Category: COVID-19

CBICC COVID-19 Resource & ReSponse Center

4/12/2021

Updated as of 4/12/2021 at 3:00 pm EST.

Idea Exchange

CBICC's staff and board of directors are in ongoing communication with Centre County Government officials and other local leaders. We will keep CBICC members apprised with pertinent information for employers, employees, and customers.

The CBICC urges business owners and individuals to take necessary precautions in order to keep our community as healthy as possible at this time.

If you have an idea that you would like to share, please contact the CBICC (info@cbicc.org | 814-234-1829). Our staff continues to serve our members, even as our physical office complies with local, state, and/or federal guidelines.

HealtH Information

In the section below, please find information from federal, state, and local sources.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. (Click for info.)

Pennsylvania Department of Health

For real time updates about COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and impact by county, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health's website. (social media graphics; cases-by-county data; data via animations; hospital capacity)

Centre County Government

Local updates available here.

Mount Nittany Health
Resources for patients and community members available here.
* 4/10 donations (items, food, monetary) - view Wish List
* 3/26 drive-up testing by appointment
* 3/19 video with Dr. Joshi here

Penn State - COVID-19 Dashboard
* Click here to view Penn State's COVID-19 Dashboard

VaccinationS

PA Dept. of Health

As of 4/13/2021, all adult Pennsylvanians are eligible to receive a vaccine.
- Read More
As of 1/19/2021, here is the current information: (click to enlarge picture)

Click for eligibility quiz and interactive map of vaccination sites

Local health organizations and vaccination information/sign-up procedures:

Mount Nittany Health
- Visit https://www.mountnittanycoronavirus.org/
- As of 1/19/2021:
  - "Rather than calling the health system, the best way to stay informed and to self-schedule for the vaccine when it is available is to check mountnittany.org/coronavirus regularly."
  - "Patients are encouraged to sign up for My Mount Nittany Health, an online tool where you can communicate with your provider about the COVID-19 vaccine: mymountnittanyhealth.com."
Geisinger
- Visit https://www.geisinger.org/coronavirus/patients-and-visitors/covid-19-vaccine-faqs
- As of 1/19/2021:
  - "We have been informed by the Pennsylvania department of health that Geisinger will continue to provide the COVID-19 vaccine to those in the Pennsylvania Phase 1A now including those 65 and older and people 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions. Visit our FAQ page to see if you’re now included in Phase 1A and schedule your vaccine.
    http://geisinger.org/covidvax"
Penn Highlands Healthcare
- Visit the Penn Highland Healthcare COVID-19 Vaccination Website, here.
To find more local locations to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the PA Dept. of Health's website:
- https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx

Reopening

Centre Strong Pledge

Visit CentreStrong.org to take the pledge and/or view pledged businesses.
#CentreStrong businesses are committed to the health and safety of their employees, customers, and the greater community. As such, they comply with all CDC, state, county, local, and other COVID-19 precautions such as masking, 6' physical distancing, sanitation, etc.
Together, we can restart our local economy!

April 4, 2021 - Gov. Wolf Eases COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

Read Full Details Here
Restaurants may resume bar service; alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food; the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will be lifted.
- BUSINESS, WORK, SCHOOL, CHILD CARE, AND CONGREGATE SETTINGS
  - Telework is strongly encouraged
  - Businesses with in-person operations must follow updated business and building safety requirements
  - Face coverings are required in businesses
  - All in-person businesses may operate at 75% occupancy (including gyms and other personal service businesses)
  - Indoor dining at restaurants open at 50% (75% for self-certified restaurants)
- SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS
  - Gathering limits in place:
    - Indoor events: 25% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement
    - Outdoor events: 50% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size and only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement
  - Face coverings are required to be worn indoors and outdoors if you are away from your home
Read Full Details Here

