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PMEDC Now Accepting Applications for CHIRP Grants

The Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation (PMEDC) is now accepting applications for Monroe County’s COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP).  The program will offer a grant ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to each eligible business within the hospitality industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible businesses must operate within Monroe County, PA, have fewer than 300 full-time employees and fall in the NAICS Code 721, Accommodations subsector or the NAICS Code 722, Food Services and Drinking Places subsector.

Monroe County Commissioner John Moyer commented, “The pandemic has had a severe impact on the hospitality industry here in Monroe County so we want to encourage as many eligible businesses as possible to apply.”

Additional eligibility includes:

• The business was in operation on February 15, 2020 and paid income taxes to the Federal and State government.
• The business remains in operation and does not intend to permanently close within one year of the date on their application for this program.
• The business has a maximum tangible net worth of not more than $15,000,000.
• COVID-19 has had an adverse economic impact on their business and the grant request will support their ongoing operations.
• The business agrees they will only be eligible for one grant under this program through June 30, 2021.
• If any prior COVID-19 related funding was awarded to the business, the expenses covered are deemed ineligible and the business must have additional expenses to submit.

“We will continue to take applications on a rolling basis until June 15, 2021 or until the money is all committed.  Applications will be prioritized based on the percentage of revenue loss and whether the business received any prior COVID-19 support,” added Chuck Leonard, PMEDC Executive Director.  “The intent is to help those who were hardest hit and have not yet received any financial support.”

Program specifics and required documentation are included in the CHIRP Program Guidelines and Grant Application that is available on the COVID-19 Business Resources page on PMEDC’s website,  www.pmedc.com,  or by calling the PMEDC office at (570) 839-1992.

The Monroe County Conservation District is offering two Maple Sugaring Public Days: Saturday, March 6th and Saturday, March 13th — 10am to 3pm both days.

Each tour lasts about 90 minutes.  The day will feature a tour of the Sugarbush including stops to learn about Native American and early pioneer methods of making maple syrup, the evaporator process and methods of identifying and tapping a maple tree. 

Learn the science of maple trees…
Hear the history of maple sugaring…
​See maple syrup being made…
Taste syrup (from local trees) on pancakes!

Pre-registration is required!  Get details by clicking here.  

Mark the date!  The Stroudsburg WinterFest is scheduled for Saturday, February 13th starting at 11am.

Take a winter stroll through downtown and check-out the Stroudsburg Ice Safari.  Safari animals will be crafted as beautiful ice sculptures all along Main Street and the side streets as well.  If you do attend, please wear a mask and observe social-distancing rules! 

Well. here’s some good news to kick off 2021.  The state of Pennsylvania has eased restrictions and have announced some re-openings effective today.

Self-certified restaurants can reopen for indoor dining at 50% of their normal capacity.  Non-certified restaurants can re-open for indoor dining at 25% capacity.  Buffets and self-serve options are still not allowed.  Customers may only drink alcoholic beverages at a bar or restaurant with a meal.  Alcohol service must stop by 11pm.

Movie theaters, museums and and casinos may reopen today.  Movie theaters, not including Philadelphia, must limit attendance to 50% of capacity and maintain at least six feet between each group or person seated in the audience.  No food or beverage self-service is allowed.  Live-performance theaters still remain closed for now.  Casinos may re-open at 50% capacity. 

Museums, aquariums and zoos must take “reasonable measures” to socially distance employees and attendees. 

Fitness centers, health clubs and gyms are now able to re-open at 50% capacity.  All equipment must be spaced at least six feet apart. Group activities must be limited to 10 people or fewer.  

Salons and barbershops must operate by appointment only and limit the number of customers to 50% capacity.  All customers must be at least six feet apart from each other.  

Image by Alan Robb from Pixabay.