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COVID-19 Resource Roundup
Financial Resources
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Take a Deep Breath: Feel Good Links
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Although we are experiencing trying and uncertain times, there is still a lot of good happening in our community and around the country. Here are some links for some uplifting stories and tips for dealing with stressful situations.
Seeing the Good
Staying Healthy
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Good Afternoon Members,
So many of our members are offering ways to assist you during this time. Another is a FREE virtual seminar through 25N Coworking, details below. We will continue to share these with you as we receive them.
WHEN: Friday, March 27 at 11:30 AM CDT: Small Business Bounce Back Strategy
WHAT: In this virtual seminar, consultants Andy Parker (Fox Valley Entrepreneurship Center & Graydon Management, Inc.) and Harriet Parker (Illinois SBDC and Waubonsee Community College) will offer free consulting and proven strategies to quickly recover from a lapse in business opportunities. In addition to this valuable session, Andy and Harriet will be making themselves available to any business that would like help afterwards at no cost.
REGISTER: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-your-bounce-back-strategy-tickets-101000782058
Many of you have used our Job Search feature on our website to post employment openings. Did you know you can also use it to post volunteer opportunities? Both can be done with your Chambermaster login. In fact, we have actually opened it up to the public to be able to post job and volunteer needs as well. See it at https://members.genevachamber.com/jobs.
We are also creating short videos with motivational and informational messages from people you know. This first is our Board Chairman Scott Lebin. We hope you find this interesting and you get a chance to know this Board Member better virtually. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAvP-VJ_Umo.
As was announced today by Governor Pritzker, the IL Covid-19 Response Fund https://www.ilcovidresponsefund.org/ has been established. As this point, only donations are being accepted at the website. In the weeks to come, this fund will swiftly deploy additional financial resources to local community foundations and nonprofits to support residents in need of emergency food and basic supplies, interim housing and shelter, primary health care services, utility assistance, direct financial assistance for household expenses, supports for children and other vulnerable populations, and nonprofit safety and operations assistance. This fund will work in tandem with other funds set up around the State ensuring that resources go where they are needed most. Non-profits should continue to check this site for updates on how to receive these resources.
Information from US Department of Labor
- The DOL just released the digital version of the required notice of The Families First Conoravirus Response Act (FFCRA). Under the FFCRA every covered employer (covered employers include certain public sector employers and private sector employers with fewer than 500 employees) must post a notice of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. The question that will undoubtedly come up will be where should the notice be posted for remote workers. Since many employers have all or part of their workforce working remotely, the notice can be emailed directly to workers and / or post the notice on an internal company website or other company external website to which workers have access. Additionally, employers are not required to post the notice in multiple languages nor provide the notice to job applicants. The notice only has to be given to current employees. Flyer is attached in email.
- Emergency Paid Sick Leave Law Employer Requirements, Preliminary Guidance from U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued preliminary guidance, in the form of Questions and Answers, in advance of the implementing regulations on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, a.k.a. COVID-2), which takes effect Wednesday, April 1.
Click here to read the preliminary guidance.
Click here to review the employer requirements.
The Department advises that they will continue to provide compliance assistance to employers and employees on their responsibilities and rights under the FFCRA, and we will be sure to keep you updated as that information is made available.
Click here to review the employer requirements.
The Department advises that they will continue to provide compliance assistance to employers and employees on their responsibilities and rights under the FFCRA, and we will be sure to keep you updated as that information is made available.
Information from US Chamber of Commerce
- Last evening, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act which will provide emergency relief for American workers and businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As you by now know, the final bill did not include language making 501(c)6s—or other non-profits besides 501(c)3s—eligible for the new $350 billion loan/grant program. We are extremely disappointed in this outcome and continue to urge lawmakers to revisit this decision in the next bill. We urge you to keep raising this with your delegation. There are some loan programs that it appears 501(C)6s are eligible for, including one that involves a modest $10,000 grant.
To better understand the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and how it impacts you and your members, we encourage you to review our updated summary which breaks down the final stimulus package and provides analysis for the business community. Links to the final bill text is included in the summary.
Information from Illinois Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
- Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs to Speak on the Low-Interest Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program Conference Call Invitation
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce continues to track the changes and programs beneficial to Illinois businesses at the federal and state levels. As such, we are inviting you to participate in a conference call directly with Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Friday, March 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Participants can dial in on the participant code given below. Please RSVP to Lanae Clarke at lclarke@ilchamber.org. Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible.