May 29, 2020 - Centre County Enters Green Phase of Reopening

12/10 - Gov. Wolf: New, Temporary COVID-19 Mitigation Measures Announced for December 12, 2020 - January 4, 2021
- Read More
10/6 - Gov. Wolf: New Indoor/Outdoor Gathering Limits Based on Occupancy Begin October 9
- Read More
- View FAQs
9/8 - Gov. Wolf: Indoor Dining Capacity May Increase to 50% Beginning Sept. 21 after Self-Certification Completed; Restaurants Serving Alcohol Must Close at 10 pm Beginning Sept. 21
7/15 - Executive Order Limits Indoor Dining, Indoor Groups, Requires Teleworking Where Possible, and More
6/4 - Additional Guidance Released for Safely-Performed, Non-Emergency/Routine Dental Procedures
- View Dental Guidelines
5/27 - Gov. Wolf Releases Green Phase Guidance
- View Green Phase Guidance
5/26 - Gov. Wolf Announced Centre Co. to Enter Green Phase on Fri, May 29, 2020
5/26 @ 10 am - Commissioners' Meeting to Discuss Dates Again
- Unanimously Vote to Request Gov. Wolf Moves Centre Co. to Green Phase on 5/29/2020 (CDT article)
5/24 - CDT: Centre County commissioners change course, now support earlier entry into 'green phase'
5/23 - StateCollege.com: Business Leaders Press Commissioners to Reconsider Green Phase Delay
5/23 - CBICC Member Call with Commissioner Michael Pipe
5/22 - CDT: Centre County will not move to the 'green phase' next week. Here's why - and who will

May 8, 2020 - Centre County Enters Yellow Phase of Reopening

5/4 - Gov. Wolf Releases Yellow Phase Guidelines for Businesses
- View Yellow Phase Guidelines
  - Download and Print Required Poster to Sign and Display for Reopened Businesses
  - View Building Safety Measures (issued 4/5)
  - View Customer & Employee Safety Measures (issued 4/15)
    - View Graphic - What to do if business exposed to COVID-19 case?
- Download Customer-Friendly Posters (add your business logo)
- Need Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?
5/6 Member Call - View Slides
5/19 - Gov. Wolf Announces Real Estate May Conduct Limited Business Transactions Statewide
- 5/19 - View Real Estate Guidance
- View More Information
5/1 - Gov. Wolf Announces Centre County Will Enter Yellow Phase on May 8
4/22 - Gov. Wolf Targets May 8 to Reopen North Central PA into Yellow Phase
- View Red-Yellow-Green Phase Graphic

May 1, 2020 - Golf Courses, Marinas, and Private Campgrounds Reopen

4/27 - Gov. Wolf Announces Limited Outdoor Recreation Reopening

May 1, 2020 - Construction Sector Reopens

April 20, 2020 - Online Vehicle Sales

Plan to Reopen PA

View Plan
- View Red-Yellow-Green Phase Graphic
- View 6 Reopening Standards Graphic
4/28 - Centre County Commissioners: Reopening a Marathon, Not a Sprint
- View Slides
4/18 - Gov. Wolf Releases Plan for PA
4/17 - Gov. Wolf's Remarks on Parameters for Plan to Reopen PA
4/15 - Mask Requirement to Begin April 19 for All Customers and Employees within Businesses

Action Items

Is your business #CentreStrong?

Take the pledge at CentreStrong.org to let employees, customers, and the community know that your business is serious about COVID-19 precautions.

Together, we are restarting our local economy while keeping the health of our neighbors in mind.

Thank you to our partners: Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Downtown State College Improvement District, Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership, and Centre County Government.

Attention Local Businesses:

Please complete this Centre County, PA Medical Manufacturer/Supply Survey!

Your supplies and manufacturing capacity may be needed at the local level first and then potentially at the state and/or federal level.

Click here to complete this short survey.

April 6 - Gov. Wolf announced that the PA Manufacturing Call to Action Portal was mobilized for manufacturers that are producing - or can pivot to produce - COVID-19 related products and/or supplies.

Learn More

View Portal to Become a Supplier

Search for PPE Supplies to Purchase

If your home or business has extra N95 respirators, please consider making a donation to a local medical facility:

* Mount Nittany Health (foundation@mountnittany.org)
* Geisinger Gray's Woods (PRMARK@Geisinger.edu)

For more details, please see the CDC guidelines.

Resource Library

Businesses

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) (CARES Act)

