Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Look for the Helpers: Naperville Chamber Rallies To Provide Local Restaurant Meals To First Responders - First Meals Delivered; #BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Work Share versus Layoffs; Look for the Helpers --- From the Hampton Roads Chamber - COVID-19 Business Resource Guide; Oxford Chamber announces Leadership class; Wisconsin Resources: Here are the businesses that can stay open during Wisconsin's Safer at Home order; Look for the helpers: From the Sauk Valley Chamber: Food Bank Donations and the AG Community BIG NEWS; #BestChamber Practices: Owensboro Chamber of Commerce: Disaster Loans Webinar; Fulton County Chamber: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans now open for Indiana Small Businesses; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a GREAT day! Look for the Helpers!


Look for the Helpers: Naperville Chamber Rallies To Provide Local Restaurant Meals To First Responders - First Meals Delivered 

The Naperville Helps! Campaign raised more than $25,000 in less than five days. Today, Monday, March 23, 2020 the first meal drops to workers in the Edward-Elmhurst Health system will begin. We invite you to come for pictures to either Edward-Elmhurst Health location listed below for photos and/or video of the meal drops. Both meal drops will happen at Noon- and the meals provided today will go to those who are working the outside testing sites.

Naperville Meal Drop at Noon:
Edward Hospital Emergency Department (801 S Washington St. Naperville, IL 60540) Balboa’s Cheesesteaks will deliver

Warrenville Meal Drop at Noon:
Warrenville Location- (4201 Winfield Road, Warrenville, IL 60555)- Colonial Café will deliver

The restaurants that are delivering are also managing the drivers and drops. Edward-Elmhurst Health workers will receive a pre-packaged individually wrapped warm lunch every day this week thanks to the Naperville Helps! Campaign. More than 20 area restaurants have signed up to participate and more than $5,000 will go to the area restaurants this week alone. The Naperville Police department will receive a meal tomorrow and Naperville Fire Stations will receive meals starting on Wednesday. 


#BestChamber practices: Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: Work Share versus Layoffs


The Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, in partnership with the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, has compiled a wealth of information about the options business owners have in regards to their employees including some of the following.


Visit https://www.michamber.com/coronavirus-toolkit for details on this and other Business Support Programs.

If you are adding jobs during this time, please continue to post them on our Jobs Board at www.bbcc.com.

Please contact our office if you need additional information, support or resources.

Sincerely,

Joe Bauman, President
BBChamber
www.bbcc.com



Look for the Helpers --- From the Hampton Roads Chamber - COVID-19 Business Resource Guide

The Hampton Roads Chamber Means Business and is here to help all businesses through the COVID-19 crisis.  We are compiling resources to help you maintain operations and access assistance.  We are focused on preparation and sustainment, not panic.  This site will be updated as resources become available.

Help For Your Business
Business Resources
SBDC-Hampton Roads COVID-19 - Items small business owners should consider and do now in preparation for assistance.
SBDC-Hampton Roads - This site provides both existing and prospective small business owners tools, information and resources to help them better operate and manage their small business.  

Small Business Administration

Localities

Other Business Resources

Disaster Safety Organization

Inspiring HR

National  Retail Federation

SHRM
Coronavirus Resources – Resources to help you prepare your workforce for the possibility of business closures, working from home, quarantines and other outcomes of a disease outbreak.

United Way of South Hampton Roads 

Virginia Chamber of Commerce

Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

U. S. Chamber
Coronavirus Resource Page - A resource page by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, including links to Resilience in a Box and Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Quick Guides
Corporate Aid Tracker - A compilation of publicly available and company-submitted data of private sector giving.
Resilience in a Box - A collection of resources based on best practices and designed to educate business leaders on disaster preparedness and business resilience. Focus on small businesses.
Guidance for Employers to Plan and Respond to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Guidance to help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including the Coronavirus, in non-healthcare settings.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Tips for Employees - A flyer of general workplace health and safety information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

OSHA
COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention - An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention.
Protecting Workers During a Pandemic Fact Sheet -  Informational fact sheet highlighting OSHA’s guidance on protecting employees.
Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 - Recommendations as well as descriptions of mandatory safety and health standards.

US Department of Labor
Guidance on Unemployment Compensation - Provides guidance to states regarding unemployment compensation flexibilities related to COVID-19.

Virginia is for Restaurant Lovers
Resource Page - Includes restaurant specific information

FaceBook
The Facebook for Business website has tips and resources to help small businesses deal with business interruptions such as the coronavirus pandemic, including:
  • Ideas for staying in touch with customers, using online resources such as email, your website and your Facebook page.
  • Hosting virtual, online events such as webinars, in place of in-person events.
  • Preparing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about how your business is operating during the pandemic.
  • Business Resilience Toolkit – a booklet about preparing for a business interruption, and creating a resiliency plan.
  • Small Business Resilience Quick Action Guide
  • Online courses about how to communicate with customers and provide customer support during business disruptions.
To see all of the Facebook for Business tips and resources, click here.
Google
Google’s help center has suggestions for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic, regarding updates to their business information on Google My Business, including:
  • Changing your business hours if necessary
  • Adding information about how your business has been affected and what steps you’re taking
  • Creating a post
  • Updating your phone number if necessary
To see all of Google’s update suggestions, click here.
Learn about Google’s Remote Work hub, with tips about running online meetings, collaborating on documents remotely, and more.

