Somerset County insurance agency provides support for 10th year in a row
For the past decade, BDH/Konhaus LLC, a Meyersdale-based insurance agency, has employed Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program to save on taxes and make a difference for local school children.
EITC awards tax credits to eligible businesses, allowing them to contribute to local causes, including educational improvement projects. CFA is an approved educational improvement organization, so it can accept contributions and funnel support to local schools, which would be unable to participate in the program otherwise.
This year through the program, the agency was able to write out a $1,000 check each for programming at Berlin Brothersvalley and Meyersdale Area school districts.
“This is an excellent way to direct our tax dollars to benefit local schools,” Principal Agent Blake Henry said. “When I send a check to Harrisburg, I always felt the chance of it benefitting our children and grandchildren in Somerset County was very small. With the EITC, 100 percent benefits our kids.”
In the 2020/2021 school year, the agency’s generosity helped cover after-school computer programming enrichment programming, an amphibian/mammal dissection project, engineering-focused learning opportunities for elementary school students, a robotics competition, and a STEM science program for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
“I would recommend enrolling in this program to anyone who operates a profitable business,” Henry added. “If you have to pay the taxes, why not benefit the local kids?”
This year, BDH/Konhaus also directed a $3,000 contribution from Erie Insurance to support a new playground with improved accessibility at Meyersdale Elementary School, further demonstrating a commitment to support people and families in the agency’s hometown.
Berlin Brothersvalley School District Foundation Executive Director Margie Zorn said local companies’ participation in EITC have made valuable programming possible, to the benefit of local children.
“Through the EITC program, businesses have been instrumental in providing funds that enhance and enrich the education of the students at Berlin,” she said. “Without them we would not be able to facilitate the programs that are happening here.”
EITC enables companies to support local non-profit charities, at a minimal cost, instead of sending their tax dollars to Harrisburg. More information about the program is available by CLICKING HERE.
Please note that the application submission deadline for businesses reapplying to the program is May 17; the deadline for businesses new to the program is July 1. For questions about participating through CFA, call 814-536-7741.