View Recipient Data
- Centre County:
  - Approx. 1,808 total loans
  - Approx. saving 20,412 jobs
  - Of the loans below $150k, Centre County ‘s PPP loans totaled over $55M.
Apply by deadline of August 8, 2020 (may be extended, pending Congressional action)
Loan for 2.5 * avg. monthly payroll expenses
- includes salary, tips, commission, health insurance, and other benefits
- excludes employees making $100k+ in salary
April 3 - application period open for small businesses (under 500 employees; franchisees may use per-premise headcount), 501c3 non-profits, and some veteran non-profits
April 10 - application period open to 1099 independent contractors and self-employed individuals
To apply, contact the SBA or an approved and participating bank/credit union
- Many requirements waived for a traditional SBA loan, such as personal collateral and being denied by another lender first
- $10M maximum loan amount
- 1% for 2 years
- First 6 mo of payments deferred; interest will accrue during this period.
- Must apply by June 30, 2020
- Find an eligible lender
Loan forgiveness is possible
- Oct. 18: Simpler loan forgiveness for loans up to $50k (click here)
- May 18 - loan forgiveness application released (click here)
- 75% on payroll; 25% on rent, utilities, etc.
- If employee headcount is reduced and/or compensation is reduced 25%+, this could negatively impact forgiveness.
- Rehired employees positively impacts forgiveness.
- Tip: keep well-documented records of loan expenditures and payroll.
Federal Employee Retention Credit may be impacted
More information available at Treasury.gov
- Loan application, FAQ, and more
View Easy-to-Ready Guide (updated 4/23)a

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans & Resources

Learn more about SBA's options for businesses (3-step hand-out), including:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan
  - See details in section above
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL "idle")
  - View rolling results of EIDL program
    - As of 9/13/2020, PA received 95,860 loans totaling $5,038,826,044.
  - $2M maximum loan; 30 years; 3.75% small businesses or 2.75% for non-profits
  - $10k cash advance that may be received within 3 days; may be forgiven
    - Update: this may now be $1,000 per employee
  - Eligibility: businesses under 500 employees, non-profits, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, and self-employed
  - May be taken in conjunction with a PPP loan; purposes may need to differ
  - 6/15 - new loan applications now being accepted again
  - Learn More & Apply
  - Learn More & View Guide
- SBA Bridge Loans
  - $25k for current SBA clients
  - Learn More
- SBA Export Assistance
  - Up to $500k loan; up to $5M financing/credit line
  - Learn More
- SBA - Debt Relief for Existing SBA Loans
  - The SBA will automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of current 7(a), 504, and microloans for a period of six months.
  - The SBA will also automatically pay the principal, interest, and fees of new 7(a), 504, and microloans issued prior to September 27, 2020.
  - Learn More

Main Street Lending Program

4/9 - Federal Reserve Announced New Program (not yet in operation)
Details:
- Businesses with 1 - 15,000 employees
- $500k - $25M loans
- Loans made through participating banks
- Loan may be taken out in conjunction with a PPP loan
- View FAQs, Term Sheets, and More
- View Easy-to-Read Guide
- View CBICC Member Financial Institutions

PA - Restaurants & Bars - Self-Certification Process

Beginning Sept. 21, 2020, PA Bars & Restaurants may opt to complete the self-certification process in order to increase their indoor seating capacity to 50%.
- Participants in this program will stop serving alcohol at 11:00 pm.
- Learn More
- Apply Here
- Read FAQs
- Questions? Please contact covidselfcert@pa.gov
Read original statement from Gov. Wolf
- (10 pm last call later updated to 11 pm)

COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance

View Round 1 Recipients (47 Centre County businesses)
View Round 2 Recipients (51 Centre County Businesses)
Guidelines
Initial application window: June 30, 2020 - July 14, 2020
- Expect to hear a determination by Aug. 10, 2020
- If funds are not received, application will automatically be rolled into the second round. Do NOT apply twice.
Second application window: Aug. 10 - Aug. 28, 2020
- If you already applied, do NOT apply again.
Applicants to apply through CDFIs
- Centre County businesses would apply through either The Progress Fund or The Reinvestment Fund
Grant sizes: $5,000 - $50,000
Eligibility
- Businesses with 25 or fewer employees (FTEs)
- Businesses with $1,000,000 or less in annual revenue
- Businesses structured as C-corps, S-corps, LLCs, sole proprietors, 1099 independent contractors, or self-employed individuals.
- Located in PA/certify that 50%+ of revenues are generated in PA.
- In operation by or before Feb. 15, 2020.
- Currently in operation or have a clear plan to re-open.
Priority
- Businesses impacted the most financially based on gross revenue losses.
- Certain industry sectors including retail, food and hospitality, health and wellness, personal care (beauty/nail salons, spas, and barbershops), and child care and adult day care.
- Businesses located in rural communities and disadvantaged areas defined as U.S. CDFI Fund Investment Areas including those located in communities experiencing higher than average poverty rates, lower income (less than 80% of area median), unemployment rates and/or high population loss.
- Businesses owned and operated by low and moderate income business owners. Low and moderate income business owners are defined as those with a total household income of 80% or less than the county Median Family Income, based on the US Census Bureau’s 2018 American Community Survey (2018 ACS) or HUD 80% of Median Household Income.
- Women-owned businesses
- Businesses operating in communities participating in one of the following designated revitalization programs including: an active Main Street Program or Elm Street Program, a town in the Trail Town Program™, a town located in the PA Wilds™, or designated commercial corridors in Philadelphia, and Neighborhood Business Districts in Pittsburgh.

COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grant

View recipients, including 7 Centre County businesses
Application period opens 7/16. Apply here
Application deadline: July 31, 2020
Eligible businesses, healthcare non-profits, public transportation agencies, and CEDOs may apply for grants up to $3M.
Eligible industries include:
- healthcare & social assistance
- ambulatory health care services
- hospitals
- nursing and residential care facilities
- transit & ground passenger transportation
- food manufacturing
- food retail facilities
- janitorial services and security services for industries listed above
Grant funds may be used for hazard pay for direct, full-time and part-time employees earning less than $20/hour, excluding fringe benefits and overtime for the 10-week period from 8/16 - 10/24. Applicants may apply for up to $1,200 per FTE. Employers may apply for a grant to provide hazard pay for up to 500 eligible FTEs per location.

PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative (FFFI) COVID-19 Relief Fund

View recipients, including 4 Centre County businesses
Learn more and apply here
Application deadline: August 14, 2020
Eligibility
- Eligible businesses, non-profits, and cooperatives include grocery stores, corner stores, convenience stores, food hubs, mobile markets, farmers markets, and more.
- NOT eligible: restaurants, cafes, and more
- View full eligibility details
Award amounts will range from $15k - $1M
Priority given to those owned by, located in, and/or primarily serving historically disadvantaged communities and/or USDA-designated food desert; supplier diversity; and/or large/regional anchor supermarkets with a match.

PA Dept. of Agriculture - Dairy Cares Reimbursement Application

PA dairy farmers who were forced to dispose of milk during the COVID-19 supply chain impacts may apply for a minimum of $1,500 in reimbursements.
Learn more and apply here
Application deadline: September 30, 2020

PIDA Loans (Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority

3/31 - application window closed
$100k maximum loan; 0% for 3 years (2% for ag. businesses)
Eligibility: businesses with 100 or fewer employees, LLCs, and partnerships
Read More
Apply through a Centre County Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO):
- Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership
- SEDA-CoG

SEDA-CoG Local Loan Program

4/21 - SEDA-CoG announced a new $400,000 loan program to assist small business owners within its 11-county area, which includes Centre County
For more information and to apply, contact SEDA-CoG Loan Officer Douglas Wiburn (dwilburn@seda-cog.org)
Details
- $10k minimum loan
- $600 in fees
- No payments due for 6 mo.
- Amortization over 3 yr term
- 3.25% interest rate will accrue from the first day
- Interest from first 6 mo. will be added as a balloon pymt to last installment.

US Economic Development Administration - CARES Act - SEDA-CoG Loans

8/4 - SEDA-CoG received $6.3M from the US Economic Development Administration to fund a revolving loan program to assist small business owners within its 11-county area, which includes Centre County
For more information and to apply, contact SEDA-CoG at eda@seda-cog.org
Apply here; read press release here.
Details
- $10k minimum loan
- $500 underwriting fee
- $100 filing fee
- No payments due for first 6 mo.

Business Grants - County Relief Block Grant - CARES Act - Centre County Government

View all 403 recipients
Applications opened at 8:00 am on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020.
Read more; apply here.
Application deadline is September 11, 2020.

Non-Profit Grants - County Relief Block Grant - CARES Act - Centre County Government

View all 107 recipients
Applications opened at 9:00 am on Monday, Aug. 14, 2020.
Read more ; apply here.
Application deadline is September 28, 2020.

