Monday, March 23, 2020

Chamber Executive Mississippi Intelligence Report March 23, 2020; From Mississippi Emergency Management Agency; From the Mississippi State Department of Health; From the ADP - Hattiesburg; From The Ridgeland Chamber's Linda Bynum; From Greater Starkville Development Partnership; From the Oxford - Lafayette County Chamber; From the Clinton Chamber; From Vicksburg Warren Partnership; From the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership; From the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

Good afternoon #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a challenging month! Here is news you can use as a Mississippi Chamber of Commerce professional:

Chamber Executive Mississippi Intelligence Report
March 23, 2020

Corona Virus (COVID-19) information from government/chambers across the state - please use whenever it is helpful

From Mississippi Emergency Management Agency

Governor Tate Reeves declared a State of Emergency, Saturday, March 14, 2020 due to the spread of the Coronavirus, COVID-19. 
As the coronavirus, COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, the Mississippi State Department of Health along with other state agencies and organizations are expanding their list of recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 here in Mississippi. The MSDH is tracking cases across the state.
STATEWIDE CLOSURES: Statewide Closures 03.15.1700
Mississippi Department of Education: MDE Secures Waivers for School Meals Program
(events in red are most recent closures reported to MEMA)
Public Service Commission: 
The Mississippi Public Service Commission is prohibiting utility shutoffs during this state of emergency.
Insurance Information:
Important insurance information regarding COVID-19 can be found her: https://www.mid.ms.gov/newsroom/pressreleases/2020/Pressrel030920.pdf
Driver’s License Stations Closure:
U.S. Small Business Administration: 
U.S. Small Business Administration is offering assistance due to COVID-19.

The Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC Community Recommendations Through March 31, 2020:
  • Avoid gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • Restrict visitation to long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes.
  • Discretionary travel and social visits should be avoided.
  • Avoid eating or drinking in restaurants, bars and food courts. Use drive-through, pickup and delivery options.
  • If anyone in a household tests positive for the virus, everyone who lives there should stay home.
The Mississippi State Department of Health’s website is a primary resource for information on coronavirus.  If you have additional questions, you are also encouraged to call the MSDH COVID-19 hotline, 877-978-6453.
Even with these new guidelines in place, it is still essential that everyone continues to practice basic preventative measures:
  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly
  • Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean surfaces and objects that are touched regularly
  • Stay home if you do become sick


From the Mississippi State Department of Health


The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continue to closely monitor the outbreak of respiratory illnesses caused by the novel (new) coronavirus COVID-19, and are working to limit the spread of cases nationally and in Mississippi. MSDH is actively working with doctors and hospitals on responding safely and effectively to COVID-19.



 Community
Guidance
Businesses and more
Note: Testing for COVID-19 is not performed at county health departments. Please contact your physician or a healthcare provider.

 Submission of samples to the Mississippi Public Health Laboratory no longer requires prior approval from MSDH.

 Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday): 877-978-6453

From the ADP - Hattiesburg

 Important Information Regarding Upcoming Events

 Based on the current guidelines to curb the potential spread of COVID-19, the Area Development Partnership is canceling or postponing all Chamber and Economic Development related events through April 10, 2020.

 Please know that your ADP team is diligently working on your behalf and we are in close contact with our local and state partners to provide you with the resources necessary to continue thriving in your business operations.

 Useful Contacts:

 City of Hattiesburg
Action Line - 601-545-4500
http://www.hattiesburgms.com/coronavirus/

 Forrest General Hospital
601-288-7000
www.forresthealth.org

 Hattiesburg Clinic
601-264-6000
www.hattiesburgclinic.com

 Merit Health Wesley
601-268-8000
www.merithealthwesley.com

 Family Practice After Hours Clinic, PLLC
601-261-5710
www.fpahc.com

 Hattiesburg Urgent Care
601-909-6240
www.maxemhealthurgentcare.com

 Coronavirus Resources for Businesses

 Understanding the Coronavirus
Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need to Know
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
After Travel Precautions
Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak: Interim guidance
Pandemic Guidance
Coronavirus Resource Page


 From The Ridgeland Chamber's Linda Bynum

Dear Valued Chamber Member:

                The City of Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce is committed to the health and safety of our business members and residents of our great city.

