4/4/2008
Top Three Business Tax Issues
In the recent survey of Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce members the top three business tax issues ranked as follows.
1. Re-Establish Long-standing Exclusion of Electronic Downloads from the Sales and Use Tax. Simply stated, this would exclude electronic downloads from the definition of “tangible personal property” for Sales and Use Tax purposes. Currently, all canned software, including software electronically downloaded, is taxable as “tangible personal property” under PA’s Sales and Use Tax. The impact of this on PA’s economy is considerable. The Department of Revenue indicates that this tax initially costs PA's taxpayers $55 million annually. That figure is expected to increase over time, much like the 1991 computer services tax escalation. Not only will businesses see significant increase in costs, but many jobs are threatened as companies relocate computer functions/servers and personnel out of state. In addition, if the decision is not reversed statutorily, PA consumers face increased costs for services and products.
2. Implement a Single Sales Factor for CNIT Apportionment - The corporate net income tax (CNIT) liability of a multi-state company is determined by an apportionment for
mula. In the 1990s, the legislature began the process of shifting to a formula that is based on a single sales factor. In 2006 the apportionment formula was changed to one that is based on 15% property, 15% payroll and 70% sales. A 100% sales factor, or
single sales factor (SSF), would help companies that have a significant
investment of property and payroll in PA. In practice, a corporation that
increases its PA holdings and the number of employees in PA would not
be penalized under a SSF as property and payroll would no longer be considered as part of the tax calculation.
3. Mandatory Unitary Combined Reporting is a multi-billion-dollar tax increase that also imposes massive administrative and litigation costs on PA’s job creators. If adopted, it would grant extraterritorial powers to the state Department of Revenue, allowing it to impose taxes on a multi-state firm’s operations outside PA, possibly even outside the US. Combined reporting would create specific disincentive for multi-state firms to do business in PA because of the ensuing risk of incurring tax liability on its current operations in other states when that firm has already paid all the state taxes to the its domiciliary state government.
CONSIDERING STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
Perhaps a Score counselor could help you get started.
The opportunity to aid someone in planning how to establish their own business is very rewarding. A person with an idea that he knows will succeed, and provide him an income, is a very exciting individual with whom to be associated.
A Score counselor tries to the best of his ability to guide this new prospective businessperson thru the hurdles of getting started. The Score counselor aids in giving advice about establishing a fictitious name for the business and how to register that name with the state, provide guidance on were to establish the new enterprise so as not to get into zoning problems. Provide guidance on writing a business plan, and how to seek financing.
As a Score mentor he also helps the new entrepreneur decide such matters as sole proprietorship, partnership or incorporating. The matters of insurance and legal help and what is required for state and federal taxes all need to be considered in setting up a new business.
You can see from this very brief summary there is a lot of work involved in setting up a new business beyond having a good idea. It does not matter if you are planning to open a craft shop, a manufacturing company or do lawn and garden work there are a host of challenges to be faced and resolved.
A Score counselor will give help and guidance but you have to do the actual work. There is no charge for this service and all conversations are confidential.
SCORE
Your Key To Business Success
Having your own business can be extremely challenging, especially for new entrepreneurs. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) can help. Their retired business men and women (with an average of 35 years experience) provide FREE expert advice for small business owners or those thinking of starting a business.
New businesses face many challenges. SCORE can help prepare a professional business plan, help with the legal side of small business, provide information concerning getting a bank loan, and help expand an existing business.
What is SCORE? SCORE is free business counseling from professionals with management experience. SCORE is a non-profit organization that joined forces with the U.S. Small Business Administration in 1964 to help in the formation and success of small businesses.
Since that time, SCORE counselors have helped over four million small business owners to succeed and grow in their ventures. The local chapter of SCORE is one of nearly 400 chapters throughout the country. Chartered in 1993, Central Pennsylvania’s SCORE main office is located in State College with branch offices in Clearfield and Huntingdon.
How can SCORE help you? SCORE provides three main services to clients.
• Clients receive free one-on-one counseling to assist in solving any business management problems. Their expert counselors are assigned to match the specific needs of the client.