Rent Relief - CARES Act Rent Relief Program - Centre County Government Office of Adult Services

Read more; apply here.
Application deadline is September 30, 2020.
Completed applications sent to adultservices@centrecountypa.gov or mailed to Centre County Government Office of Adult Services, Attn: Faith Ryan, 3500 E. College Ave, Ste. 1200, State College, PA 16801
The Rent Relief Program provides up to six months of assistance through December 30, 2020.
First-come, first-served basis
Tenants, or landlords on their behalf, can apply.
Landlords or property managers must agree to accept $750 as the full month's rent payment even if the regular rent is more than that and by participating are attesting that they will not take the tenant to court for the remaining balance.
The program provides a maximum of $750 per month or $4,500 total to renters who have lost their jobs since March 1 or who have had an income reduction of at least 30% because of the pandemic.
Eligible households cannot have income exceeding the 100% of Centre County’s Area Median Income, which is adjusted for household size.
For each month of requested assistance, the applicant is reassessed to determine eligibility but does not have to submit an application each time.
If the applicant has had reduced income, they need to provide copies of income documents from January through their most recent paycheck. A copy of the tenant's lease and ownership documentation from the landlord or property manager are also required.
Each application requires a lessee household certification or renter application, landlord application and landlord/property certification, each of which is available on the PHFA website. If unemployed, applicants should provide a letter of unemployment or note if one has not yet been received. Names and social security numbers are also submitted to PHFA to be checked with the Department of Labor and Industry for eligibility based on unemployment status.
The CARES Act Rent Relief Program can only be used for back rent.

Centre County Government - Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Centre County Government is distributing free personal protective equipment (PPE) items, including masks, gloves, thermometers, and hand sanitizer.
Eligible Centre County businesses and non-profits must have fewer than 100 employees; items cannot be resold.
PPE request forms can be found here and should be returned to info@CentreRegionEMA.com by 5 pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2020.
Pick-ups will occur 10/8-10/12 at the Patton Township Fire Station, 2598 Green Tech Dr, State College, PA 16803.

PA 30 Day Fund

$3,000 grants for small businesses
Application period opened April 16, 2020
- Applications accepted on a rolling basis
Eligibility
- PA-based business with PA-resident owner
- In operation for one year
- 3-30 employees
Process
- Apply here
- Submit < 3 minute video
Approvals made in 3-5 days; grants do not need to be repaid.

Borough of State College - Sustain State College

1.) “Temporary Use Permit for Outdoor Commerce” relaxes zoning requirements for minimum parking spaces and setbacks in order to allow for more space outside to be used by businesses. Aimed at allowing businesses to conduct commerce and provide dining options outdoors.
- Apply here.
2.) Small Business Loan Program to assist both for-profit and non-profit businesses located within the Borough. The loan maximum is $10,000 at 0% interest with flexible terms.
- The application will be available online until it closes 9/30.
Read more details about the "Sustain State College" program.

Borough of State College - Refuse Credit

Businesses with a commercial refuse account may be eligible for a partial refund.
Click here to apply

Employee Tax Retention Credit (CARES Act)

This new employee retention tax credit is a 50% tax credit for the first $10,000 of compensation, including the employer portion of health benefits, for each eligible employee.
Read More
View Easy-to-Read Guide
3/31 Senate Finance Committee FAQs

Additional Tax Information

Sales Tax Relief
- 4/14 - PA businesses to benefit from waiver for prepayments of sales tax
  - Businesses that collect PA sales tax will not have to make accelerated sales tax (AST) prepayments over the next three months. Businesses should remit the sales tax that they collect during the prior month. The due dates are 4/20, 5/20, and 6/22.
    - Read More
    - View Graphic
Relief for Tax Payers
- 4/15 - Taxpayer Relief Announced
  - Read More
  - View Graphic

Unemployment Office Information

Apply Here (Individuals Receiving W-2s)
Apply Here (1099 Independent Contractors and Self-Employed Individuals
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
- Federal legislation expanded state unemployment in the following ways
- additional $600/week for up to 4 months (3/30-7/25)
  - 4/10 - separate payments to begin
- 1099 independent contractors and self-employed now eligible
  - 4/18 - this separate and new process launched
  - Learn More (View Flowchart Graphic; Scenarios Graphic)
- Questions? PUA Hotline Open M-F, 8 am - 3 pm: 855-284-8545
- Denied? Learn about the Appeals Process
Lost Wage Assistance (LWA)
- Beginning Sept. 6, 2020 - Applicants can begin to apply for up to $300 in additional federal unemployment benefits per week
- Learn more and apply here
Employers - Recalling Employees to Work
- Has your business has offered a job to an applicant who is receiving unemployment compensation benefits and the applicant refused the offer?
  - Complete Form "UC-1921W Refusal of Suitable Work" within 7 days of the job offer and return to Unemployment Office

Employers - An Alternative to Lay-Offs & Furloughs
- Shared-Work Program
  - Allows employers to retain employees while reducing their hours; employees are able to receive partial unemployment benefits.
- Learn More about PA's Shared-Work Program
- 4/17 - Read Article

Individuals

Unemployment
- See Above Section

Check from IRS - "Economic Impact Payment"
- Amount based on 2018 or 2019 tax returns
- Estimated individual amount: $1,200*
  - *individual rates depend on filing status and annual income; phase outs and caps apply
- $500 for each additional child under 17 years of age
- Calculator - estimate your payment amount
- FAQs
- Learn More (Status Update; Update Mailing Address; Non-Filers)

Retirement Options
- Up to $100k from IRAs & employer plans
  - exempt from 10% penalties and tax withholding
- Up to $100k loan against employer plans

Mortgages
- Federally-backed loans may delay payments for up to 12 months.
- Check with broker from more details.