Now more than ever, let us all band together and support our local businesses by utilizing their deliver/carry out/curbside pick-up services.

It is very important that owners e-mail us information about your business during this crisis – admin@ridgelandchamber.com.

Simply e-mail us what you would like the public to know about your special hours, delivery or curbside pickup, internet/online ordering, etc.

The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce and the City of Ridgeland are doing all we can to help our local businesses as this situation evolves.  By sending us your information, we can get the word out as quickly as possible to let everyone know how they can access your services.

Remember, behind every small business is a family.  May God bless you and keep everyone safe.

Linda

@Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce


From Greater Starkville Development Partnership

Dear Partnership Members,
 
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is gathering information on the economic loss to small businesses throughout the state as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

MEMA is collecting this information so that Mississippi may request an Economic Injury Declaration from the Small Business Administration to aid in the economic loss suffered as a result of the COVID-19 event.

Attached are two documents. First is an instruction sheet and second is the actual worksheet. Please complete this worksheet, and submit directly to the MEMA State Coordinating Officer Todd DeMuth, for inclusion into the SBA declaration request.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION TO MR. DEMUTH NLT Wednesday, 01 April 2020.

Please contact Todd DeMuth at tdemuth@mema.ms.gov with any questions you may have.
 
If I can be of any assistance, please let me know.

Mike Tagert
President & Chief Executive Officer
200 East Main Street | Starkville, MS | 39759
Phone: (662) 323-3322 | (800) 649-8687 | Fax: (662) 323-5815
Starkville.org

From the Oxford - Lafayette County Chamber
We wanted to pass along this important information on the Family First Coronavirus Response Act

 Supporting your business,
Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development team

 US Congress Passes Legislation to Provide  Federal Relief Aid to Businesses, Families

 Congress Passes Two Aid Packages, Third Under Consideration

 In response to the Coronavirus, Congress has passed the first two phases of financial assistance for healthcare and families.

 A third phase is currently being considered, which includes additional assistance for businesses.

 Phase 1

 An $8.3 billion package passed and was signed in early March. The first response package focuses on boosting vaccine research, and improving preparedness and prevention. It also provides seniors greater access to telehealth options.

 Phase 2

 The second bill temporarily requires paid sick and family medical leave, increases unemployment benefits, increases access to coronavirus testing, and provides funds for a variety of other financial support options for programs expected to see increased demand due to the coronavirus.

 Phase 3

 A third economic stimulus bill is in development. The proposal currently under consideration includes $500 billion to $1 trillion in direct payments to Americans and companies, as well as access to hundreds of billions in small business emergency loans.
Key Components of Family First  Coronavirus Response Act

 Unemployment

 · Flexibility in state eligibility requirements; $1 billion in state funding; extended enrollment past 26 weeks

 Paid Sick Leave

 · Employers (500 or fewer) offer two weeks for full- and part-time employees unable to tele-work; 100% refundable tax credit; some exemptions for small business

 Paid Family & Medical Leave

 · Employers (500 or fewer) offer up to 12 weeks for employees unable to tele-work and caring for children out of school; exemptions for small business possible; 100% refundable tax credit with caps

 Coronavirus Testing

 · Free; $1 billion in reimbursements

 Food Programs

 · $1.25 billion in school, child, senior nutrition support for states; flexibility in state eligibility requirements

 Medical Device Liability

 · Limited liability for manufacturers of protective respiratory devices
Click Here for the US Chamber Summary


From the Clinton Chamber
Dear Clinton Chamber Members and Our Community,

We are continuing to work on your behalf in our community and with our governmental officials during this COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. 

The goal for the Clinton Chamber is to ensure that the information we share is accurate, informative and researched. We encourage you to visit www.clintonchamber.org/news/coronavirus for resources about the COVID-19 pandemic. There is information from the Mississippi Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization, among others. Our goal is to be your one-stop-shop for information, directions, and resources.

