Wednesday, April 29, 2020

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Uniform Guidance—Not Strict Regulations—Will Help Get the Economy Back to Health; Restart Kentucky: A Responsible Plan for Returning to Work; From the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board and President/CEO; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy; Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Free Webinars - via the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (Lake County Chamber); Greater Starkville Development Partnership: Register for Thursday's CARES Act Webinar with Chip Templeton; #BestChamber practices: Interesting Helpful Resources to add to your newsletters: From Connie Holzwart, Plymouth Chamber - can be customized to your region: Hoosiers by the Numbers; Restaurants Leverage Innovation and Technology to Battle Disruption (via the Flint & Genesee Chamber); WMC: Wisconsin's chamber of commerce is calling for opening businesses starting May 4. New Berlin Chamber readies Farmers Market kick-off for May 2nd; #CedarburgStrong Signs Available Now; Oshkosh Chamber: Virtual Town Hall with State Legislators Gordon Hintz and Dan Feyen; Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) and Kentucky Chamber Workforce Development is Launching Virtual Bus to Businessl; Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Amelia Ritter Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Organization Industry; 2020 Summer Institute IOM Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast are cancelled; Paycheck Protection Programs Opened Monday, April 27th at 10:30; #Salesforce Care Small Business Grants; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

Good morning #ChamberWorld! It's going to be a great day! 


U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Uniform Guidance—Not Strict Regulations—Will Help Get the Economy Back to Health



When it comes to reopening America’s economy there is no precedent or guidebook, but that hasn’t stopped some, including in Congress, from advocating that we should start by writing a regulatory rulebook to be enforced by bureaucrats.

One can imagine inspectors with tape measurers determining whether desks are three inches too close (And where do you measure from by the way: the edge of the desk or the chair?).

America’s employers are responding to this crisis as they normally do by finding innovative ways to protect and serve their employees and customers. A one-size-fits-all regulatory approach will keep them from implementing solutions that best fit their unique workplace. And that is the last thing they need.

They could also do without a patchwork of differing guidance from federal, state, and local officials covering everything from face mask requirements to minimum distancing requirements, to staggered work times, to health surveillance.

Businesses should reopen based on local conditions, but as much as possible public health guidance around best practices shouldn’t vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. As one national employer told us last week, they are currently tracking over 2,000 jurisdictions, many with small twists on workplace guidance. This doesn’t improve public health, instill confidence, or assist in the reopening.

That is why today, the Chamber sent a letter in partnership with the Council of State Chambers to the President, governors, mayors and county officials asking for guidance over regulations, and to the maximum extent, practicable uniformity in guidance.


Restart Kentucky: A Responsible Plan for Returning to Work

ALL BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS SHOULD BE PREPARED WITH MASKS AND TEMPERATURE CHECKS FOR START OF REOPENING MAY 11, BESHEAR SAYS

As the first phase of reopening many healthcare entities began on Monday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he expects to see some broader reopening in other industries beginning May 11. This will, however, require every Kentuckian to wear a mask outside their home and in their place of work.

Phase one for healthcare facilities includes fever and COVID-19 screenings before entering, new check-in procedures (including call ahead registration, waiting in the car rather than a waiting room, and physical barriers in the offices), enhanced sanitizing of facilities, and an expectation that all people are masked to prevent any spread. View details of all phases of healthcare reopening with dates here.

Beshear said the plan to begin reopening other industries beginning on May 11 will be contingent upon the results of this first test of reopening.

The governor stated at that time the state will be asking that every person in every business wear a mask and temperature checks will be required for employees. This includes businesses that begin to reopen in May and any essential business that has remained open over the last six weeks. He noted work environments can’t be the same when the state sees a return to work and encouraged businesses to take steps like spreading out employees and the continued use of telework as much as possible.

More About May 11th Guidlines Here


From the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board and President/CEO

Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends,

We have been teleworking for over six weeks now and things are still uncertain. We know that these are very challenging times for all. The Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is working closely with local government, business and community partners to determine how best we can support our local workforce and businesses. While it appears that we are successfully flattening the curve, it is imperative that the business community continue to utilize strategies to protect the health of our workforce. To assist with your efforts, we have been promulgating a one-stop resource newsletter five days a week. We will, starting this week, publish three a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This resource will continue to be blasted to our membership and posted on our social media pages and will include important news updates and any other relevant and helpful information that comes to our attention. In keeping with the CDC recommendation to promote social distancing and in view of the Governor's recent Executive Order, the Chamber has cancelled all in-person events until further notice and the staff will continue teleworking until June 10th or at a time in keeping with State recommendations or Executive Orders. If you need to contact the Chamber staff, please use the following emails: bob.mckenna@vpcc.org or sjohnson@vpcc.org. Thank you.

