During this unprecedented time, we feel it is critically important to be able to share updates relating to our industry to keep you as well informed as possible.
Most importantly, let’s keep this a two-way dialogue and keep us informed of what is taking place at your business. Weekly, even daily updates from you are most welcome. Be well!
Reopening Resources and the State of Travel
- Travel in the New Normal by the US Travel Association
- Coronavirus' Impact on American Travel by Destination Analysts
#LHSTRONG | REGIONAL SUPPORT INITIATIVE
Join us and show your support for the tourism and hospitality community by using the #LHSTRONG hashtag and posting the following creative assets out to your social audiences. Together we stand, and by broadcasting this uniform messaging out to our followers, we show the world the strength in our people, our places, and our communities, and that we rally behind our industry in this very difficult time. We also show our beloved visitors that we will prevail and that we’re here for them when they return.
We encourage you to download, use, and share the following assets to participate in the #LHSTRONG effort in support of our tourism and hospitality community! Please remember to keep your messaging positive during this time of need for so many of our businesses, showing viewers that we remain strong and unified.
FACEBOOK | 940 x 788 | PNG File Format
Download this image file to post in sharing your #LHSTRONG message to your facebook fans. We encourage you to create an authentic message of unity within not only our industry, but with our people and our communities in the Laurel Highlands. Be sure to include the hashtag #LHSTRONG in your messaging!
INSTAGRAM | 1080 x 1080 | PNG File Format
Download this image file to post in sharing your #LHSTRONG message to your Instagram followers. We encourage you to create an authentic message of unity within not only our industry, but with our people and our communities in the Laurel Highlands. Be sure to include the hashtag #LHSTRONG in your messaging!
PRINTABLE FLYER | 8.5 x 11 | PDF File Format
Download and print this #LHSTRONG flyer to display in your business place in support of the community.
#LHSTRONG LOGO | PNG File Format
Download this logo and place onto your own images in show of your support. This transparent file is white and will show up best on a darker background.
SUPPORT TOOLKIT | Informational Worksheet
Download this informational sheet for reference on how to use these assets appropriately.
#LHSTRONG VIDEO | YouTube Link
Use this link to share this video of unity out to your audiences, reminding them of the stunning beauty and exceptional communities that they know and love in the Laurel highlands region – places that will be ready to deliver upon our promise when they return.
SBA Loans Now Available
Governor Tom Wolf Thursday announced the availability of low-interest loans for small businesses and eligible non-profits in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact.
The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay. Businesses may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by e-mailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Completed applications should be returned to the local DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Dec. 21, 2020.
LEARN MORE HERE
Small Business First Fund
In addition to making sure that this federal funding for small business assistance is available, the Wolf Administration is working with the General Assembly to make sure state funding is available for small business assistance too. Small businesses can apply through the Small Business First Fund (SBD), an existing PIDA loan program. More information is available at www.dced.pa.gov/PIDA.
Share Your Story with Our Legislators
Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (PRLA) issued an Action Alert asking hospitality industry employers to call or email their state and federal legislators to share specific examples of how this crisis is impacting their businesses.
Take action by sending a message to your elected officials. Your action today helps keep our industry is top-of-mind when it comes to economic relief measures.
Join the Laurel Highlands Partners Private Facebook Group
In this time of social distancing, we believe it is important to create a sense of community with the channels available to us. Building on that, we have created the Laurel Highlands Partners Facebook group, a place for all 600 partners to communicate, share updates and look for opportunities to collaborate. We invite you to join this group to help us all communicate now and going forward as a family.
Updates for America's Hotel Owners
AAHOA Created One-Pagers on Topics that are Top of Mind for Hotel Owners
In effort to help both franchised and independent property owners, AAHOA created a series of one-pagers that discuss the implications on the most important topics.
New Releases
- Recommendations for Financial Relief During COVID-19 - NEW
- Top Legal & Financial Considerations for Independent Hoteliers - NEW
Other Topics
- SBA Disaster Assistance Authorization by State
- AAHOA COVID-19 List of State Resources
- What to Do if Ordered or Requested by a Government Entity to Host Individuals Affected by COVID-19
- Recommendations for Employees Showing Flu-Like Symptoms During COVID-19
- Recommendations for Guest Care During COVID-19
Additional Resources
We've also compiled a list of resources and helpful links to find more information and make important decisions for your family and business:
- If your business has had to temporarily close, consider layoffs, or is financially at-risk for permanent closure, the PA Department of Labor and Industry’s Rapid Response Team is available to assist you with a variety of services and resources. Please contact the team directly at RA-LI-BWPO-Rapid@pa.gov and a member of the team will be in touch within 48 hours.
- If you missed out on Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (PRLA) webinar: Coronavirus and its impact on PA's hospitality industry, you can watch or share the recording here.
- AAHOA is providing comprehensive Coronavirus Updates for America's Hotel Owners.
- AHLA has made their recent webinar materials available to all hoteliers, regardless of AHLA membership status.
- The LHVB is working diligently to create a list of take-out, curbside and delivery services, postponed events, and adjust hours for partners. If you would like to submit information for this page, please click here.
