COVID-19 Updates and Resources

COVID-19 Prevention Kits – FREE PPE Supplies
Chamber’s throughout the County are distributing no-cost PPE Kits to small businesses (fewer than 100 employees).  The initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between Montgomery County Commerce Department and the Office of Public Health and Alliance of Montgomery County Chambers of Commerce. Kits will be available October and into November. CARES Act funding received by Montgomery County financed the kits. Call Chamber at 610-489-6660 or email info@PV Chamber.net to reserve your kits.

Montgomery County Face Covering Requirement Guidance for Business
Please follow these guidelines about face coverings. This one page document includes guidelines, information and resource links for business owners.

Montgomery County COVID-19 Data Hub
Here you can find information, maps, FAQ’s and resources about the coronavirus outbreak

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESSES: 

Comcast RISE – Comcast Offers Thousands of Grants, Equipment, Marketing and Tech Resources to Small Businesses Hardest Hit by COVID. The first roll-out of the program will support black-owned businesses. Learn more here

PA 30 Fund provides forgivable loans for PA based small businesses and is eager to see an increase in applications from eligible small businesses in Montgomery County. The loans are intended to provide immediate assistance (withing 3 days).

Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit for COVID-19 Impacted Employers

The CARES Act provides fast and direct economic assistance for American workers and families, small businesses, and preserves jobs for American industries. Learn more here.

Short-term Working Capital Available for Small Businesses – B2B business experiencing tight cash flow and delays in customer payments? Interface Financial Group may be able to provide working capital to cover the shortfall. https://www.interfacefinancial.com/team/clark/how-it-works/ or email: BClark@interfacefinancial.com

Accounting questions? Contact Matt Baker at Maillie LLP for guidance.  mbaker@maillie.com

PA Department of Community & Economic Development COVID-19 Resource Page
FAQ, financial assistance being offered to businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the Department of Community and Economic Development.

EMPLOYER GUIDANCE:

Prepare Your Workplace
Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools, and Homes

This is a flyer you can customize and post to inform your employees and customers about the steps you are taking to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Screening measures for businesses: The Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security at the Bloomberg School of Public Health has released a new tool to help business owners who are considering reopening or expanding their operations to determine their establishments’ risk of transmission of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and how to reduce it.

IMPORTANT:  Businesses with in-person operations and customers are REQUIRED to print, sign and display the COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses document.  More information can be found here.

*** Bringing PA Back Educational Webinar Series was developed to help businesses understand the critical issues to consider as they reopen their business from COVID-19 pandemic.  The PV Chamber strongly recommends business owners review the the information provided in the 4 links found below as they plan for phased reopenings:
Prepare Your Workplace: Cleaning, Sanitation and PPE 
HR and Healthcare Considerations 
Litigation and Liability Issues in Reopening 
Recovery Process for Key Areas of Your Business

HR Compliance Guidelines 

Personal Protection Equipment including disposable and reusable masks, KN45, gowns, booties, hand sanitizers, wipes and other protective items contact Bruce Zanar at 610-792-2105 or view Motivational Marketing’s PPPE webiste

Need signs, PPE, sneeze guards, commercial cleaners?  Browse the Chamber directory for businesses that can help you ready your workplace for reopening. Or call the Chamber office for a referral.

BUSINESS RESOURCES FOR COVID-19 – Bringing PA Back by PA CHAMBER

COVID-19 Data Hub info for Employers

FMLA and COVID-19:  Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights

Unemployment Compensation for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

May 11, 2021: The Wolf Administration announced that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17.Read more 

May 14 Montco to lift mask mandate for sports and outdoor activities. The  county will no longer require participants in school sports or any other “high exertion” outdoor activities to wear masks, officials announced Wednesday. The new guidance goes into effect this Friday, May 14

COVID-19 Vaccination Update:   The COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized and available for everyone age 12 and over. Only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for use in 12 to 17-year-olds.  Please visit MontcoCOVID-19 FAQ page for more details.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Overview of virus along with links for what you should know, situation updates and other information from CDC

Phoenixville Hospital – Tower Health 

Pennsylvania Department of Health

PA 2-1-1
PA 2-1-1 is part of the national 2-1-1 Call Centers initiative that provides an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for anyone seeking health and human services information – for everyday needs and during crisis situations.

Daily Bread Community Food Pantry
Food insecure families and individuals in our territory are invited to visit us during our hours of food distribution, which are currently Monday mornings 9am -11am, Thursdays  6pm – 8pm and Saturdays, 9am -11am.   To learn more about food distribution or to help support our food pantry, please visit our website.
 

