03/17/2020
Armstrong County Business Continuity – Feedback Requested
March 17, 2020
Like everyone else, the Armstrong County Department of Economic Development is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic through reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our local hospital. At this time, our office is open and we are monitoring the various state and Federal economic development offices to identify potential sources of business assistance.
Yesterday, Governor Wolf strongly urged non-essential businesses across the state to close for at least 14 days to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The governor’s request protects employees, customers, and suppliers and limits the spread of the virus through personal contact and surfaces. The Governor’s full press release is available here, and includes definitions of non-essential and essential businesses. In a call this morning with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), we were asked to gather information from our local businesses, specifically:
1. How are you being affected right now and can you tell us anything specific that you anticipate in the very near future?
2. What is needed right now from the state; is there something known to be needed in future?
PLEASE TAKE A SECOND TO SEND RESPONSES TO US BY THE END OF DAY OR EARLY TOMORROW. THE DCED WILL BE REVIEWING THIS INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY AND DEVELOPING A RESPONSE BASED UPON YOUR FEEDBACK. THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU NEED NOW! PLEASE SEND RESPONSES TO [email protected].
The DCED has information on their website and will be updating the site as new programs and information is made available.
A. There are working capital loans for businesses affected by COVID-19. Resources and information will be posted to http://dced.pa.gov/resources as they become available. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in addition to local funding partners, are another source of assistance for affected businesses.
B. Governor Wolf also announced that unemployment and workers compensation benefits may be available for workers affected by the virus. Information may be obtained at https://www.media.pa.gov/pages/Labor-and-Industry-details.aspx?newsid=445
Although we will provide updates as additional information becomes available, we remain open and should you have any business needs, please do not hesitate to contact Mike Coonley or Justin Nolder at [email protected].
Please take all precautions to optimize everyone’s health and safety as we work together through the COVID-19 situation.