The goal for our community is to continue to SHOP LOCAL in ways that are safe and appropriate. Here are some ways to support Local Business during the coronavirus outbreak:

·     Give the Gift of Business — If you usually frequent a business, buy a gift card. Then spread out the use of those gift cards over time while you continue to support them as normal or give them away as gifts to people who might not normally go there or are having hard times.

·     Keep Your Subscriptions – If you have a membership or subscription, keep it going. Many small businesses rely on that support to keep their doors open. It is only a few weeks and your continued support can literally save their business.

·     Buy Now, Pickup Later – If you plan on buying a product, give the business a call. Pay for it and have them set it aside for you to pick up later.

·     Ask How You Can Help – If you know the owners or employees or a business, then text, email or call and ask how you can help. They might have ideas that are specific for their business.

We are going through this together and need to count on each other to be calm, rational and considerate. Check on your neighbors and at-risk community members as well by calling on the phone or sending private messages via social media, instead of going in person.

At this time, the Chamber office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., but will be postponing some of our events to adhere to the CDC recommendations. You are welcome to call (601.924.5912) or email (info@clintonchamber.org), and let us know how we can help you.

Sincerely,
 TJ McSparrin
Executive Director

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information & ResourcesThe Clinton Chamber is monitoring the rapidly developing situation regarding the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We hope to share valuable updates, information, and resources as our understanding of the illness and its impact in our local community, along with the broader state and national levels, evolves. Please find great documents, videos, and links with details to help keep you and your loved ones safe in this section. As a Chamber and a community, we can aid in disease prevention while providing support to our local businesses as we all face the challenges this virus presents.

 Click Here for a Chamber eBlast Regarding COVID-19 on March 18, 2020
Mississippi now has a dedicated Coronavirus website. Please visit it at www.coronavirus.ms.gov for more updates from our state government.

 The City of Clinton is also monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and adjusting local government actions accordingly. Please visit www.clintonms.org/covid19 to stay up to date on closures and rescheduling of community events and facilities.

 For updates relating to the Clinton Public School District, please refer to the CPSD page at www.clintonpublicschools.com/Page/9430 for more information.
The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread

 Coronavirus Hotline

 The Mississippi State Department of Health is now operating a hotline for convenient answers to questions about COVID-19 by phone.

 Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline (8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday): 877-978-6453

