Community Convo - Get Stimulated

Summer is almost upon us, and with it, what feels like the beginning of a whole new world. It has been a whirlwind of a spring for us, and we are so excited to share some of the new projects we’ve embarked on with our sister group, Mark Lane Properties! In December of 2020, we opened our original crafter’s marketplace, The York Merchant, on the first floor of our sister property, New York Wire Works, in York, PA. The 10,000 square foot marketplace is currently home to over 100 makers and their handcrafted products. The York Merchant also has a dedicated gallery space for local artists to showcase their work. Earlier this year, The Wireworks Exchange also opened inside New York Wire Works. The Wireworks Exchange is a premium flea market operated by The York Merchant team and currently houses hundreds of preloved treasures to explore from many vendors. We have begun leasing studio space to artists and entrepreneurs within the rest of the 215,000 square foot New York Wire Works complex well. We currently have expansive full floor leasing availabilities along with smaller custom built spaces and office suites. We are currently in the process of adding a food court to our lobby, which will offer a wide variety of food and beverages to our tenants and guests! We are also working on major developments in our sister property, Midway Arts, in Coatesville, PA. We recently constructed a brand new entrance, which will be available for use soon. We also are in the process of renovating our lobby area, and have added new chandelier lighting throughout the space. Our brand new elevator is also in the works, and we are hard at work on renovating our top floor so that we can welcome even more individuals to this creative community! Our sister commercial property, The Olympian, in Philadelphia, is filled with local businesses and artists, and we currently have large scale storage opportunities available within this building as well. We are looking forward to sharing even more exciting developments with you as we enter this new season. See you next month!

We are happy to share this blog post from Mark Lane Properties featuring our sister property in York, PA! We are so excited to be kicking off 2021 early with the unveiling of a new kind of marketplace inside our newly renovated New York Wire Works building. Provided there are no state restrictions to prevent such opening, The York Merchant will officially open its doors to the public on December 11th, 2020! The York Merchant will feature local artisans, craftsmen, and makers of all kinds. Unlike traditional markets, The York Merchant will be renting booth space to vendors, and will be taking care of virtually all of their business needs — from marketing and selling their products, to handling the paperwork and accounting. The vendor simply has to maintain the inventory. The York Merchant is co-managed by George and Trudi Zimmerman. George is also the owner and founder of CREATIONS, by George, where he specializes in industrial/urban decor custom work, and restoration. George and Trudi have been immersed in the artisan marketplace realm since 2016, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with them on this significant project! Being involved in many marketplaces throughout the years, George began to see a need for a more streamlined, easy process for vendors. Instead of needing to always be on the move and constantly spending money on various booths, canopies, and marketing for each individual show, he realized how much easier it would be for a vendor to simply rent booth space, fill it with their products, and let the rest be handled for them. At The York Merchant, everything will be taken care of for the vendor, making it a place where they can lay roots, feel stable and secure, and pursue their creative passions more freely. The York Merchant consists of 10,000 square feet of space on the first floor of the New York Wire Works building, right in the heart of downtown York, PA. We will be turning the rest of the 215,000 square foot complex into a mix of artist, retail, and commercial spaces, and have already begun leasing these other areas as well. The York Merchant is always accepting new vendor requests! Please visit www.theyorkmerchant.com to learn more, or reach out to us directly at anytime with any questions you may have. We are so excited to be able to launch this important venture that supports local artists and entrepreneurs while providing a new creative outlet for the York community to be involved with.

As we get used to a more cautious way of living, it is important to remember that there are ways to still treat yourself while staying safe and protected! We are happy to share the newest blog post from our sister restaurant, In Riva, which focuses on one of those important ways - outdoor dining! "As we settle into a new “normal” way of living, we have a new level of appreciation for things that we may not have noticed as much before the world shifted. For us at In Riva, our outdoor patio has taken on new, important meaning. No longer is it simply a place to dine with ambiance, it is now a safe haven, allowing people to enjoy a meal not just surrounded by beauty, but most importantly, by comfort and security. Outdoor seating with tables spaced at least 6 feet apart is one of the safer ways that you can enjoy a meal outside of your home. Here at In Riva, we’ve made sure to provide the most secure environment for you to dine with friends or family by following the recommended CDC guidelines. All staff will be wearing masks and gloves during service. All high traffic areas of the restaurant will be disinfected every half hour, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the restaurant for guest use. Guests will be required to use a face covering to pass through the restaurant to the patio, or to use the rest rooms. We will also be utilizing disposable menus, and disinfecting tables and chairs in between guests. Whenever you are ready for a meal in the great outdoors, we are here to make it the best, and safest one yet!" www.in-riva.com