EMPLOYMENT: 

CareerLink Services – call (610) 270-3429 – for life-sustaining businesses that need additional workers.  Recruitment and online job posting assistance is available. Funds are still available for on-the-job training and Incumbent Worker Training.

e-FMLA and e-psl Questions:
PVCC Member, Ann K. Angelucci, Premier Payroll Services, would like business owners  to know that you can contact Premier Payroll Services (regardless if you are a client or not)  for answers to your questions about EMLA and PSL. We are here to help. Together we will prevail.   C: 215-756-2266

PA Unemployment & COVID-19

TECHNOLOGY: 

Technology Solutions: Plus 1 Technology  has resources to help companies achieve a level of mobility that maximizes their efficiency, productivity, and security. Solutions include remote access, VOIP , laptops, video conferencing, and data security. Contact Marc Umstead at mumstead@plus1technology.com or 610-792-5660

Because we are committed to doing everything we can to prevent any spread, our staff is working remotely and our office will remain closed to the public until further notice. You can reach us by phone at 610-489-6660 and by email at  renee@pvchamber.net

Follow us on FaceBook

Visit PV Chamber website

Sign up for Enews Updates – send email to info@pvchamber.net
You can view recent announcements here.

Share YOUR Upcoming Events on PV Chamber Community Calendar

More helpful links: 

Collegeville Economic Development Corp (CEDC) Facebook Page

Collegeville Borough Office of Emergency Management

Many of our member restaurants & catering companies are providing alternatives, such as online ordering and delivery services, cocktails to-go and modified dining arrangements.  Please visit the Chamber Directory for a  list of restaurants., grocery stores, and wholesale clubs.  Remember to call ahead to ensure services and hours of operation. Find special offers under The Bright Side tab on this page.

Please support our local businesses during these challenging economic times.

DaVinci’s Restaurant & Pub – opening Thursday June 4th for curbside pickup. Check out specials including family dinners, date night meals and cocktails to go! (610) 831-1955.

Pizza Stop – Curbside Pickup and Delivery within 3 mile radius of Collegeville Shopping Center. Family meal deals. Call (610) 489-6225

The Trappe Tavern – Carry-out orders for food and 6 packs to go! Daily specials. Call (610)489-8686

S&B Events Concepts & Catering – Offering home-cooked meal ready for pickup. Call 267-263-2616 for details.

Troubles End Brewing – Carry-out and special offers. Call (484) 902-8076

Speck’s Chicken –  Call (610) 489-2110.  And we are now on GrubHub!

Pink Moose Ice Cream & Cafe – Take-out lunch, ice-cream and desserts.(484) 938-7125

Sip’s Bistro – Curbside pickup. Call (484) 924-9721

Dairy Queen Trappe – Drive Up Window

Main Street Nutrition – Curbside pickup. Pay it Forward Campaign. Text  610.203.8437

Clean Juice Collegeville – (484) 854-6974

Margarita’s Collegeville – Curbside pickup and cocktails to go. (610) 831-5700

Rita’s Water Ice Collegeville    Modified hours. (610)489-5804

Take Out Deals 
Troubles End Brewing:  Check us out on FaceBook for latest growler list.

Gift Vouchers – Buy today for a better future!
Our small businesses are what make our community special. Purchasing a gift voucher today, to use when mandates are lifted, will help these businesses survive. Many small businesses are offering GREAT DEALS on gift certificates! 

Whitemarsh Township Parks & Recreation In-Home Recreation Resources Page
Whitemarsh Parks & Rec presents recreation and leisure activities to do that will respect social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines, and will include resources for on-line programs (facebook live, webinars, etc.), and health and wellness initiatives (nutrition, mental health, nature, education, exercise, etc.).These elements, shared by our creative programming team, will hopefully bring some positive cheer and stress reduction to the community during this challenging time. All welcome to participate.

Pinot’s Palette introduces At Home Art Kits and virtual classes!  Delivery available. Kits include everything you need to paint a canvas.  Click here for details.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Silver Linings – Let’s spread happiness!
More than ever, during times of crisis, communities rally to support one another. Please pass along the positive things you are seeing in the PV region: 
(Share your stories about good deeds happening in our community. Send details to renee@pvchamber.net for posting)

May 20 – Phoenixville Hospital Tower Health held a fond farewell to one of their Rehabilitation patients. Corey was diagnosed and treated for COVID-19 at Chestnut Hill Hospital – Tower Health. He continued his journey to recovery in Rehabilitation at Phoenixville Hospital. After 14 days of intensive therapy, he was able to independently walk out of the hospital to meet his loving family.

May 13 – Adhering to social distancing guidelines, the staff at Abramson Senior Care welcomed back Ginger, a resident that recovered from COVID-19.

May 3rd – Bells Across America Day
Collegeville Borough Mayor Aidsand Wright-Riggins has Proclaimed May 3rd, 2020 as Bells Across America Day in Collegeville Borough. The Mayoral Proclamation is to express gratitude to the front-line workers for maintaining essential services to the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The official Proclamation can be viewed here: Proclamation Bells Across Pennsylvania Day

In May, the owners of Chow Bistro offered to-go meals for those struggling to feed their families because they are out of work due to COVID-19.