Kevin Joyce
Financial Security Management
Chairman of the Board, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Robert McKenna
President/CEO, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy



The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your love, and your attention. --- Joel Osteen



Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Free Webinars - via the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (Lake County Chamber)


The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment (OMEE) will host a series of free webinars in support of our communities impacted by COVID-19.

These are open conversations with constituencies of racial/ethnic minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veteran-owned businesses. Please note that these webinars are open to all Illinois small business owners. However, DCEO and OMEE recognize that there are unique challenges that minority and women-owned business owners face and will speak to those within this series of webinars.

The Business Development Managers from OMEE will provide the latest updates regarding federal and state programs and answer any questions regarding available resources.

To register for one or more of the following dates and times, please click here.

DATES & TIMES:

· Wednesday, April 29 -- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· Wednesday, May 6 -- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
· Wednesday, May 20 -- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm 


COVID-19 RESOURCES: AFRICAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES

DCEO’s African American Business Development team will host this webinar focusing on African American small businesses. They will be joined by representatives from the Small Business Administration to discuss the federal programs that are available.

DATE & TIME:· Friday, May 8, 2020 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Please register at https://bit.ly/3b9Kknj


COVID-19 RESOURCES: LATINX SMALL BUSINESSES

DCEO’s Latino Business Development team will be hosting this webinar (in English) focusing on the unique challenges faced by Latinx small businesses.

DATE & TIME:

· Thursday, April 30, 2020 (English) at 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Statewide with co-host: Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Please register HERE


COVID-19 RESOURCES: WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

DCEO’s Women’s Business Development team will host this “All in for Women” series of webinars focusing on women-owned small businesses.There will also be an opportunity for participants to share the barriers that women-owned businesses are facing.

DATES & TIMES:

· Monday, May 4, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for African American business owners
· Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for Asian American business owners
· Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for Latina American business owners
· Thursday, May 7, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for Native American business owners
· Friday, May 8, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. for Veteran and women with disabilities businesses
· Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 p.m. for women businesses of all identities

For all webinars please register: https://bit.ly/3eNNC1S

NOTE: FOR ALL WEBINARS, THE WEB LINK WILL BE SENT THE DAY BEFORE.



Greater Starkville Development Partnership: Register for Thursday's CARES Act Webinar with Chip Templeton 


You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

When: Apr 30, 2020 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYudu2vrDkoGN0HMDiG4Nn1GQ5BhCnznLHo

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.






Thanks and let me know if you have any questions.

Hunter Harrington
Director of Membership Development
200 East Main Street | Starkville, MS | 39759
Phone (662) 323-3322 | Fax (662) 323-5815
starkville.org



#BestChamber practices: Interesting Helpful Resources to add to your newsletters: From Connie Holzwart, Plymouth Chamber - can be customized to your region

Hoosiers by the Numbers





Restaurants Leverage Innovation and Technology to Battle Disruption (via the Flint & Genesee Chamber)

Join Chef Robert Irvine and Clay Johnson, Yum! Brands CDTO, as they explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the restaurant business and how owners and managers are harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit to respond to current challenges.

Sign up for "Restaurants Leverage Innovation and Technology to Battle Disruption," brought to you by Comcast Business and the International Food and Beverage Technology Association. During this live discussion today at 1 p.m., you'll learn:

· What restaurants are doing to continue serving customers and maintain positive customer experiences.

· Which technology solutions best support new delivery and supply models.

· How to approach recovery and long-term industry impacts.

REGISTER NOW


WMC: Wisconsin's chamber of commerce is calling for opening businesses starting May 4.

That's three weeks sooner than is called for under Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' stay-at-home order designed to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce released its plan Friday.

“The focus is on getting the workplace and getting the economy back moving again,” said state Senator Chris Kapenga, who supports the ‘Back in Business’ plan.