As states continue to navigate this period of re-opening, we are all learning that slow and steady will help us to win the race. Safety is paramount, and smaller is better in terms of events and gatherings. Philadelphia has just announced that there will be no large-scale events until at least February 2021, and while this may be sad news for some, the good news is that this is only temporary, and there are still many ways to celebrate big events in a fun, safe, and small way! First thing’s first - we suggest embracing the warm weather while it’s here! Anything that can be done outside, do it! It’s not only easier to social distance outdoors, but it’s also much safer since the air is more easily dispersed. Large gatherings are still not ideal, even outdoors, so keep things small, and take advantage of more focused one-on-one time with friends and family. Before we know it, it’ll be back to large parties where at the end of the night you say, “Wow I barely got a chance to talk to…” so make sure you get those opportunities in now! Sure, events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Mummer’s Parade are iconic, but we want to consider the upsides of missing these for this one year… first, like we said before, it’s just temporary! Don’t have the mindset that you’ll never get to enjoy these parades again. It’s only this year, and there are other fun ways to enjoy these holidays. We suggest taking the mindset of getting to enjoy them snuggled up with your loved ones all warm and cozy at home. There will likely be a virtual celebration on television, so break out the hot chocolate and fluffy blankets, and get cozy with your family to enjoy the festivities together on your couch! Don’t forget, the most important part of events is being able to celebrate them with the people you love. So wherever you are and whatever you choose to do, hold on tight to the most important part of any celebration - your loved ones!

With many businesses beginning to reopen, increasing operating expenses are also on the horizon. Luckily, another opportunity for financial assistance is on its way. The Department of Community and Economic Development will be allocating $225 million for COVID-19 related relief to small businesses across the state of Pennsylvania. Beginning July 1st, applications for these grants of up to $50,000 will be available, and in preparation, we’d like to share more about this program with our fellow small businesses today. These small business grants will be used for eligible businesses to cover operating expenses during the shutdown, and for expenses associated with the process of re-opening and stabilizing the business, including technical assistance, training, and guidance. The funds will be distributed in three ways: $100 million for the Main Street Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the state order to close non-life-sustaining businesses and that will incur costs adapting to new business operations due to COVID-19. $100 million for the Historically Disadvantaged Business Revitalization Program for small businesses that experienced loss as a result of the state order to close non-life-sustaining businesses, that will incur costs adapting to new business operations due to COVID-19, and in which socially and economically disadvantaged individuals own at least a 51 percent interest and also control management and daily business operations. $25 million for the Loan Payment Deferment and Loss Reserve Program, which will allow the Community Development Financial Institutions the opportunity to offer forbearance and payment relief for existing portfolio businesses that are struggling because of COVID-19, as well as bolster the financial position of the CDFIs that are experiencing significant increased defaults in their existing loan portfolios. House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody explained the importance of this program when he said, “Small businesses bore the brunt of the economic impacts of the pandemic. This investment is a good first step toward their recovery and the recovery of communities across the commonwealth.” Applications will be available July 1st through the following Community Development Financial Institutions: Progress Fund, Bridgeway Capital, Northside Fund, Metro Action, Rising Tide, ASSETS, Community First Fund, Reinvestment Fund, PIDC Community Capital, Impact Loan Fund, Beech Capital, West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution, Enterprise Center Capital, Neighborhood Progress Fund, Entrepreneur Works, Women’s Opportunities, Resource Center, and United Bank. Some of these institutions also allow you to enter your email so that you are first to receive updates regarding the application. We encourage you to reach out to your local organization to learn more about this important relief opportunity. References: Gov. Wolf Announces $225 Million Grant Program for Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance

Last week, the state of Pennsylvania moved into a new chapter as we proceeded into “Yellow Phase.” As many businesses begin to re-open, we wanted to take some time to go through what being in “Yellow” means, and what we can all expect as we embark upon this new horizon. Below are the official guidelines regarding work and socializing under the “Yellow Phase” according to Governor Wolf’s website: WORK GUIDELINES Telework Must Continue Where Feasible Businesses with In-Person Operations Must Follow Business and Building Safety Orders Child Care May Open Complying with Guidance Congregate Care and Prison Restrictions in Place Schools may provide in-person instruction only in accordance with Department of Education guidance. SOCIAL GUIDELINES Stay at Home Order Lifted for Aggressive Mitigation Large Gatherings of More Than 25 Prohibited In-Person Retail Allowable, Curbside and Delivery Preferable Indoor Recreation, Health and Wellness Facilities and Personal Care Services (such as gyms, spas, hair salons, nail salons and other entities that provide massage therapy), and all Entertainment (such as casinos, theaters) Remain Closed Restaurants and Bars May Open Outdoor Dining, in Addition to Carry-Out and Delivery (effective 6/5/2020) Businesses will continue to follow CDC and DOH guidance for social distancing and cleaning protocols, and the government will continue to monitor for increased risk, such as any future outbreak. If in two weeks there has been no sign of increased risk, we will proceed onto the “Green Phase.” In what has been a physical year, and especially, past week, for the entire world, having this moment of positive growth is some much needed movement in a hopeful direction. We look forward to continued steps towards fully restoring our communities and collective well-being. Source: Process to Reopen Pennsylvania (photo courtesy of governor.pa.gov)