Baum, Smith & Clemens, LLP teamed up with Trappe Tavern to deliver meals to hospital workers throughout the region during the COVID-19 crisis.  Einstein Medical Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital, and Grand View Hospital were a few of the lucky recipients.

During the month of April, Main Street Nutrition is hosted a “Pay it Forward Campaign” to treat essential workers all month. Every dollar that came in, Main Street Nutrition matched it. A special thank you to everyone who had paid it forward. It’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Thanks to the generosity of their clients, Main Street Nutrition delivered drinks to essential personnel that at Phoenixville Tower health, Trappe Fire Co. No. 1, Key Bank, Einstein Hospital, and more. Venmo @MSNtogo

March 26, 2020: Posted by PVSD – Shout out to Perkiomen Valley High School Mr. Andrew Colvin and his willingness to help local medical professionals by printing masks. Thanks also @Drneilgulati and @karthikganesh #sogoodtogiveback #PVempowers

March 24, 2020:  Read this heartwarming story from Denise MacMurtrie, Peace Restored Organizing. She looked for and found the silver lining during this storm!

March 18, 2020:  “Orangetheory at Home” workouts. These are created by the very same team that creates the in-studio workouts, with the difference being that we know you may not have weights or a treadmill, and you may not be able to go outside. Stay active, healthy and safe. Watch the first workout here

March 16, 2020: Zenon Jaicki and the Community Club of Collegeville collected and delivered 120 pounds of not only food but cleaning and sanitizing products for families at The Daily Bread Community Food Pantry! 

Just for fun – laughable moments to share with family and friends…

We have permission to share this funny video produced by Nick Savino, PSU Grad and made entirely with healthcare products!
“U Can’t Touch This” COVID 19 Edition – Made Entirely With Healthcare Products

We continue to closely evaluate information as we receive it and will share with you moving forward. Please check our events page for the latest updates.

Dr. Robert McMurtrie presents the currently available vaccines and Dr. Broker speaks about changes in recommendations for those who are vaccinated.  Audience Q&A follows the presentations.

View Dr. McMurtrie’s  Slides Here 

View Dr. Broker’s Slideshow Here

Click HERE to REGISTER for COVID-19 Vaccine at ENT & Allergy Specialists!

Thank you event Sponsors:

Brian Broker, MD

President, ENT and Allergy Specialists

www.ENTandAllergySpecialists.com

O: 610-415-1100

Dr. Robert McMurtrie 

CMO, Phoenixville Hospital, Tower Health

610-933-1000

View Program Slideshow Here 

Brian Broker, MD

Chief Medical Officer, The Physicians Integrated Network

www.ThePhysiciansIntegratedNetwork.com

President, ENT and Allergy Specialists

www.ENTandAllergySpecialists.com

O: 610-415-1100

We are thrilled to present a virtual town hall discussion with Dr. Brian Broker. Dr. Broker is a Board Certified Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and Surgeon.  Dr. Broker will explain the science behind COVID-19, including new findings about how the virus is transmitted, why we are seeing spikes in the number of cases throughout the US, explain how other countries have managed to keep infection rates down, the importance of social distancing and masks, ways to keep employees and customers safe, and safety measures for schools, day care facilities and colleges. Dr. Broker will present the most up-to-date findings and answer attendee questions; submit your question on the registration form.

Dr. Broker has more than 29 years of experience with Upper Respiratory Conditions, Sleep-disordered Breathing, and Otologic Care. Dr. Broker is the author of many publications concerning new treatments for ear, nose, and throat disorders and holds several leadership positions in the medical field. Dr. Broker is the Medical Director of the Surgery Center of the Main Line. He was appointed by Governor Rendell to be an advisor on the Medical Liability Task Force and Chairman of the Otolaryngology section and member of the Medical Executive Committee at Phoenixville Hospital.

Dr. Broker is a frequent COVID-19 panelist on local news reports.

PHOENIXVILLE HOSPITAL NEEDS SUPPLIES DURING CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK
Phoenixville Hospital has an immediate need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for their staff including surgical masks, gowns and eyewear.  Now accepting homemade masks.  Read more here. 

Message to Retail/Non-Essential Businesses that are currently closed due to the Governor’s directive:
In a way to provide immediate support to our local small businesses that have modified their operations we would like to compile a list of retail businesses where members can purchase gift cards to be used at a later date.  These will include hair salons, spas, specialty stores or service-related businesses. Send details to renee@pvchamber.net or call the Chamber office at 610-489-6660.

Share your SUCCESS STORIES with us! As we continue to navigate uncharted territory, we would like to share positive stories with our members and community. Email details to renee@pvchamber.net or call 610-489-6660 with details.