• Regularly SCORE organizes special workshops and seminars created to address specific and general needs of clients. The topics of these workshops are designed to help current small business owners, as well as those who are thinking of starting a business.
• Nationally, counseling services and resource materials are available online through email at: www.score.org
Where is SCORE?
Huntingdon SCORE Branch Office, c/o Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce, Historic HUNT Tower, 500 Allegheny Street,
Huntingdon, PA 16652, Phone: (814) 643-3126.
Call to schedule an appointment or enroll in a workshop.
Central PA SCORE, Chapter No. 618, Technology Center, 200 Inno-
vation Blvd., Suite 242B, State College, PA 16803, Phone: (814)
234-9415, Email: score@statecollege-pa.com
www.score.org
Free brochures are available at the Chamber office.
University Jerky, LLC, receives $20,000
HUNTINGDON, PA – SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 – The Huntingdon County Commissioners presented Brandon Long and Julia Williams, founders of University Jerky, LLC, Huntingdon, with a check for $20,000 at their public meeting on Tuesday, September 25. This marks the second Enterprise Zone Revolving Loan Fund (EZ RLF) to be distributed within the county since the Enterprise Zone’s inception in 2004.
Initially launched in November 2006, while both Long and Williams were students at Juniata College, University Jerky started its business by distributing the product on Juniata's campus and several locations around Huntingdon County. University Jerky targets university students by creating a “be-true-to-your-school” brand loyalty that will be pack aged according to the school colors. The company currently makes two flavors: “Enfuego” a spicy, hickory flavor and “Hala-kahiki” which uses pineapple to give the jerky sweetness.
Several months ago, University Jerky was approached by Barnes& Noble Booksellers, Penn State University’s contracted food serv ice agent, to sell its product at PSU home football games. Uni- versity Jerky also received a con tract for services through the PSU Creamery. Williams and Long contacted Juniata College Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership JCEL) to discuss the possibilities of securing additional operating capital and what options would be available to the business. University Jerky applied for the EZ RLF in August and the application was approved and a resolution was passed by the County Commissioners to administer the $20,000 loan.
"University Jerky was presented with an amazing opportunity, and the funds we received from the EZ RLF will be vital in the continued growth of the business,” Williams said. “Brandon and I both look forward to continuing to expand University Jerky."
Long graduated from Juniata in the spring of 2007 with a B.A. in Studies in Entrepreneurship. Williams also graduated from Juniata in the spring of 2007 with a B.S. in Accounting. Both Brandon and Julia work for University Jerky at night and during the weekends.
Huntingdon County has received three Competitive Loans through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Those loans were given to JR Wald, Bonney Forge and most recently, Mutual Benefit Group for their new expansion project.
The payments made from the competitive loans make up the funds that are available through the RLF. The RLF stays within the County and the monies are not paid back to DCED. University Jerky’s EZ RLF loan was the second of its kind to be administered within the county. Colonial Florist and Gift Shop, Mt. Union, was the first recipient of EZ RLF funding of $45,000 in April 2007. Two additional EZ RLF loans have been granted since University University Jerky’s loan. State Farm Insurance – Gary O’Korn received $25,000 and Arcolor LLC received $50,000 both in January 2008. There is a pending loan of $16,000 for Huntingdon County Cinema, Inc.
The Huntingdon County Commissioners contracted JCEL to be the coordinator for the EZ program. Any business within the EZ that is seeking funding through this program should contact JCEL. A map of the enterprise zone is available online at www.jcel.biz. If you would like to receive additional information about this program, please contact Susanne House, JCEL Director of Business Outreach, by calling 814-641-3735 or via email at houses@juniata.edu. JCEL offices are located in the Sill Business Incubator at 419 14th Street in Huntingdon.
Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks
2008 Family Events & Special Offers
KIDS CAVE KAMP
Sunday, April 20, 2008
June 11– 14, Grades 7, 8, 9
June 23 – 26, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4
2nd Annual EARTHFEST
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM June 16 – 19, Grades 3, 4, 5, 6
Workshops, fun and crafts for all ages!