Scott Manley, the Executive Vice President of Government Relations for Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, says the plan focuses on safely reopening businesses and prioritizing public health.

“We think that every business would be allowed to open safely under this model,” said Manley.

The plan requires businesses to input information about the business, such as location and industry type.

“The thought with this approach is that there’s enough safeguards built into the algorithm that all businesses would be able to open safely as long as they comply with the mitigation steps,” Manley explained.

From there, the algorithm calculates a risk score of either minimal, moderate, or substantial.

Once a business is classified with a certain risk level, there is a number of precautions businesses would be required to take to stay open.

Those requirements range from social distancing customers to providing personal protective equipment for employees.

The system also takes medical data from the Department of Health Services to examine a locations hospital capacity and infection rate.

“The overall goal is to ensure that the healthcare system has the ability to treat every sick person in a timely manner,” said Kapenga. “The model is built to ensure that happens.”

Bill Fonti, the CEO of Ashley Furniture Home Store and Furniture and Appliance Mart, says he’s willing to do whatever it takes to reopen his stores.

“We have to get Wisconsin back to work here soon in the safest possible manner,” said Fonti. “I hate to see what could happen.”

Fonti says he’s had to close his stores and layoff employees, which worries him for the future of retail.


New Berlin Chamber readies Farmers Market kick-off for May 2nd

In a ray of hope to get back some feeling of normalcy, we are making preparations to kick off the 2020 season of our New Berlin Farmers Market! The has been deemed an essential
business and will open this Saturday May 2, at 8 am and run until Noon. The market will be held every Saturday through the end of October.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic new rules and guidelines will be instituted for our vendors and customers alike. Vendor booths will spread farther apart and customers will not be allowed to handle or package the food. We will mark the pavement in front of each booth at six foot increments to ensure adequate social distancing guidelines and signage at the market will list the appropriate guidelines.

I would like to thank Mayor Ament and city staff for their time and cooperation in helping us prepare for the opening under these unique conditions. We are all working to ensure the health of our vendors and customers by adhering to guidelines and recommendations presented by the state and government and health officials. 

Our vendors are eager to get the new season started.

While some won't have produce for a few weeks, a slightly smaller initial market will provide a soft opening allowing us to refine and adjust our new procedures.

Our goal is to provide the best shopper and vendor experience we can during these unusual times. Please stop out to visit the market at 15055 W National Avenue in the New Berlin City Center
Located near the corner of National Avenue and Michelle Witmer Drive.




#CedarburgStrong Signs Available Now


The Cedarburg Chamber has #CedarburgStrong yard signs available for purchase for your business or home.

Signs are available to chamber members for $10 each and to the general community for $15.

Together, we can stay #CedarburgStrong!

Please order your sign at cedarburg.org and we will make arrangements for you to pick them up. Money raised from the sale of signs will be used to support the chamber's efforts to help members during this time.

Order Here!

Oshkosh Chamber: Virtual Town Hall with State Legislators Gordon Hintz and Dan Feyen


Join us for a Virtual Town Hall with State Legislators Gordon Hintz and Dan Feyen - April 30


Join us for a Virtual Town
Hall with State Legislators
Gordon Hintz and Dan Feyen
Thursday, April 30 at 10 a.m. 

Topics of discussion will include an update on the latest issues surrounding the COVID-19 situation at the state level, such as:

·         Safer At Home Extension Order
·         Wisconsin COVID-19 Relief Legislation
·         Other potential legislation being considered
·         Badger Bounce Back Guidance
·         Q&A
Please pre-register and provide a valid email address if you are interested in attending this webinar. On Thursday morning we will email you a link and simple instructions to join the meeting.



For more information, resources, and updates regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit our website, here


Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives (KCCE) and Kentucky Chamber Workforce Development is Launching Virtual Bus to Business


We are launching Virtual Bus to Business!

Bus to Business is a statewide initiative focused on connecting students with employers. The goal of Bus to Business is to show students what career pathways are in their own communities. During these days of non-traditional learning and working from home, we have partnered with the Kentucky Department of Education to bring students Virtual Bus to Business so that they may learn about career opportunities and pathways from their own homes.

On Monday, April 27, 2020, we will begin to premiere videos on our YouTube channel featuring leaders from across the state as they discuss their different industries and the pathways they took to lead them to where they are today.