Student Loans
- Federal loan payments and accrued interest suspended through 9/30/2020.
- Federal loan payments now through 9/30/2020 applied to principal.
- Check with lender for more details.

Safety Net Programs
- Visit 211.org

Resource Library for Businesses:

4/10 Giant Announces $250k Grant Pool for PA Food Chain Supply Businesses
- View recipients, including 3 Centre County recipients
3/29 CBICC Tools to Tackle COVID-19
- Overview for Individuals, Small Businesses, and Large Businesses
3/27 Gov. Wolf Signs COVID-19 Response Bills
- Bills Signed Include:
  - HB 1232
    - Local Tax Deadline Moved to July 15, 2020
  - SB 422
    - Primary Election Moved to June 2, 2020
  - SB 751
    - Changes to education requirements, including waiving 180 day requirement, payment of employees during closure, and ability to waive standardized testing
  - HB 68
    - Changes to unemployment requirements, including waiver of one week waiting period, job search, and work registration requirements
3/26 PA Institute of CPAs: Local Tax Deadline Moved to July 15 and Other Tax Implications
March Facebook Small Business Grants Program
3/21 PA Dept. of Revenue Extends State Tax Deadline to July 15
3/20 Treasury, IRS, and US Dept. of Labor Announced Paid Leave & Tax Credit Changes for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
- PA Chamber Insurance (more info)
3/20 StateCollege.com: Appeal Process for Closed Businesses
3/20 Federal Tax Deadline Extended to July 15 (State and Local Tax Deadlines TBD)
3/20 UPDATED Governor's List of Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses and Appeal Application (updated list) (waiver application) (FAQs)
3/19 SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available
3/19 StateCollege.com Offering FREE 200 Word Brief for Businesses Impacted
3/18 McQuaide Blasko: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Whitepaper
3/16 US Chamber: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Summary
3/16 Unemployment Waiting Period Waived

In the area below, please find CBICC members (click image for more information) that specialize in business-to-business assistance:

View more COVID-19 resources for businesses:

* PA Chamber
* US Chamber

CBICC members are ready to help navigate local business owners through this ever evolving time:

* Attorneys
* Accountants
* Insurance Professionals
* Banks/Financial Institutions
* Other CBICC Professionals