Snacks Included. FLASHLIGHT cavern tours.
Special pricing on a great selection of Rock Gifts.
Pre-registration/pre-payment required.
SPACE IS LIMITED…FOR TICKETS VISIT www.lincolncaverns.com
Creative activities, crafts, learning, fun and friendship!
Pre-registration required.
4th Annual
DISCOVERY DAYS
Saturday & Sunday
June 28-29, 2008
Celebrate 78 years of discovery at Lincoln Caverns.
Only once a year - special historic tours, workshops, children's activities and fun for the whole family.
At special prices too! 9 AM – 5 PM each day
Call 814-643-0268 for information.
ALLEGHENIES AMBASSADOR
Season Tickets on Sale Now!
Treat your out of town guests to Underground Splendor – Under the Alleghenies.
A special offer for residents of Huntingdon and Neighboring Counties.
$9.50 per Ambassador Ticket. Valid for unlimited summer visits, each time you bring a paying visitor as your guest!
Mondays are Grandparents Day At Lincoln Caverns All Summer Long
Visit www.lincolncaverns.com for coupon valid for complimentary grandchild tour ticket when accompanied by grandparent.
Family Online Ticket Discounts
Advance tickets available at www.lincolncaverns.com
The more you buy – the more you save.
Choose your week – all summer long!
(Chamber Members from Page 2)
Economic Development also ranks high among Chamber members. Fostering public and private economic development programs that meet businesses’ needs and that complement businesses’ job creation and retention efforts must occur. Economic development programs and incentives need to be made available to businesses of all sizes in order for Pennsylvania to be competitive among the 50 states and countries around the globe.
At the same time, the government cannot continue to throw money at economic development initiatives while ignoring the foundation on which businesses must operate. Whether the debate is over economic stimulus or economic development in general, elected officials need to listen to those who know job creation best. When it comes to business growth, who knows better what business needs than business itself?
We will share the results of our local survey with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, so that together we can work to improve the business climate in Pennsylvania to retain jobs, and create new jobs. The health of all business is important to the area’s economic sustainability and growth. A competitive Pennsylvania is necessary to ensure that employers remain in PA.
We’ll let you imagine what a community without employers would mean in your life. We can tell you that without jobs in PA’s communities we will all be looking at our options and those options don’t look too appealing to the future of Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry contributed to this article.
Dedicated Huntingdon Young Professionals
In 2005, the Leadership Huntingdon County team was given a task at hand, find a problem, and fix it. One of the biggest problems found was that young professionals in Huntingdon County were leaving, and there didn't seem to be anyone new coming to the area.
Was this a fixable problem? Of course! The team felt that if they could create a group of young professionals that would socialize, network, and give to, this would keep them here, and maybe stimulate more growth. Thus, on March 31, 2005, Huntingdon Young Professionals was officially founded.
Huntingdon Young Professionals has been dedicated ever since to give young professionals in the area, "something to do." From monthly networking nights, to community serv ice projects, to informative luncheons & dinners, the Huntingdon Young Professionals group has seen many new faces, and shown the opportunity to continue to grow in Huntingdon County, as a place where more people want to live. The group has sponsored self defense classes, fundraisers for local charities, basketball leagues, and many activities to help improve a young professional's life, both personals ally and professionally.
Huntingdon Young Professionals is currently developing a website www.weareHYP.org.
On the website will be information and pictures about past events, current events, and future events. It will feature blogs and conversation topics, that relate to young professionals. Also, HYP sends out a monthly newsletter (via e-mail) to anyone who has signed up as a part of the Huntingdon Young Professionals group. If you are interested in receiving future newsletters, please e-mail huntingdonyoungprofessionals@yahoo.com.
This summer, Huntingdon Young Professionals is planning two big events, a karoke cruise in June 2008, and a big canoe trip! The HYP group is also going to be adopting a highway...giving back to the community as the community has given to us.
If you are interested in more information about Huntingdon Young Professionals, e-mail huntingdonyoungprofessionals@yahoo.com, check out www.weareHYP.org, or look at
the myspace page, www.myspace. com/hyp2006.
