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News You Can Use

February 1, 2008

Get REAL with Attractive 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgages

Has your adjustable rate or interest-only mortgage become more than you can afford?  Are you at risk of losing your home unless you can refinance to more affordable terms?  The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) may have the answer for you.   

PHFA stands ready with a REAL (Refinance to an Affordable Loan) Program loan.  The REAL program offers attractive 30-year fixed rates, combining 100 percent financing with flexible credit underwriting to homeowners who otherwise may not qualify for typical mortgage refinance programs.  Eligible borrowers must have a combined gross annual income of less than $120,000.  You may call PHFA's toll-free consumer information hotline at 800-822-1174 (option #2) for more details and the name of a participating lender in your area or go to PHFA-participating REAL lender

Borrowers ineligible for REAL due to credit issues or owing more than their home's current appraised value may turn to the HERO program.  PHFA offers the Homeowner's Equity Recovery Opportunity Loan Program (HERO) wherein the agency purchases your loan directly from your lender and then sets up an affordable repayment plan for you.  The HERO Loan Program Specialist can be reached by calling 800-822-1174 (option #2).   

If the REAL or HERO programs are not the answer, PHFA's Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) may be able to help.  HEMAP is a loan program designed to protect Pennsylvanians who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.  HEMAP funds are loaned to prevent foreclosure and must be repaid.   

To contact PHFA staff regarding HEMAP you may call 717-780-3940 or 800-342-2397 or send a fax to 717-780-3995.  The hearing impaired may call 717-780-1869.  You may also email HEMAP. 

PA Businesses to Participate in Foreign Trade Mission 

Pennsylvania businesses interested in export opportunities are encouraged by the PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) to consider participating in the state's first-ever trade mission to Russia set for June 22 – 26, 2008.   

Russia's 145 million consumers have tripled imports over the last five years.  U.S. exports to Russia doubled between 2002 and 2006, totaling $4.7 billion.  Russian imports include a wide variety of goods and services, top sectors include:  telecommunication equipment and services, construction equipment and building materials, medical equipment, auto parts, computer software and hardware, agriculture machinery, safety and security equipment, aircraft parts, oil and gas equipment, consumer products, power generation, mining equipment and services, and prefab housing.   

Interested businesses must register by March 1, 2008 to participate in the Russian trade mission.  In addition to travel and lodging, mission delegates will be responsible for a $950 fee.  Financial assistance is available through DCED's Center for Trade Development to help offset the mission's costs for qualifying companies.  Additional information is available through Joe Burke, Senior International Program Manager for Emerging Markets at 717-720-7366 and the Center for Trade Development.   

DCED offers a Virtual Trade Advisor whether you are just starting or wishing to expand your export business.  Foreign market recommendations, statistics, regulations, leads, grants and funding are among the available resources.   

PGC Takes Preliminary Action on 2008-09 Hunting Season 

If you have something to say about the preliminary hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2008-09, the PA Game Commission is accepting public comments until the board finalizes plans at its April 21-22, 2008 meeting.   

While the Mentored Youth Hunting Program remains the same, preliminary approval has been given to an extended bear season.  The Board has also given preliminary approval to the state's upcoming elk seasons, but dropped further September elk hunts beyond the previously-approved hunt set for September 1-27, 2008.   

For more on these and other PGC Board actions see the January 29, 2008 announcement.  Additional PGC news is available under its "What's New" column.  Comments may also be sent to the PGC at 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.   

February 2008 Marks 5^th Year for National Go Red for Women Movement 

Conversations of hearts and wearing red in February are no longer reserved for Valentine's Day.  The American Heart Association (AHA) is marking the 5^th anniversary of nationwide efforts to educate women and their families about the #1 killer of women in America – heart disease. 

Kick off the month by donning red on Friday, February 1^st and throughout the month to raise awareness about the annual death of 460,000 women from cardiovascular disease.  A red blouse, handbag, scarf, tie, or lipstick can show your support for "Go Red for Women".

Keep wearing that "Red Dress" pin from previous "Go Red" campaigns while you check out a selection of "Heart Healthy" recipes from the AHA.  Take the "Go Red" Heart Check Up to facilitate a more informed discussion with your doctor about your heart and personal health goals.  If upping your physical activity is among those goals, the AHA is also offering "Choose to Move", 12-weeks of exercise tips you can follow at home.  Consult the American Heart Association for a wealth of resources.   

Weight Loss Company Accused of Unfair Trade Practices and Deceptive Acts 

If you or someone you know recently paid for undelivered goods or services from Pure Weight Loss Centers, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General wants to hear from you.  The AG's office has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against the chain and its owner and requested their assets be frozen.   

Pure Weight Loss Centers announced the closing of 400 stores in December 2007 and all branch offices in January 2008 but continued special promotions and accepted prepayment from consumers for goods and services in violation of fair trade practices, according to the AG's Office.  This included long term contracts for weight loss supplements, pre-packaged food, and counseling services sold by the national weight loss chain based in Horsham, Montgomery County, with 47 stores located in Pennsylvania.   

The AG's Health Care Section has received more than 1,000 consumer complaints against the business.  Consumers paid several hundred to several thousand dollars and claims currently total nearly $500,000.  You may call the AG's Health Care Section Hotline at 877-888-4877 or complete an online complaint.  If you prefer to mail your complaint, download a copy of the form to be returned to: Office of Attorney General, Health Care Section, 14th Floor, Strawberry Square, Harrisburg, PA 17120 

It Pays to Recycle 

Pennsylvanians recycled a record 4.86 million tons of municipal waste, saving consumers and industries nearly $263 million in disposal costs while providing businesses with $577 million in materials in 2005, according the PA Department of Environmental Protection.  The state's more than 3,200 recycling and reuse establishments totaled $18.4 billion in annual sales and provided 81,000 employees with total annual payroll of $2.9 billion.  These businesses added more than $305 million to the state Treasury.   

It will pay to recycle in 2008 as well.  Counties, municipalities, councils of governments, consortiums, and similar entities in compliance with the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling, and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 are eligible for 90% funding of approved recycling program costs.  Distressed municipalities are eligible for 100% of approved costs.

Section 902 grant applicants must submit a plan with definitive actions and strategies for optimizing program self-sufficiency.  Elements of the plan should reduce costs; generate revenues; provide public incentives and outreach, and include mechanisms for tracking program sustainability.   

Consult the Saturday, January 26, 2008 PA Bulletin for the DEP announcement seeking grant applications no later than June 20, 2008.  Applications are available from the DEP Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinator.   

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