Use the following information to call in:
· Dial-In Number: 877-643-6951
· Participant Code: 89823374#
· Participant Code: 89823374#
- Information on the Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program
Business Invest - Illinois Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program ("Program"). The program is an impact investment loan program under which the State Treasurer would make up to $250 million in deposits available to financial institutions throughout the state, at near-zero rates, to assist Illinois small businesses and nonprofits negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this funding is to provide vital economic support to small businesses and nonprofits throughout Illinois to help overcome the loss of revenue they are experiencing. Through this program, the Treasurer's Office would partner with approved financial institutions to provide loans -- either lower rate loans, or loans to a business or non-profit that would not otherwise qualify -- to Illinois small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- State funds would be deposited with qualified financial institutions for a 1-year term at a near-zero deposit rate of 0.01% (0.0001).
- Deposits could be drawn in $1 or $5 million increments, up to a maximum of $25 million per financial institution.
- Deposited funds would facilitate affordable loans (not to exceed 4.75%) to small businesses and nonprofits that could be used to provide bridge funding, pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.
- Eligible Illinois businesses or nonprofits must: (1) have been shut down or limited due to COVID-19; (2) have less than $1 million in liquid assets or $8 million average annual receipts (per SBA standards); and (3) be headquartered in the state of Illinois or agree to use the funds in Illinois.
- Deposits would be renewable as determined by the Treasurer's Office.
- Financial institutions would be required to provide reports to the Treasurer's Office regarding the usage of program funds, including the number and types of loans provided and the economic impact of such loans.
Further information can be found via the Illinois Treasurer's website at https://illinoistreasurer.gov/Invest_in_Illinois/Small_Business_COVID-19_Relief_Program.
Information from City of Geneva, County of Kane and State Government (thank you Mike at Fiora’s for sharing this)
The City of Geneva has issued an extension for liquor license applications to May 1, will not disconnect utilities for those that cannot pay and will waive late fee charges and penalties, and has relaxed some regulations to help small business. Details at https://www.geneva.il.us/DocumentCenter/View/8624/City-of-Geneva-Accomodations-for-Businesses-During-Public-Gathering-Restrictions?bidId=)
The Kane County Treasurer had drafted legislation to waive the interest penalty for the first real estate tax installment that will be due to effectively give 3 more months to pay your first installment. Details at https://kanecountyconnects.com/2020/03/covid-19-kane-county-kane-treasurer-drafts-property-tax-relief-law-kane-extends-emergency-declaration/
The Illinois Department of Revenue has granted an extension to July 15, to file your income tax returns (details at https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/publications/bulletins/Documents/2020/FY2020-24.pdf), and no penalties or interest on late sales tax payments by food and drink establishments that paid less than $75,000 in sales taxes in 2019 (details at https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/publications/bulletins/Documents/2020/FY2020-23.pdf)
Paula Schmidt
President, Geneva Chamber of Commerce
Look to the helpers: Wisconsin Businesses Pivot To Help Health Care Providers During Pandemic
Area Companies Providing Tents, Making Masks, Hand Sanitizer
While many Wisconsin businesses have closed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, some companies have shifted gears to help hospitals and health care workers.
Health care providers across the country have reported ongoing and dire shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) including hospital gowns, face shields and respiratory N95 face masks.
Last week, the Wisconsin Hospital Association reached out to the construction trades through the state Department of Workforce Development and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce asking them to donate any unused N95 masks to their local hospital.
Dozens of smaller businesses have stepped up, too.
Family-owned company Canopies, a Milwaukee-based event rental company, would normally be booked with spring weddings and parties. But the COVID-19 pandemic halted business until owner David Hudak contacted Advocate Aurora Health.
The health care provider, which has hospitals in Illinois and throughout eastern Wisconsin, is now contracting with Canopies to provide tents to its hospitals in both states.
The tents are being used as a triage area before patients are taken into emergency rooms, Hudak said.
"It’s really great to be part of something that is helping during this crisis," Hudak said. "It’s also good to know that I don’t have to lay off my guys during this. We would have had to shut down completely — for an unknown amount of time."
After seeing footage of health care workers putting sandwich bags and bandanas over their faces because masks weren’t available, Jalem Getz, the CEO of Milwaukee-based clothing retailer and personal styling company, Wantable, decided to use his large customer-base to help.
On Tuesday, Wantable launched a program called Sew Good to Give It Back. The company is crowdsourcing at-home sewing volunteers to create and donate face masks.
After completing a survey, seamstresses are sent everything they need, including a prepaid return label. Wantable will inspect the masks and send them to health care providers, first locally, then statewide and even nationally.
In just 24 hours, Getz has been pledged nearly 8,000 masks.
"If we can grow it to even 10,000 or even 20,000 masks per day, we can have an incredible impact," Getz said. "A true and incredible impact and trust that Wantable is going to get the masks in to the hands of those people who need it. This could be two weeks, three weeks, two months, we don’t care, we’re really focusing on this."
In Horicon, the one-man operator of Tornado Brewing has developed an edible hand sanitizer.
Dennis Erb said doing so is the same process as making moonshine — his hand sanitizer has 80 percent alcohol. And so far, it has been a hit with customers and companies that can’t find hand sanitizer elsewhere.
