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Punxsutawney is so fortunate to be known as the Weather Capital of the World!
Small, rural communities envy what we take for granted; international notoriety!
However, this recognition does not just happen but takes the hard work of many dedicated residents, loyal world-wide ambassadors, and the commitment of the media who help us promote and celebrate our Community and our traditions.
Thanks to Everyone Who Made Groundhog Day 2021 a Very Special Event
and
Congratulations to our Women of the Year, Sue Wolfe, and Man of the Year, Scott Depp.
It is amazing what can be done when everyone comes together to advance community and economic prosperity!
Thank you!
Bob Cardamone, Executive Director
The Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.
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The Jefferson County grant application referenced below can be obtained by clicking on the link below:
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Help Available For Local Businesses!
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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http://www.ncentral.com/eda-cares-act-revolving-loan-fund/
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HOW CAN THE CHAMBER HELP?
The Chamber is about helping members, and while the Board continually discusses and implements plans and activities to achieve this end, feedback from the members would help us refine and focus.
If you have a specific need or an idea you believe would help you, our membership, and/or our Community, please reach out to the Chamber by phone, or better yet, email us at chamber@punxsutawney.com.
Members can also ask the Chamber to help bring community awareness to an accomplishment, promotion, outstanding employee, a job vacancy, an event or non-profit fundraiser, a request for volunteer support, a training event, etc., etc.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
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Clarion University SBDC
SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 and All Lenders on Tuesday, January 19 (Read more.)
Register for the SBA webinar on February 4, 2021
The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a SBA Emergency Loan Webinar Series every Thursday beginning January 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. View Flyer |
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Current business owners and employees looking to sharpen their corporate
knowledge are encouraged to attend our business skills workshops.
Payroll: DIY or Outsource?
Thursday, February 4, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
A review of some of the many elements that go in to deciding whether to do your company’s payroll in-house or outsource to a payroll company. Updated for Cares Act Reporting guidance.
First Step: Starting A Small Business Webinar
Saturday, February 6, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The First Step: How to Start and Finance Your Business This monthly seminar provides an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan.
Use YouTube to Grow Your Business
Tuesday, February 9, 2021, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
(Please designate the Clarion University SBDC as how you heard about the event.)
During the webinar, Google professionals will review why you should get started on YouTube, how to create and promote videos that can help you achieve your business goals, and how to measure the effectiveness of your activities on YouTube.
Sales Tax Basics
Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 12:00 p.m.to 1:00 p.m.
Learn the basic knowledge of Pennsylvania sales tax: Who needs to be registered to collect? What items are taxable? When does sales tax need to be charged? Where do I file and pay? How do I keep proper records?
Live2Lead: Change Your World
Friday, February, 12, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Join the Clarion University SBDC for a virtual simulcast! Live2Lead is an annual global leadership event with world-class leaders. Created to share leadership principles and personal growth techniques so you can go and CHANGE YOUR WORLD! Interactive sessions with the SBDC will be provided throughout the simulcast.
First Step: Starting A Small Business
Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The First Step: How to Start and Finance Your Business This monthly seminar provides an overview on the steps to start a business along with an in-depth look at a business plan.
2021 PA Tax Series:
This series will be held throughout 2021. Click the link to see the details. |
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| Regional and National Events |
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NWIRC - Core Tool: Value Stream Management (Virtual)
February 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 2021, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
The focus of this course is to give participants the basic understanding of value streams and how to define and identify improvements that will improve the overall performance of the company.
Penn State Extension - Mental Wellness during COVID-19: Emotional Overload
Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m
Join this live webinar to learn strategies to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression at home and in business.
NWIRC - Employer's Guide to COVID-19 Vaccinations and Related Topics
Wednesday, February 17, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This presentation will provide employers with information and answers to questions pertaining to the vaccination of employees, as well as provide employers with an update on current legal topics related to COVID-19.