Remote Apps
Are you cancelling an event or meeting? Consider hosting your event or meeting virtually using a free version of:

What are the latest updates on COVID-19?
Local Resources
Information Hotlines as well as latest updates to services, programs and facilities for each locality.

ChesapeakeCurrituckFranklin
GloucesterHamptonIsle of Wight County
James City CountyMatthews CountyNewport News
NorfolkNorthampton CountyPoquoson
PortsmouthSmithfieldSouthampton County
SuffolkSurry CountyVirginia Beach
WilliamsburgYork County


State Resources

Commonwealth of Virginia

Virginia Department of Health
Situation Summary – The Virginia Department of Health is continually updating its resources to include the latest numbers and information relevant to COVID-19 in the Commonwealth including guidance.

Virginia Tourism Corporation
  
National Resources
CDC
About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Up to date information about the disease in addition to guidance.
Situation Summary (CDC) – The most current update information as it becomes available.
Interim Guidance for Business and Employers – CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement now. Based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Understanding the Coronavirus – Webinar about the impact of coronavirus on the private sector and how companies should consider their response, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Prevention and Treatment - Information on the prevention and treatment of coronavirus.
Travel-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel - Current travel warning, alert and watches, as well as destinations with risk of community spread.
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist – This checklist identifies specific activities large businesses can do to create a plan and prepare for pandemic outbreaks.
Coronavirus Communication Resources – Free resources including video, fact sheets, and posters.

EPA
List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 - EPAs recommended use and list of registered disinfectants the are qualified for use against Coronaviruses.

FEMA
Emergency Response Plan - A 10 page document to help Businesses Identify the goals and objectives for the emergency response plan. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

WHO
Key planning recommendations for Mass Gatherings in the context of the current COVID-19 outbreak: Interim Guidance - A guide outlining key planning considerations for organizers of mass gatherings in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak
World Health Organization: Video Explainer - Video from WHO explaining what’s currently known about the virus.

How can I help others?
Please check our website in the coming days and weeks, and support those local businesses being affected by these recent circumstances. Unable to visit them in person? Check out their social media posts, promote their efforts and make plans to support their businesses in the coming weeks and months however and whenever possible.
Many Hampton Roads Chamber businesses are offering special services during this time.  Please submit your information about your unique offering to member news on our website.  Check out this link to connect.

Oxford Chamber announces Leadership class


The Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce recently announced its 2020 class of the Leadership Lafayette.Front row, from left: Natasha  Towner, Renasant Bank; Shanta Bean, North East MS Power Association; Leigh Jurney, North Mississippi Regional Center; Prema Balachandran, University of Mississippi; Emily Kidd, Hunt Marketing; LaKeisha Borum, Medical Marketing Economics; David Grayson, CareMed EMSSecond row: Ellis Bledsoe, ECB Solutions, LLC; Carlos Maury, CoreLogic; Qwadre Clayton, Big Brother Technologies; Erin Payseur Oeth, University of Mississippi; Caitlyn Clegg, Red Window Communications LLC; Emily Echols, The University of Mississippi; Anna Grace Usery, Hotty Toddy News/The University of Mississippi; Kimberly Mathis, Visit OxfordBack Row: Mike Dunnavant, University of Mississippi; Chris Case, Oxford Police Department; John Mayo, Mayo Mallette, PLLC; Gregory Sechrist, The University of Mississippi; Garrison English, Hughes Brown PLLC; David Rogers, Mortgage Trade LLC; Anna Katherine Black, Delta Autumn Consulting, LLC; Anthony Heaven, The University of Mississippi; Drew Mauldin, Mayo Mallette PLLC; and John Alcorn, Communicare. (Joey Brent/Courtesy of Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber) More: Mississippi Business Journal   


Wisconsin Resources: Here are the businesses that can stay open during Wisconsin's Safer at Home order


With the state's Safer at Home order going into effect Wednesday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' office has revealed which businesses are allowed to operate throughout the duration of the order.

The order prohibits all nonessential travel aside from trips to retail locations for purchasing food and other necessary supplies, to health care providers or to the pharmacy. It also allows residents to leave their home to provide care for a family member in another household and care for older adults, minors, people with disabilities. The order is in effect starting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, until 8 a.m., April 24, or until a superseding order is issued.