One of the very first things we are taught in our lives is the concept of being kind. As toddlers, we’re shown the value of sharing, holding hands, and giving hugs and kisses to others. Throughout our childhood years, we take part in events that benefit others, like bake sales and charity drives. In high school, we learn the value of service, and how to give back to communities and organizations that need help. Today, we are in a situation that demands that we remember these important values, and put them to good use. Things may feel at a standstill, but we know that kindness is what ultimately makes the world go round. One of the things that we suggest doing to spread kindness during this time is by taking more photos of your loved ones. Having more time with our immediate family means having the opportunity to capture more precious moments. Normally, our days are filled to the brim with so much going on that it’s hard to even think about whipping out your camera to snap a shot. Now, we suggest being hyper aware of the goofy faces your kids make, the hugs and cuddles that you witness your loved one giving to your four legged family members, or the time together on the couch that deserves a snuggly selfie. Capture it all because one day, you’ll look back on these moments and forget the pandemic, and only remember the love.

Over the past couple of months, we have all had to adjust to a new type of normal. Social distancing has given us a new set of guidelines for how we operate through our daily lives, and for many people, along with that new normal comes a new office space - your house. Working from home used to be an occasional treat - being able to review your morning emails from your couch, or taking a conference call snuggled up in your warmest PJs… but when everyday becomes a treat, it’s easy to fall into some laziness traps along the way! Today, we want to provide you with some tips to help you navigate your new office and avoid any potential pitfalls of this new normal. First, we recommend setting some boundaries for yourself. Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to throw away your PJs, but we are going to suggest swapping your couch for a desk. Staying comfortable is important, but it’s easy to fall so deep into relaxation mode that it can be hard to keep your brain stimulated! Having a separate, designated work space helps to keep your brain in work mode while you’re working from home. Save the couch for your lunch breaks instead! When it comes to breaks, take them! Don’t keep yourself tied to your desk all day long - it’s important to have mental breaks to rejuvenate your mental drive and creativity. It’s easy to get lost in the job without the same sense of structure that comes with going into the actual office, but it’s important to give yourself some type of schedule that allows for some down time. Your new day may not be the typical 9-5 anymore, but that doesn’t mean you need to go without any type of structured timeline. These days more than ever, most of us are tied to our phones. They are our ways to communicate, our forms of downtime, and a welcome distraction from the chaos around us. However, when it comes time to sit dow for work, we suggest turning your phones off, or at least silent. Without some feeling of being seen like you are when you’re at the office, the possibility of distraction is incredibly high at home. Any ring, buzz, or social media notification can take your focus off of the task at hand and take you deep into a rabbit hole of scrolling through posts or getting caught filtering through your junk emails. We suggest breaking out the phone during your breaks, and only during your breaks, to help increase your productivity and attention to your work. What tips do you find to be the most effective when you’re working from home?

Along with the many things that Covid-19 has brought to our lives is a broken meat supply chain, and recent shortages of meat all across the country. While some may look at this and feel frustration, we are looking at this as another opportunity to focus on our health and wellness by expanding our plant based repertoire. It’s no secret that a plant based diet provides numerous health benefits, not to mention all of the creative and delicious meals that can be put together with these simple, wholesome ingredients. We’re taking playing with plants to a whole new level! A lot of people tend to think vegetarians and vegans only eat salad. And while there are tons of delicious meals that are indeed salads, there are also way more other options, hot and cold alike, to satisfy even the most discerning of tastebuds. We’re lucky enough to have a sister restaurant, In Riva, whose plant based menu items are some of the most popular options among vegetarians and meat eaters alike! Their silky Pea Soup is one of the highlights of their whole menu. It is typically poured table side, and paired with roasted garlic and parmesan to really amp up the creaminess. Their Mushroom & Zucchini pizza is another customer favorite, and topped with truffle oil to make those earthy, umami flavors truly pop. Live too far away for takeout or delivery? No problem! There are tons of recipes online to get you started on making your own plant based meals. A simple pizza crust makes it super easy to get creative with your toppings. No zucchini? Try caramelized onions! No mushrooms? Try roasted artichokes! It’s so easy to turn these earthy ingredients into savory, out of this world culinary experiences. And there’s no better opportunity to start playing with plants than right now. Let us know what you come up with! Reference: In Riva