PA  15767
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF

PRESIDENT
Katie Laska​
Laska's Pizza
 
VICE PRESIDENT
Stevette Rosen
Renda Broadcasting
 
TREASURER
Shannon Kaza
INFirst Bank

SECRETARY
Kim Neigh
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Robert Cardamone - Executive Director

Cody Billotte - Cobblestone Hotel and Suites
Roque Carrasco, The Punxsutawney Spirit
Larry Chenoga -  Punxsutawney Borough Council
Katie Donald -  Groundhog Club
Susan Glessner
Dan Gordon, International Cartridge Corporation
Lacey Laney - Mulberry Square
Thomas Lesniewski - Punxsutawney School District
Jeremy Limerick - Brody's BBQ
Jack Lingenfelter
Mandi Perry - Marketing With Mandi 
Jill Martin-Rend - Butler County Community College
Luke Riddle - 
Brackman Chevrolet Buick
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Copyright © 2021 Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.  All rights reserved.


Our email address is:
Chamber@punxsutawney.com

Our phone number is:
(814)938-7700

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