NW PTAC - Doing Business with U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS)
Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Join the PTAC and HHS Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) for this free contracting webinar. This FREE VIRTUAL workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of how to do business with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). |
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| Visit our website for more information about seminars, opportunities and news! |
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Updated EDA Cares Fact Sheet
This relates to North Central PA Counties.
Ben Franklin’s TechCelerator@StateCollege
Deadline to Apply: March 10, 2021
10-week business startup boot camp targets emerging tech-entrepreneurs from the university and the surrounding community who are thinking about turning a tech-business idea into a tech startup. Business mentoring from Ben Franklin’s Transformation Business Services Network and Penn State’s Small Business Development Center is also available free of charge in one-on-one mentoring sessions. At the end of the ten weeks, successful participants make a graduation pitch presentation to a panel of local professionals and potential investors with the opportunity to win up to $10,000 to help get the business started.
Northwest PA Next Generation Manufacturing Partnership, GR8T Manufacturing, recently unveiled a new tool to connect manufacturing companies in our region. These connections will facilitate local sourcing of products and services, problem solving, and increase understanding of the capabilities available in the region. Manufacturers in the GR8T Manufacturing region (8 counties of Northwest PA) are invited and encouraged to list their company on the site. Register here: GR8T Manufacturing B2B Connections Registration.
The application portal is open for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) summer opportunities: The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and The Oak Ridge Summer STEM programs. AEA helps the next generation of regional leaders and thinkers cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. This opportunity is available to students and teachers. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2021.
Join the Ascent today at Ascent.SBA.gov
SBA has announced Ascent, an interactive digital platform packed with resources women business owners need to set, and achieve, their business goals.
REQUEST FOR COVID-19 SICK LEAVE Form
USDA Rural Development Response to COVID-19:
Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Read the full stakeholder announcement here.
Our COVID-19 PPE & Supplies Business-2-Business (B2B) Interchange Directory can connect you with manufacturers that have masks, face shields, thermometers, hand sanitizer, medical gowns, and cleaning disinfectants available.
Non-profit Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund
Provides forgivable loans for Pennsylvania-based small businesses with 3-30 employees. The forgivable loan is intended to provide immediate financial assistance (within maximum 3 days) to meet payroll, preserve healthcare coverage for employees and save jobs while they await recently approved federal funding. More info here.
Small Business Advantage Grant
Provides 50% matching grants, up to a maximum of $7,000 to enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention equipment, or adopt waste reduction processes. Apply for the grant. |
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We are here to help businesses start, grow and prosper. Connect with us today!
Consulting Services -Available by phone, email, Zoom and in person.
Training - Click here to check out our upcoming training events.
814-393-2060 or sbdc@clarion.edu |
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| Funding support and resources are provided through a cooperative agreement with the US Small Business Administration, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Community and Economic Development; and through support from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Special arrangements for persons with disabilities can be made by calling (814) 393-2060. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. |
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SHOP AT PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL'S OFFICIAL SOUVENIR SHOP OR AT OUR WEB STORE
www.groundhogstuff.com.
Surprise a special person with a Groundhog memorabilia!
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| SEO 101: Search Engine Optimization |
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
$20
We are offering a workshop that is tailored to business owners that want to increase their website visibility!
In this webinar we will talk about:
Optimizing Your Website Content
- How Google Search Algorithm Works
- The Difference Between Organic Results/Paid Ads
- Google SEO Tools
- Search Engine Marketing
Speaker: Chris Vendilli, CEO & Founder, ProFromGo |
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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
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Clownfish Studios LLC
Thom and Kambrea Pratt
P.O. Box 434
Punxsutawney PA 15767
Business phone: (866) CLW-NFSH or (866) 259-6374
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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.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
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PRESIDENT
Katie Laska
Laska's Pizza
VICE PRESIDENT
Stevette Rosen
Renda Broadcasting
TREASURER
Shannon Kaza
INFirst Bank
SECRETARY
Kim Neigh
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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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
Mandi Perry - Marketing With Mandi
Jill Martin-Rend - Butler County Community College
Luke Riddle - Brackman Chevrolet Buick
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