 Sign Up for CDC.gov Email Updates

More Resources: Clinton County Chamber


From Vicksburg Warren Partnership

COVID-19 Conference Call with Chamber Membership
3/19/2020*
Agenda
1. Welcome & Introductions
2. Covid-19 State Cases Update
3. Covid-19 Testing Guidance, recommendations & Protocols
4. Small Business Administration Low Interest Loan Program
5. COVID-19 Legislative Update
6. Comments on Economic Impact to local business.
7. Questions / Closing
NotesCOVID-19 STATE CASES UPDATETotal number of cases in the State is 50 (confirmed ) in 14 counties. The closest to us are in Hinds (6), Madison (1), and Copiah (2). Emergency Operation Center at the State is at level 1.
COVID-19 TESTING GUIDANCE, RECOMMENDATIONS & PROTOCOLS
Employers must develop their own procedures to monitor and screen their employees. Examples of actions taken by some employers include: 1) Checking every employee temperature every morning as they come to work. 2) Working from home for non-essential employees 3) Other.
Anyone that suspects they might have contracted the COVID-19 should report it and call their family doctor. Any employer that identifies an employee with the symptoms, should encourage their employee to call their family doctor. The family doctor will screen them and test them for the common flu and other respiratory potential issues and if, and only if, the doctor believes it pertinent, he/she might refer the patient to be tested for COVID-19 at one of the local testing centers. Please remember that it is not helpful for people to come to the ER or directly to hospitals or testing centers before consulting with their family doctors. The minimum symptoms that must demonstrated in order to be recommended for COVID-19 are a minimum fever of 100.4, chest congestion, and coughing, among others.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION LOW INTEREST LOANS STATE OF MS UPDATE
Governor Reeves has officially asked for a declaration of emergency to the SBA. Once the declaration is issued, that will free up the SBA (EIDL) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program to be used by Small Businesses in Mississippi. Small businesses can request up to $2M to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. An email with the forms to be filled and a link to the online application has been sent to all chamber members. We will send a follow up email as soon as the declaration has been issued so that members can apply for the loan, if they determine it necessary. We are also sending Chamber members an email to a link that will help them determine if they qualify as a small business under SBA guidelines. The link will open a table called “ SMALL BUSINESS SIZE STANDARDS BY NAICS INDUSTRIES”. Open the link and scroll down the page. If you are in doubt, just go ahead and fill out and submit your loan application. We understand from the State SBA that over 98% of businesses in MS qualify as small businesses.
COVID-19 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Congress has passed HR 6074, an $8.3B measure to fund the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. Congress approved Saturday and the Senate approved Wednesday HR 6201. The President signed the legislation into law Wednesday night. The law is very new and we are not ready to explain all the details but we have asked May & Company to coordinate with the Chamber and set up a follow up conference call to discuss the details of the law and its fiscal, tax, and labor regulation effects on our local business community. HR 6201 is Called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and provides an expansion of the medical leave act of 1993, an emergency paid sick leave package, and tax credits for employers that have to pay the paid sick leave, the family paid leave, and the medical leave imposed upon them by the bill itself. Employees are eligible for two weeks of sick leave if they work for a company with less than 500 employees to either quarantine, seek COVID-19 diagnosis or for preventive care related to COVID-19. Employees are also eligible for two weeks of paid sick leave at no less than two-thirds their regular pay rate to care for a family member with COVID-19 or to care for a child whose school or daycare has closed as a result of Coronavirus concerns. Businesses with less than 50 employees can be exempted from providing workers with paid emergency leave when the imposition would jeopardize the viability of their business. Companies with more than 500 employees are excluded from the paid leave mandate. The law goes into effect within 15 days from yesterday.
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LEGISLATIVE REQUESTS:
The Trump Administration working on a 1.2 trillion dollar package to support the economy. Senator Hyde Smith and Senator Wicker are supportive of the proposal. The proposal would include two rounds of direct payments to Americans totaling $500B, 50B lending fund to support the airline industry and 150B for “other severely distressed sectors of the economy. It will also include a 300B fund for small business interruption loan program to support small businesses to cover payroll costs for employees. The Mississippi Legislature Suspended the Session until April 1, 2020. The House voted to suspend deadlines for passing legislation and approved a measure authorizing local governments and school districts to provide leave with pay to employees. The bill to suspend the session and the measure to authorize paid leave for local and school district employees was taken by the Senate Wednesday morning and it was passed.
Governor Tate Reeves recently informed the business community that his administration is working diligently increase access to testing centers and COVID-19 tests. He said he is coordinating with the White House on these efforts. The Governor also announced Thursday at 10:00 a.m. that all public schools will remain closed until April 17th, 2020.

From the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership
CHAMBER OPERATIONAL UPDATE

 Due to the rapidly developing COVID-19 virus situation, the Greater Jackson Chamber team will be working remotely for the remainder of the week. This decision is in the best interest of our employees and members to help ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

Please note all Chamber events through the end of the month also have been postponed or cancelled.

Even though we will not be in our physical location, you still may reach at the following email addresses with any questions or concerns:

Jeff Rent- jrent@greaterjacksonms.com
Cynthia Buchanan- cbuchanan@greaterjacksonchamber.com
Debi Green- dgreen@greaterjacksonchamber.com 

We will continue to provide the same level of professional service you expect, along with timely and accurate information we feel will be of use to you and your organizations.

This weekend we will reassess the situation to determine if we will maintain office hours next week.

Respectfully,

Jeff Rent
Interim President and CEO
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership


#BestChamber (non-medical) practices during this difficult time

1.  Food Drop off from Local Restaurants to First Responders (Health Care Workers Police and Fire Departments) - Naperville Area Chamber

2. Banks and Credit Unions Extending Loans - (Joliet Chamber of Commerce),

Accion  for existing Accion clients and for any entrepreneur who needs access to capital right now, we are launching an expedited Accion line of credit application for up to $25,000. Any entrepreneur who has a clean credit report in 2019 is eligible for this expedited process. Rather than conduct a full underwrite of your business, we will set the maximum loan amount based on your monthly revenues in January and February. If you didn’t make on-time payments in 2019 or you need more capital than your recent revenues suggest, we are still here to help: an Accion Community Lender will work with you to evaluate your application in more detail. Click here to apply. 

