Read Past E-News Issues

Last Thursday the Senate and House passed significant UC reform legislation that now awaits the Governor's signature. We thank Representative Mike Fleck and Senator John Eichelberger for supporting this legislation. This comprehensive UC reform plan will restore solvency to a UC system in debt to the federal government to the tune of nearly $4 billion.

The legislation 1) puts the UC Trust Fund on a path to solvency 2) pays off our federal UC debt immediately though the sale of bonds and 3) does not further raise taxes on PA employers, who already pay some of the highest UC taxes in the country. 

Pennsylvania's UC system suffers from a spending problem, not a revenue problem, due in part to an overly generous benefits system and broad eligibility requirements that have allowed people with little legitimate attachment to the workforce to still receive benefits.

Pennsylvania is third nationally in UC payouts annually, despite an unemployment rate that has been well below the national average for several years, and has a UC tax rate that is among the highest in the country. As a result of the federal debt alone, Pennsylvania employers paid about $350 million more this year in UC taxes than during the prior year.

At Chamber Day on Capitol Hill last Tuesday, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai told Chambers from across the state that none of this would happen without the support of Chambers of Commerce. He noted that "The Chambers are, and should be, the leading voice in respect to businesses issues across the state."

Time is running out to register to join us on our Tuscany Adventure November 1 - 8, 2012. My friend Nancy Traum, President/CEO, Solon Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to travel to Tuscany with the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.

I took this trip in November, 2011 and it was a fascinating emersion into the Tuscan area of Italy.  From the beautiful countryside, medieval towns and rich history of Florence, this trip combined the best that Tuscany has to offer. The food was delicious, the wine plentiful and early November is olive harvest season.  I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Italy. 

- Nancy Traum, President/CEO, Solon Chamber of Commerce.

The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce was represented at the 2012 Chamber Day at the Capitol on Tuesday, June 5 hosted by the Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals, in partnership with the PA Chamber.

The day-long event offered representatives from more than 29 local chambers of commerce and their members the opportunity to meet with and hear from key policymakers, network with other chamber professionals, and attend policy discussions on issues that impact the business community.

The agenda kicked off with a legislative breakfast at the state Capitol, where Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware, offered opening remarks. Later, at the PA Chamber's offices, PA Chamber President Gene Barr addressed attendees at a pre-lunch discussion that focused on the importance of local chamber support in strengthening business advocacy efforts.

Lt. Gov. James Cawley was the special guest at a luncheon meeting sponsored by APPI Energy. Cawley highlighted the Corbett administration's commitment to job creation and fiscal discipline.

The day concluded with a series of issue sessions on topics ranging from labor policy to transportation, environment and energy, to how Pennsylvania's perceived business climate impacts its competitiveness.

The PA Chamber and PACP thank Premier Event Sponsor Constellation, an Exellon company, for helping to make the 2012 Chamber Day at the Capitol a resounding success.

Leadership Huntingdon County Class of 2012 Group Projects

The Leadership Huntingdon County Class of 2012 was tasked with developing class projects that utilized their leadership skills to benefit the community. The first group chose the Huntingdon County Humane Society as the community organization they wanted to help.

The group met with the Humane Society Executive Director, Kim Whittaker to determine the needs of the Humane Society. The group was surprised to learn that the Humane Society has been the victim of multiple break-ins and, while no money is left overnight, the damage to the building has been extensive at times. There is also a safety risk to the animals in their care. The group asked Whittaker, "What is the one thing that would help you the most with this situation?" Kim's reply was simple: security cameras. The group began fundraising with a bake sale at Mayfest and ended with a Full-Moon Boat Cruise for the Critters with over 100 people in attendance. More than 40 businesses made donations in support of the cause. At the graduation ceremony on May 24, 2012, the LHC 2012 Class, Group 1, delivered a check to Sandee Warsing (President of the HCHS Board of Directors) and Kim Whittaker made out to the Huntingdon County Humane Society in the amount of $6,500.00, and announced that the security cameras have been donated, anonymously.

The second group compiled a collection of 76 leadership books and DVDs for the Huntingdon County Library. Eventually donating $730.00 to the Library for book purchases, as well as copies of books to libraries in Mount Union and Orbisonia, the project collected book suggestions from leaders throughout the county. The list of the leadership books is available at the Huntingdon County Library and is available by clicking here.

Interested in participating in Leadership Huntingdon County Class of 2013? Click here for more information.  

The 6^th Annual Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce & Dr. Jeffery D. Hartman, D.M.D, PC Open Golf Tournament will take place on Wednesday, June 20 at Standing Stone Golf Club, 10506 Standing Stone Road.

Registration and putting contest begin at 11:30 a.m., and the shotgun start time is 1:00 p.m.  The tournament is open to Chamber members and non-members, and you can register as an individual, as a pair, or with your own foursome.  Individuals and pairs will be assigned to foursomes for the tournament. 

After 18 holes on the course - featuring three snack & beverage carts - golfers will be treated to a buffet-style dinner, and the tournament winners and raffle prize winners will be announced.  Specialty prizes will also be awarded on certain holes for drives that are the longest, shortest, straightest, and closest to the pin.  This year attendees will also be treated to opportunities to win many more prizes and cash!

The tournament is open to golfers of all skill levels.  If you're not a golfer, but would like to participate in the event, there will be plenty of volunteer opportunities.  Chamber members will also have the chance to provide sponsorship support for the tournament.  For more information, contact the Chamber at (814) 643-1110.  

The Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau has partnered with the Chamber to launch a new online interactive map. The map will be featured on the HCVB website as well as the Chamber website. Click here for a quick video introduction: http://mapsponsors.com/huntingdon/ 

Our online Map is designed to deliver more exposure for your business and drive more opportunities to your location. To generate value for our member sponsors, a number of marketing positions are available throughout the Chamber's Interactive Map.

I encourage you to take advantage of this exciting marketing program and demonstrate your commitment to our community. By increasing your presence on the Chamber's web site you will enhance our Search Engine Optimization capabilities. Individuals and companies alike visit our website every day in search of local information about our community. They are looking specifically for businesses like yours. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity! Contact Hampton Publishing's representative Frank "Art" Carney, here at the Chamber office via phone (814) 643-1110 or via email - mail@huntingdonchamber.com