Some of the people you will be hearing from include:

· Ashli Watts, President and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

· Nick Rowe, President of Kentucky American Water

· Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky

· Suzanne Cecil White, Cecil Farms Produce

· Leaders from UPS, Keeneland, Murakami Manufacturing and more!

Make sure you are subscribed and ready to tune in and learn about all of the great career opportunities in Kentucky!





Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Amelia Ritter Named one of 30 Future Leaders of Destination Organization Industry
Howell, MI (April 16, 2020) – Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to announce that Amelia Ritter has been named one of Destinations International’s 2020 30 Under 30 recipients.
Amelia Ritter is the Digital Marketing and Content Manager at the Livingston County Convention &
Visitors Bureau. In under two years at the organization, she helped to launch a new website and
implement a social media content strategy, more than doubling web traffic and online engagement.
“We are extremely proud of Amelia for being named in this prestigious group of young professionals.
Amelia is talented, creative and absolutely dedicated to marketing Livingston County as a destination at the highest level,” said Mary Robinson, Executive Director of Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will have the opportunity to engage in professional
development opportunities throughout 2020 and beyond. The honorees originate from a variety of
destination organizations of all sizes and countries.
“The 30 Under 30 program remains critical to our organization’s vision and mission,” said Don Welsh, president and CEO of Destinations International. “Especially in these uncertain times, we are especially excited to announce these young professionals as they are the future of the travel and tourism industry.”
The program will focus on year-round professional development, including regular interactive webinars and an online community to share ideas.
“In these times, more than ever, it’s important to support and build the next generation of leaders and
Amelia embodies that spirit in her work with the bureau,” said Pam McConeghy, Chair of Livingston
County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
For more information on the 30 Under 30 Program and the 2020 30 Under 30 class, please visit

Contacts: Mary Robinson, Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau, mary@lccvb.org
visitlivingstoncounty.com


2020 Summer Institute IOM Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast are cancelled



After much consideration and continuous monitoring of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Institute team has decided to cancel 2020 Summer Institute sites Midwest, Southeast, and Northeast. While we were looking forward to the onsite sessions and instruction, the inherent risk is too great at this stage of the pandemic.
The decision was made with all of you at the center of our thoughts and we completely understand your potential frustration due to the excitement surrounding the events, as well as the investment that you have made to join us onsite this year. However, we are in the midst of an unprecedented moment and your health and safety are of the upmost importance.
The U.S. Chamber is working closely with the White House, U.S. government agencies, and officials to inform and equip businesses with the most important and up-to-date information to prevent the spread of the virus and prepare businesses for the immediate and long-term impact. You may find a preparedness checklist and resources here: https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus
Those who have paid their tuition will have their payment rolled over to a 2021 Institute site. If you would rather receive a refund, please contact us at iom@uschamber.com. In addition, it is our intent to conduct a quick survey to see if there is any interest in holding a Fall Institute program, should a suitable venue be available.
2021 is our centennial year and we’re looking forward to celebrating our 100 Year Anniversary with you. Dates for 2021 Institute sites can be found on our website.
We’re excited to announce a collection of condensed, virtual sessions will be available in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned for details about these free faculty webinars.
Thank you,
Institute Staff
Raymond, Karyn, Katelynne, Mandy, Isabel, and Andrew



Paycheck Protection Programs Opened Monday, April 27th at 10:30
Applications for the second round of Paycheck Protection Program loans is opened Monday at 10:30 a.m. These are administered through your local bank, so please visit their websites or call for their guidelines on applying. 


Funding Options

In addition to traditional SBA funding programs, the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak.

Paycheck Protection Program
This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. Learn more

EIDL Loan Advance

This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Learn more

SBA Express Bridge Loans

Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more

SBA Debt Relief

The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more


Read Paycheck Protection Program FAQs by clicking here.


#Salesforce Care Small Business Grants

Salesforce is partnering with Ureeka to offer eligible small businesses the opportunity to receive a $10,000 grant to help them through the COVID-19 outbreak. The application for Mississippi businesses opens May 1st! Eligibility, grant guidelines, and the application information can be found HERE. 


Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in the USA!

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

or email John Dussman with the subject line: Chamber Assistance Requested. Thank you!


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