Manufacturer & Business Association offers recommendations to DCED on COVID-19 recovery

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) participated in a virtual meeting last week led by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin to provide feedback from the state’s business community on COVID-19 recovery measures.

“We are grateful the DCED has agreed to open lines of communication with the business community as it takes steps to allow businesses to reopen,” MBA President and CEO John Krahe said. “Our long-standing advocacy efforts give our members a voice for business, and we are pleased with the reception Secretary Davin gave our proposals.”

Gov. Tom Wolf on Friday announced the reopening of 24 counties in the northwest and north-central regions of the state on May 8, provided businesses follow guidance provided by the state. Closures of schools, gyms, and other indoor recreation centers, hair and nail salons, as well as limitations around large gatherings, remain in place.

During last week’s meeting, MBA member Jon DeArment, president and COO of Meadville-based hand tool manufacturer Channellock, said that shops are capable of running without public interaction and are willing to abide by federal health and safety guidelines to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. He recommended that companies capable of opening under those guidelines should be given the opportunity to do so immediately.

The MBA also recommended that the DCED should implement consistency to bring Pennsylvania up to speed to follow the Department of Homeland Security manufacturer and essential business guidelines.

“Most supply chains are not limited to Pennsylvania and, without a level playing field, Pennsylvania businesses will remain at a competitive disadvantage,” Krahe said.

Other recommendations Krahe and the MBA made to Davin included increasing the transparency of DCED’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, considering regional concerns for commerce, and implementing an appeal process for waiver denials.

“Due to human error, many companies were incorrectly denied a waiver without an opportunity for explanation,” Krahe said. “This will provide some relief to closed businesses particularly in areas not expected to reopen soon.”