"There are a lot of places inquiring," Erb said. "The U.S. Postal Service, a couple blood donation places and assisted living facilities."
Erb said after the coronavirus pandemic ends, he will continue making the hand sanitizer.
"Being a hand sanitizer in a time of need is one thing, but I didn’t realize how much people actually like the product," Erb said. Read more: Wisconsin Public Radio
#FamousChamber Quotation: Dale Carnegie (via Norma Lansing, Effingham County Chamber)
"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."
-Dale Carnegie
Look for the Helpers Virginia - Chamber collaboration: Rockbridge Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task Force
The Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Lexington, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism Bureau, along with the Cities of Buena Vista and Lexington and Rockbridge County, have come together to form a Regional COVID-19 Business Support Task Force. Our goal is to support the community and our small businesses during this time.
Local businesses are the backbone of our community. They sign our paychecks, build our tax base, and support our local organizations. But, many are struggling right now.
Here are four ways to safely support local businesses, so their doors remain open tomorrow.
· Buy gift cards.
· Shop online.
· Take advantage of curbside pick-up and delivery.
· Share social media posts, which boost their businesses.
Together, we can keep our community Strong.
Barrington Area Chamber: Message from the President: Invest in Tomorrow
Today is today and it is what it is. But there is always tomorrow.
During this pandemic let’s focus on the future. Right now there are new challenges every day, every hour and every minute. It may seem overwhelming, but we are strong and resilient and innovative. We can do this!
The Barrington area is known for its unique shops and boutiques. They make up
the character of our hometowns, keep money close to home, and define our communities. They are the ones who donate to our groups and causes. And today
as they struggle, their entrepreneurial spirit is shining through.
Our shop owners are getting creative to adapt to these pandemic times. Some of them have started virtual shopping opportunities on Facebook, virtual tours showing product available, and posted promotions for eGift certificates to invest in tomorrow. There are several sources for creating your own eGift cards such as Giftfly, Square, Roller and Yiftee.
Tomorrow always comes so let’s invest in the future of these small shops. Give them a call or check out their opportunities online. Commit to buying a gift card, or order some merchandise. Help them out on social media. LIKE their Facebook page, make an encouraging comment, and follow them. Let’s make sure the shops of today are with us tomorrow. -- Suzanne Corr, BACC President
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Greater Reston Chamber: Business Success Webinar Series Today at 1 PM!
Registration Closes at 12 PM - Noon
UNDERSTANDING YOUR LEASES & CONTRACTS IN THE COVID-19 LANDSCAPE
March 27 @ 1 PM
Many businesses have been left wondering what the current environment means for their event contracts, leases, and insurance coverage. What are your options and how can you prepare for ongoing concerns?
Meet with legal experts Robert Hicks and John Kelly of Bean, Kinney & Korman to discuss these topics and more as part of our new Business Success Webinar Series.
REGISTER NOW
Look for the helpers: Batavia Chamber
I wanted to provide an update from the state and federal government regarding actions to help alleviate the impact from COVID-19 on you and your business. Most importantly, please be diligent in your record-keeping. Businesses must have detailed records and documentation of their losses or they may not be considered for funding. These records will be needed in the future to provide documentation of the impact on your business.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) just released emergency assistance programs available for Illinois small businesses. Click here for detailed information. This program includes the Hospitality Emergency Grant Program which will provide $14 million in funds to our restaurants, bars and hotels. The program also includes the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund which will make available low interest loans of up to five years for $50,000 with payments delayed for six months.
The largest package to provide aid is expected to be signed into federal law on Friday. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES), the Phase 3 Economic Stimulus Package, will provide $2 trillion emergency relief funds, including individual stimulus payments and small business loan provisions.
This package includes Paycheck Protection Loans providing $350 billion in federally guaranteed loans for small businesses (less than 500 employees), sole proprietors and non-profits to keep making payroll. Forgivable loans of up to $10 million each with a rate not to exceed 4% up to 10 years will be made available. These loans can be used for payroll, mortgage payments, rent, utilities and any other debt service requirement. The CARES Act also provides for deferment of repayment from six months to a year. A portion of these loans can be forgiven on a tax-free basis from March 1 through June 30, 2020. The employer must maintain its workforce and salary or wages during the 8 weeks.
Also included in the CARES Act is $130 billion for hospitals, as well as improved unemployment insurance that will provide workers with four months-worth of their income if they are laid off or lose their job due to the coronavirus crisis.
Additionally, $507 billion in direct payments will be made to individuals and families based on 2019 or 2018 tax return with checks of up to $1,200 for every American making less than $99,000 and $500 per child under age 17. The payments will be made between now and December 31, 2020.