Adam Pfingstl PR Manager
-Huntingdon County Chapter of Special Olympics.
For more information on Special Olympics in Huntingdon County, please contact me directly at (814) 599-2615. Thanks!!
Building a Disaster-Resilient Small Business
What would happen if your business had to shut down today because of a computer crash, flood, power outage, fire, or worse? Small businesses are uniquely vulnerable to disasters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 40 percent of small businesses fail to reopen after a major disaster. To help companies improve their preparedness, the Pennsylvania Small Business Development Center's Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) is offering a spring workshop entitled "Building a Disaster-Resilient Small Business—Tips and Testimonials." This seminar, which is geared toward small- and medium-sized businesses, will focus on:
• identifying issues that can stop work at your business
• developing an understanding of disaster preparedness and the importance of planning
• discussing the significance of communicating regularly with employees before, during, and after an incident
• recognizing the need for evacuation and shelter-in-place plans
• taking steps to safeguard companies and secure physical assets
Preparing for a major or minor disaster does not have to be time consuming, costly, or complicated. This seminar will show common-sense, effective ways to build plans, which can yield an immediate return through lower insurance premiums (up to 30 percent!), even if a disaster never strikes.
Penn State SBDC, Tuesday, April 29, 9 a.m.-noon. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitor's Bureau, 800 East Park Avenue, State College, PA. 814-863-4293. sbdc@psu.edu. www.sbdc.psu.edu/calendar
Co-sponsor: Kish Bank
Ribbon Cuttings?
Yes, we can.
As a business support organization, we get requests to do many things to help businesses in and around the county. One event we don’t get many requests for is to coordinate a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, but we could. Our Ambassador Committee is eager to help in this capacity. If your organization or business is expanding, moving, or opening soon, give me a call. I’ll sharpen our scissors. — Lisa Roth
Having an Event?
Want some company?
Using the community calendar is a great FREE way to advertise! Just go to www.huntingdonarea.info to submit or view events. Click on “Proceed to main page,” then “View our entire calendar.” From there you can submit or view events. Once your entry has been approved, it will appear on the appropriate list of activities. Likewise, if you’re wondering what events are taking place locally, you’ll find business related as well as fun events to attend at the touch of a button. The site was designed as a community gateway to provide links to reliable sources for information about Huntingdon County, the central PA home of Juniata College and beautiful Raystown Lake. It was designed by the Huntingdon Area Information Partnership. Persons interested in information about business and industry, leisure and tourism, health and education, government and other community information will find that the best source is through these links.
CAREER & JOB FAIR
The Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center (HCCTC) would like to extend an invitation to you to attend their Spring Career/ Job Fair. It will be an avenue for job seekers and potential students to participate with employers and educational facilities.
This event will be held at the HCCTC, April 24th, 2008 from noon till 6 pm. at their Mill Creek campus. There are no costs for exhibitors, job seekers or students and adults looking for educational and job opportunities.
For more information contact the HCCTC at 814-643-0951.
BULK MAILING? USE OUR PERMIT!
One benefit of being a Chamber member is that any member may utilize the Chamber bulk mail permit. The first step in bulk mailing is to borrow our bulk mail stamp for ten dollars. Next, stamp each piece, put in ascending zip code order, count total pieces, and fill out the bulk mail permit form with the proper numbers. It’s that easy.
For example, we send out a bulk mailing each month with a total of 400 pieces (and growing). If the Chamber did not use a bulk mail permit we would spend over $164 or more with each mailing. The Chamber’s March bulk mail consisted of 402 total pieces. After properly completing each step, our total bill only came to $99.28 at the Huntingdon Post Office. Every
Chamber business member take advantage of this benefit for their bulk mailing, instead of paying .41 cents a stamp. Bulk Mailing rates are .246 cents for zip codes 150** to 168** and all other zip codes are .255 cents. Contact the Chamber today to save money on your next bulk mail.
Together…Working for You!