RELATED: Read all of the Milwaukee Business Journal's coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Businesses allowed to operate under the Safer at Home order include, but are not limited to:
Health care operations, including home health workers;
Critical infrastructure;
Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals;
Fresh and non-perishable food retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food banks;
Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food and goods directly to residences;
Pharmacies, health care supply stores and health care facilities;
Child care facilities, with some limitations;
Gas stations and auto repair facilities;
Banks;
Laundry businesses, dry cleaners and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of a residence, including garbage collection;
Hardware stores, plumbers, and electricians;
Educational institutions, for the purposes of facilitating distance learning;
Roles required for any business to maintain minimum basic operations, which includes security, and payroll; and
Law and safety, and essential government functions will continue under the recommended action.

People do not need special permission to leave their homes, according to the state. Essential businesses do no require documentation or certification to continue operations. A full description of the types of work for each business can be found here.

The city of Milwaukee has issued a similar order, which is scheduled to take effect Wednesday morning. Read more: Biz Journal


Look for the helpers: From the Sauk Valley Chamber: Food Bank Donations and the AG Community BIG NEWS


Dear Farmers,
We are reaching out to you today because our community needs our help. The impact of coronavirus is unfathomable.  Many families, senior citizens, people with disabilities and children depend on our support to avoid hunger during this challenging time. This is America – the greatest agricultural nation in the world. Now, more than ever, we must work together to reduce the suffering our communities face in the weeks ahead.
Right now, food banks across the country face drastic reductions in their donations.  With limited supplies available, food providers are battling the impact of substantial cuts in traditional donations from grocery stores and restaurants. Additionally, changes in the food pantry operations now require boxes, gas, and additional resources. With the thousands of Americans currently out of work -- many will be forced to tap into these food banks for essentials. That means there is a crucial need for financial support.
Many people in our communities are employed in positions where they are unable to work remotely. They face limited paid time off and cannot afford high costs associated with seeing a doctor or going to the hospital. Hours are being cut and layoffs are growing as businesses close.  With school closures impacting thousands of young people across the region, there is a growing need to provide more meals for children.
So, what can we do? In an effort to raise money for food banks desperate for assistance, The Sterling Rail is now accepting grain donations.  The money raised from these donations will be immediately reallocated to food banks within the Sauk Valley and Northern Illinois region. Donations of any bushel size will go any extraordinary length in making sure every member of our community can withstand the weight of this crisis.  One of the greatest feelings is knowing we can make a difference. We all take pride in our ability as farmers to feed this country and our communities. Right now, they need our help like never before. Please, donate what you can. Everything little bit matters!
Thank you for your kindness!

All grain donations to the Sterling Rail can be delivered under “Food Bank”

If you have any questions regarding grain donations please contact Rock River Lumber and Grain. Phone: 815-537-5615   Email: cbauer@rockriverag.com 


#BestChamber Practices: Owensboro Chamber of Commerce: Disaster Loans Webinar

Good Evening, Chamber Member:

As we enter into this third week of adapting our lives and businesses to this ever changing landscape, we are receiving calls and emails regarding different issues that are impacting our Members.  

We strive to create and connect opportunities for Members and want to inform you of two webinars available to you this week.  

A webinar will be held tomorrow afternoon to learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Loans. Details and registration information can be found below. We would like to thank the Kentucky Chamber for offering this. This program will be recorded if you cannot attend and we can make it available to our membership. 

On Thursday at 10:00 a.m. CST, we will offer a webinar featuring Josh Benton, Deputy Secretary of Education and Workforce Development regarding new Unemployment Guidelines. More details and registration information will be shared in the coming days.  

Thank you again for your hard work and your dedication to our community.

Candance

Candance Castlen Brake
President and CEO


SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Program Webinar

March 24th | 1:00 p.m. CST

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Kentucky and other designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Join us to learn how the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program can help your business during these trying times!

REGISTER NOW AT
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TvcyHNPXSQODvmU6g97ooA
This program will be recorded if you cannot attend.


Informational Resources

COVID-19 Hotline 1-800-722-5725

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

FDIC: Coronavirus Information for Bankers and Consumers

Green River District Health Department: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak

Kentucky Career Center: Rapid Response Services

Kentucky Career Center: Unemployment Insurance Claims

Kentucky Chamber of Commerce: Business Resources for Coronavirus

Kentucky Department for Public Health: COVID-19

Owensboro Health: Questions and Answers About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Combating the Coronavirus

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus Small Business Guide

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Disaster Help Desk

U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

U.S. Small Business Administration: Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)


Fulton County Chamber: SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans now open for Indiana Small Businesses

Thanks to a concerted effort by our partners throughout the state, Indiana small businesses can now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

What's an EIDL?

· The SBA EIDL program can provide low-interest loans of up to $2M to businesses and private non-profits.

· EIDLs may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills.

· The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

· EIDLs have long-term repayment options, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based on borrower's ability to repay.

How do I apply?

· Online at SBA.gov/disaster

· Need help? Access these step-by-step online instructions 

· Still need help? Call the SBA's Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call 800-877-8339. 



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best in the U.S.


Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

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