News Round-Up

- - - 2021 - - -
12/22 - New COVID-19 Relief Bill Passes Congress, Awaits President's Signature
- Read 12/22/2020 CBICC e-alert
- Read US Chamber of Commerce update; watch 12/22 recording
11/19 - Centre County Government extends free, on-demand COVID-19 testing facility at Nittany Mall through December 19, 2020
11/17 - Gov. Wolf announces new COVID-19 mitigation efforts, including 72 hour testing requirements for travelers
11/17 - Borough of State College reduces retail food license renewal fee for 2021 by 50%
10/2 - Gov. Wolf to waive liquor license fees to provide financial relief to restaurants and bars
9/8 - Gov. Wolf: Indoor Dining Capacity May Increase to 50% Beginning Sept. 21 after Self-Certification Completed; Restaurants Serving Alcohol Must Close at 10 pm Beginning Sept. 21
8/25 - PA Dept. of Labor & Industry announces PA approved for extra $300 per week for eligible unemployed workers
- Read more
8/25 - Penn State releases details about contact tracing efforts with the PA Dept. of Health
- Read more
8/21 - Penn State launches COVID-19 dashboard
- Read more
- View dashboard
8/20 - College Township passes mask ordinance with fines ranging from $150-$300
- Read more
8/19 - Patton Township passes mask ordinance with $100 individual fines and $100 business fines.
- Read more
8/17 - Ferguson Township passes mask ordinance with $100 individual fines and $300 business fines.
- Read more
8/4 - State College Borough passed a mask ordinance (2144)
- Read Mask Ordinance
- View Fact Sheet
- Highlights:
  - State College Borough businesses with employees not complying with masking policies may be fined up to $300 per day.
  - Individuals visiting State College Borough may be fined $300 per incident of not wearing a mask inside a place of business or in a public area where maintaining a 6' distance is not possible.
7/9 CDT: BIG 10 Announce Conference Games Only
6/13 Penn State to Resume In-Person Fall Classes
5/14 Penn State Cancels On-Campus Camps & Events Through June 30
4/29 Penn State Will Make Fall Semester Decision No Later Than June 15
4/23 Penn State Announces Staff Impacts
4/15 Gov. Wolf Announces Mask Requirement to Begin April 19 for All Customers and Employees within Businesses
4/15 Penn State Announces Virtual Summer Session
4/15 Penn State Cancels On-Campus Camps & Events Through June 19
4/10 Giant Announces $250k Grant Pool for PA Food Chain Supply Businesses
- View recipients, including 3 Centre County recipients
4/9 Federal Reserve Announces $2.3T in New Loans, Including Main Street Lending Program
4/9 Gov. Wolf Extends School Closure for the Remainder of the Academic Year
4/6 Gov. Wolf Urges PA Manufacturers to Use the PA Manufacturing Call to Action Portal
4/3 Gov. Wolf Calls for Universal Masking
4/2 CDT: PSU Football Future Discussed by Barbour
4/2 WTAJ: Actuated Medical Manufacturing Face Shields
3/28 Governor Orders Centre County to Stay-at-Home
- Beginning: 8:00 pm on March 28, 2020
- Ending: No sooner than April 6, 2020
3/27 Gov. Wolf Signs COVID-19 Response Bills to Bolster Health Care System, Workers, Education, and Reschedule the Primary Election
- Bills Signed Include:
  - HB 1232
    - Local Tax Deadline Moved to July 15, 2020
  - SB 422
    - Primary Election Moved to June 2, 2020
  - SB 751
    - Changes to education requirements, including waiving 180 day requirement, payment of employees during closure, and ability to waive standardized testing
  - HB 68
    - Changes to unemployment requirements, including waiver of one week waiting period, job search, and work registration requirements
3/26 PA Institute of CPAs: Local Tax Deadline Moved to July 15 and Other Tax Implications
3/26 NPR: What's Inside the Senate's $2T Coronavirus Aid Package
3/26 WJAC: Mount Nittany Health & Penn State Health Patients May Access Drive-Up Testing by Appointment Only at Blue Course Drive Location
3/25 PIDA Small Business First Fund
3/22 StateCollege.com: State and Local Officials Begin Shutdown Enforcement
3/21 PA Dept. of Revenue Extends State Tax Deadline to July 15
3/20 Treasury, IRS, and US Dept. of Labor Announced Paid Leave & Tax Credit Changes for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
3/20 StateCollege.com: Appeal Process for Closed Businesses
- 4/3 - Appeal Process Closed at 5 pm
3/20 CDT: Centre County's First Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
3/20 WPSU: Freddie and Fannie Backed Mortgage Relief
3/20 Federal Tax Deadline Extended to July 15 (State and Local Tax Deadlines TBD)
3/20 UPDATED Governor's List of Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses and Appeal Application (updated list) (waiver application) (FAQs)
3/19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available
3/19 Gov. Order All Non-Life Sustaining Business to Close
3/18 Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201) Signed into Federal Law
3/16 Unemployment Waiting Period Waived
3/16 Gov. Wolf Issues Statewide COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts
3/13 CDT: Local COVID-19 Testing Capabilities

Virtual & Informational Events

Please join us for virtual information sessions:

5/15 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #6
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

5/8 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #6
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

5/6 @ 1 pm - FREE Webinar: CBICC Member Call to Discuss Yellow Phase
- Speakers:
  - Michael Pipe, Centre County Commissioner
  - Vern Squier, CBICC President & CEO
- View Slides

5/1 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #6
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

4/30 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video (Discussion: Consumer Behavior)

4/27 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video (Discussion: Transportation)

4/24 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #5
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

4/23 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video (Discussion: Personal Protective Equipment, PPE)

4/20 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video (Discussion: Childcare)

4/17 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #4
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

4/16 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video

4/13 @ 3 pm - FREE Webinar: Path Forward, Navigating the Return to Work
- Featuring US Chamber of Commerce, Epidemiologists, & Other Experts
  - Video

4/10 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #3
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