3. Canned Food Drive - Heath Source via the Bolingbrook Chamber, Also Sauk Valley Chamber 

4. Daily Dose - Dubuque Area Chamber - Daily Dose - Restaurants - Dubuque Area Chamber

5. Keep Shopping Local - (Multiple Chambers, including Midland Business Alliance)
There are a few things we can all do to support our local businesses:

· Buy a gift card
· Order takeout/delivery from your favorite local restaurant
· Shop local business online
· Leave an online review
· Promote on social media by sharing posts from your favorite businesses
· Follow local businesses on social media
- Subscribe to business’ email lists

6. A Helping Hand/Together - We are here to assist you any way we can. We will get through this together.

7. Best Chamber Corona Virus Information Website: Virginia Peninsula Chamber: Virginia Peninsula Chamber

8. Using interactive Google Docs to update key member information: Geneva Chamber, Batavia Chamber


9. Conference calls-webcasts - Rochester Regional Chamber - email to members

USA #BestChamber practices: Rochester Regional Chamber: Creating a virtual ROBUST chamber through conference calls, Webcasts, and even a virtual Winedown Wednesday with local food option 
March 19, 2020 News & Updates


Alaina Campbell, President
Our entire staff is working hard to stay on top of the latest developments so we can pass accurate and timely information on to you, our members! Below are links to the calls we did today as well as information about a call with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin tomorrow.

Sincerely,
Alaina Campbell, President

8th District Business Summit with Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin
Friday, March 20 at 1:00 pm
Register Here



The Legislative Affairs Committee will hold it's regularly scheduled meeting this Friday, March 20 at 9:05 am via conference call.

Go to freeconferencecall.com and click Get Desktop App on the bottom of the page. 
Phone Number (515) 606-5408
Access Code 102050#
Join the Online Webinar https://join.freeconferencecall.com/rochesterregionalchamber
Online meeting ID rochesterregionalchamber

Tips from FreeConferenceCall.com to help make sure you’re able to stay connected on the Conference Call:
·     Download the latest version of the mobile app. They've built in call routing technology to help avoid phone carriers that are experiencing high congestion. In the app you can also choose to call in using wifi. They suggest trying this if you previously called in and received a busy signal. Download for iPhone or Download for Android.

·     If you call in and receive a busy signal send a text that says “Help” to your conferences dial-in number. They will then send you backup numbers that you can use.

·     If you have AT&T, tweet them @ATT and tell them they need to stop blocking calls to FreeConferenceCall.com. It is almost unbelievable to us, but even during this crisis they are blocking calls to competitors. For many of you who have received busy signals when dialing in, this is likely the reason why. Please tweet them and tell them that during this time it is more important than ever that we all band together.




Upcoming "Virtual" Chamber Events


Meet us on our Facebook page for live online networking over your own cup of coffee. Make digital connections from the comfort of your home or office and share your business!

Support Local
Order your coffee ahead of time from a local business and let us know which business you're supporting!

Facebook‌ 
We're adding a twist to this WineDown Wednesday by going online again through Facebook Live. We're collaborating with this month`s host, the Rochester Bistro, to create a special take-out menu!

Boosting Business
Support this local business by ordering your beverages and selections (by their preparation date TBD), then pick up/delivery in time to meet us on Facebook Live for this unique opportunity!

Facebook‌ 

New COVID-19 Resource Page on Chamber Website
The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting businesses and community members throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. This regularly updated webpage will provide resources to help connect people with important information and resources regarding COVID-19, SBA Economic Disaster Relief loan programs, Unemployment Insurance announcements and more. View it here.

10. Spotlight the helpers in your Community, - Help others whenever possible. If you are serving someone, you are building your community and exceeding your chamber's mission.

Be safe and practice good health. Have a GREAT weekend!

Best,

John Dussman
















John Dussman | Chamber Partner

PLEASE NOTE NEW ADDRESS – 95 W. Algonquin Rd. Suite 300; Arlington Heights, IL 60005

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