Chamber Officers
President, John Hille, Juniata College
Vice President, Ann Dunlavy, Lincoln Caverns
Secretary, Katherine Swigart, Mutual Benefit Group
Treasurer, Dee Dee Brown, Retired, Northwest Savings Bank
Chamber Staff
Yvonne Martin, Executive Director
Lisa Roth, Program Director
Tracy Flagle, Office Assistant
Board of Directors
Kevin Calhoun, J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital
Randy Carper, Carper’s Concessions
Janet Chambers, Kish Bank
John Cook, The Daily News
Jeannine Coursen, DuBois Business College
Eric Crouch, Standing Stone Training Solutions
Jim Foster, Juniata Valley School District
Beverly Green, FirstEnergy Corp.
Melissa Foster, Cisney & O’Donnell, Inc.
Robert Lloyd, retired, PNC Bank
Joseph Masciangelo, AGY, Huntingdon
Lawrence L. Newton, Attorney
Helen Pyzowski, PA CareerLink Huntingdon County
Derek Ross, RG Technologies
Karen Rush, Domino’s Pizza
Dick Scialabba, RWS Associates
Joel Steel, Emeritus
Foster Ulrich, Mayor, Huntingdon Borough
Mayfest Events
Downtown Huntingdon reflects on the past while springing into the season with its annual Mayfest Celebration on April 26th. Once again, each block of Washington Street
will present itself as a particular historical era. The Renaissance Faire on 4th St. will host a 10:30 a.m. Renaissance wedding, presided over by a judge. The wedding procession will arrive in courtly fashion, delivered by Dayze Gone Bye Carriage Rides, and will enter a castle built for the ceremony. Commoners will witness the event from the street. Dayze Gone Bye will offer carriage rides throughout the day. Additional Renaissance events will include fire juggling, face painting and Middle Eastern dance. The Presbyterian Church parking lot will mellow out with a live guitarist, tye dyes, beads, crystals, rocks and gems in a ‘60s revival. Lest things get too laid-back there, a motorcycle display will keep things jumpin’. Moving up to 5th St., vehicles from the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s will entice motor enthusiasts, while the Faces and Places Ministry, a pre-color era performance group, will entertain in costumes of black and white. The Mayfest Committee will offer Mayfest t-shirts at its information booth on 6th St., the Victorian block. Fairies will frolic in this area, with fairy costumes available. Three local wineries will hold wine-tasting events. Innocence prevails on 7th St., which will depict the ‘50s. Here we will see hula hoop contests with Dan & Galla, Phil McCaulley’s
Elvis Tribute, pie-eating contests, cotton candy, slushies and kid’s games presented by the United Way. Finally, 8th St. will take folks back to the Colonial era. Goats, sheep,
miniature horses and dogs will share the block with the Blair County Wildlife Rehabilitation and period performers from Harrisburg will present authentic 18th century reels.
The day’s entertainment will include Three Quarter Blues, Hampton’s Battery Cannon Fire, the 49th Infantry Band, 19th Century Ball Demonstrations sponsored by the Historical Society, Ensemble Jazz Trio featuring Rick Hirsch, Mt. Union Twirlers and Dance, Jonathan Custead’s Dangerous Animals of the World, Bob the Juggler and Alexa Krepps Belly-Dancing. The Historical Society will sponsor the 19th Century Ball on Friday evening, April 25th. The Ball Dancers will demonstrate their technique on Saturday on the Victorian block. Watch for event times and places closer to festival time. To support the festival, period-specific jails will incarcerate prisoners on each block. Release from jail will be granted by purchasing festival buttons. You never know what will happen, so bring your sense of humor and adventure.
WorkKeys is now available!
The WorkKeys system is used by thousands of companies worldwide as a tool to help employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain the high-performance workforce necessary to compete successfully in today’s global economy. As part of a regional grant opportunity, the Huntingdon County CareerLink is offering assessments at no charge to employers through June 30, 200. Through this assessment process you will know what skill levels are needed for your jobs. WorkKeys measures foundational skills in the following areas: Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and Reading for Information. The assessments we are conducting are skills present in 85% of all occupations. For more information call Helen Pyzowski at 641-6408 ext 107.
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