4/8 @ 2 pm - FREE Webinar: Review of the Federal Economic Sustainability Package and PA Coronavirus Policy Updates for Employers
- Featuring PA Chamber President & US Chamber Chief Policy Officer
  - Slides

4/3 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #2
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

3/27 @ Noon - FREE Webinar: National Small Business Town Hall #1
- Featuring Inc. Magazine & US Chamber of Commerce Chief Policy Officer
  - Video

3/27 @ 11 am - FREE Webinar: Next Steps & Best Practices for Small Businesses

3/26 @ 1 pm - FREE Virtual Seminar: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Q&A
- Slides

3/26 @ 9 am - FREE Webinar: Sequestered Selling

3/25 @ 11 am - FREE Virtual Seminar: Brainstorming for Businesses
- Slides

3/19 @ 11 am - FREE Webinar: Employer Response to COVID-19
- Slides

Click to View Virtual Events

At-Home Learning Ideas

While students are out of school, we asked CBICC members what parents could teach their children or encourage them to explore on their own. Below, please find a slideshow of ideas; click an image to read more:

CLick to View More Articles

Members Helping Members

We know that CBICC members are community oriented! Many of you have already been sharing great ideas about how to help one another - let's keep that positive momentum going! Please feel free to share your ideas with the CBICC and we will do our best to circulate as many of them as possible.

We also invite you to use the graphics (click to download) below to visibly show your support:

Update business social media profile picture and/or include in business emails.

Update business social media cover photo and/or include in business emails.

Update personal social media profile picture and/or share with friends.

Update personal social media cover photo and/or share with friends.

A Community of Action & Ideas

Please keep in mind that this evolving situation may impact some of the following ideas.

Let's think and act locally to support one another!

Many businesses have adjusted their hours and/or offer curbside pick-up or delivery services; many also have gift card options.

View CBICC members.

Bingo for Business!

Ready to have some fun for a great cause? Let's play BINGO!

Get the image of the card here or print one here.

Share your pics as you complete your card!

Need assistance with remote working capabilities? CBICC members are ready to answer the call!

* Marco Technologies
* Link Computer Corp
* United Datacom Networks Inc.
* View More CBICC Members

It's a win-win situation: your donations are routed to local restaurants that prepare meals for local healthcare workers!

Read more.

Make a donation.

Health Checkpoint Materials

Is your business ready?

* Customer Entrance
* Employee Entrance

If you business or organization needs to set-up a health check-point, Tailgate Guys has tents, tables, chairs, etc.

Hotels Here to Help

Whether you need a quiet room to work remotely or your family just needs a staycation, there are many hotels in our area that are at your service.

View hotels.

Grocers are essential* businesses and are currently* open. Many have adjusted their hours to meet restocking and sanitizing requirements and some have instituted special shopping hours for seniors who are more at-risk.

Many grocery stores are hiring!

* Subject to change

You can patronize many businesses in Downtown State College (contact: downtown@downtownstatecollege.com):

Downtown State College gift cards can be purchased online; a list of all participating businesses is also available online.

Click to view a list of downtown State College businesses with adjusted hours, services, and individual gift card capabilities. Please note, the evolving situation may impact this data.

Many destinations of the Happy Valley Agventures initiative have adapted.

Click here to see if their hours have changed and/or if the business is offering curb-side/delivery services.

#HappyValleyAgventures

Free offer to share your business' story in 200 words or less. Submit story and photo to:

Geoff.Rushton@StateCollege.com

More details available here.

Seven Mountains Media has created SaveYourTown.com in an effort to help local businesses. Listeners hear about SaveYourTown.com on the radio stations, visit the website to purchase a 25% discounted gift certificate from participating businesses, and businesses receive publicity/advertising credit/and a 50% cash pay-out (ex. $25 for every $50 purchased).
Click for more details.

Please note: this is a community-generated list. CBICC cannot verify the people or the accounts listed.

Tip your favorite server via Venmo. Click here.

Servers, add your information to the list. Click here.

* Facebook Forum for Centre Co. Non-Profits (here)
* Centre County United Way (website here)

* State College Food Bank (info here)
* Need Assistance? Call 2-1-1 or click here.
* West Penn Power - payment options and assistance

Shopping Online? Use Amazon Smile to support your favorite local non-profit organization.

We are #CentreStrong!

Click to Download Image

Please feel free to contact the CBICC (info@cbicc.org | 814-234-1829) for additional assistance or questions. As always, we continue to be at the service of our members at this time.

CBICC Articles