Individuals will be able to defer payment of their 2020 payroll taxes until 2021 and 2022
Employee Retention Credit: A one year only credit against the social security payroll tax for any business that closes or suspends business because of the government order related to COVID-19. Or, if they lost 50% or more of their gross receipts.
All Americans can delay tax filing until July 15.
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was signed into law on March 18. This act provides paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expands food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requires employers to provide additional protections for health care workers. It also established a federal emergency paid leave benefits program to provide payments to employees taking unpaid leave due to the coronavirus outbreak, and expanded unemployment benefits and provided grants to states for processing and paying claims. The act requires employers to provide paid sick leave to employees. It also establishes requirements for providing coronavirus diagnostic testing at no cost to consumers and treats personal respiratory protective devices as covered countermeasures that are eligible for certain liability protections. It temporarily increased the Medicaid federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP).
I would also like to review the Phase 2 economic stimulus that was approved into law on March 6. The federal government is providing $8.3 billion emergency funds to deliver resources to state and local health agencies. Funds will be directed toward developing treatments and a vaccine. This package also provides the funds for the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans.
The Federal Reserve Bank is also taking unprecedented actions to support the overall economy. Click here for press release updates.
I will continue to be in contact with our government and area leaders, researching the latest news and information that I know is critical to you and your business. I have been relaying your concerns to our representatives, so they are aware of what you need. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce understands its vital role in our community during uncertain times like these. Our value to the community and our members in this crisis is to inform, coordinate and respond. We will continue to use these abilities and the relationships that we have developed to disseminate information, keeping everyone up to date.
Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns. The Batavia Chamber is here to support you.
Kind regards,
Margaret Perreault
President & CEO
Batavia Chamber of Commerce
106 West Wilson Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Cell: (630) 212-0706
Office: (630) 879-7134
President & CEO
Batavia Chamber of Commerce
106 West Wilson Street
Batavia, IL 60510
Cell: (630) 212-0706
Office: (630) 879-7134
Look for the helpers: From the Mclean County Chamber
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Look for the Helpers: Clarkston Area Chamber: Oakland Hope
Oakland HOPE is a volunteer-driven hub for Gleaners, Forgotten Harvest and Focus HOPE and the largest Client Choice Food Pantry in Oakland County. 500 monthly clients receive much MORE than just a box. Unlike other pantry’s, here clients shop for the food they like and know their kids will eat. We are a grocery store where clients choose from coolers and freezers of fresh fruits and veggies, dairy, eggs, cheese, chicken, pork and beef products.
FUNDING is critical now and moving forward😊
Prior to the COVID Crisis Oakland HOPE was serving almost 500 Oakland County families each month. With the Crisis it’s been interesting on the food-front lines dealing with the crush of people seeking food from the Pantry. Oakland HOPE is dependent on your support. We covet your prayers for safety and wisdom and much needed financial assistance.
Click this link here to access our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/oaklandhopemi/
Finding our NEW Normal
Oakland HOPE volunteers are 1st Responders on the Food Frontlines. We are committed to providing FREE food for hungry families, seniors and veterans in our community.
Because we value the safety of our volunteers, we have gotten creative with Social Distancing in our Client Choice Food Pantry. Volunteers are clothed in prayer, wear beautiful masks and gloves and we have eliminated any contact with clients. Clients still choose their food, wait in their cars while the shoppers shop for their food and food is then placed in their trunk.
To our Community, our Churches our Partners and Donors we need YOU! We cannot do this work alone and we will get through this TOGETHER!
Please email norma@oaklandhope.org to donate, volunteer or provide much needed items.
*Volunteers must provide their own masks and gloves*
UPDATE: Tuesday March 24th
In just a few short hours volunteers helped 331 families with free-food from our parking lot. In addition to our regular Client Choice Pantry which provides for almost 500 families, families with children, seniors and veterans.
Before current realities of the COVID crisis, one in five families struggled with hunger. With school and business closures, EVERYONE will be affected!
Now MORE than ever is the time for YOU to get involved. Please email norma@oaklandhope.org
Look for the helpers - From the Champaign County Chamber: Commercial Banking Emergency Disaster Loans process webinar
Good afternoon,
To assist business customers through this period of economic disruption, Busey is hosting a complimentary webinar for Chamber members to share resources available for relief.
On Tuesday, March 31 at 2:00 p.m. CT, Busey’s commercial banking experts will host this webinar, answering your questions and helping business owners successfully navigate the Emergency Disaster Loan process.
Interested? Register here. (Click DOWNLOAD to complete registration)
Let us know if you have any questions or if the Chamber can help with anything.
Best,
Lindsay Quick
Director of Marketing & Events
Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
Look for the helpers Mississippi: 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
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Look for the helpers: Carol Stream Chamber: Conference Call Invitation with the Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs - Friday March 27th 9:30 am - RSVP Required
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