Thursday, May 14, 2020

Arlington (VA) Chamber: Governor Northam Delays Phase One Reopening for Arlington; Mondays with MIKI - Mondays with Chamber Executives in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana; Area Development Partnership (ADP): Support On the Way for MS Small Businesses; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Statement on Supreme Court Decision; #FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy; Daily Herald: Two New Facebook Groups: Teachers and Good News; Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Presents: Industry Roundtables; Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour; "A Pet Friendly Virtual Happy Hour" from the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber; From Erin Guthrie, Illinois DCEO: Fast Track Capital Grants; Valpo Chamber - Re-Opening Message from Rex Richards; Carol Stream Chamber: DuPage Small Business Relief Program Grant; Romeoville Chamber of Commerce; Madison County Officials Considering Re-Opening Plan; Small Business Information: Coronavirus Recovery Information in Languages other than English; 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! 


Arlington (VA) Chamber: Governor Northam Delays Phase One Reopening for Arlington 


Governor Northam has delayed Phase One of the Forward Virginia reopening plan for Northern Virginia, including Arlington, until at least Thursday, May 28 at 11:59 p.m. to allow more time to meet certain health metrics. Other regions across Virginia begin Phase One tomorrow, May 15. 

This past weekend, the Chairs of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties and the Mayor of Alexandria wrote to the governor requesting the delay. The elected officials cited an assessment by our region’s public health directors that Northern Virginia has not yet met the criteria for moving into Phase One. Among the data they cited is that Northern Virginia’s percentage of positive COVID-19 tests is substantially higher than the rest of the Commonwealth’s. Northern Virginia has about a 25 percent positivity rate, while the rest of the Commonwealth is closer to 10 percent. Also, 70 percent of the Commonwealth’s new positive cases are located in Northern Virginia, according to the governor’s office. 

Responding this request, Governor Northam issued Executive Order Sixty-Two, delaying Northern Virginia’s entry into Phase One of Forward Virginia. This order applies in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William; the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and the towns of Dumfries, Herndon, Leesburg, and Vienna. The order keeps our region in “Phase Zero”, extending of the restrictions of Executive Orders Fifty-Three and Fifty-Five until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, May 28. These restrictions include: 

· 10-person limit in non-essential retail 
· Restaurants limited to takeout and delivery 
· 10-person limit on gatherings (also continues in Phase One) 
· Teleworking encouraged for office work (also continues in Phase One) 
· Personal grooming facilities (salons, barbers, etc.) closed 

Looking Ahead: Preparing for Phase One 
Even though Arlington and the rest of Northern Virginia will remain in Phase Zero for the next two weeks, we can use this time for to prepare for Phase One. The Commonwealth of Virginia has set up a Forward Virginia website with Phase One guidelines for all businesses, and specific guidance for certain business sectors. These guides include both information on what will be permitted and prohibited, and best practices for cleaning, disinfection, social distancing, face coverings, and other health and safety practices that will apply in Phase One. They have also prepared this chart showing what will change in Phase One for quick reference. 

For additional information and resources, visit the Chamber's COVID-19 Resource Center.   



Mondays with MIKI - Mondays with Chamber Executives in Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana




Join us for the inaugural session of Mondays with MIKI (Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois). This series is geared towards chamber professionals and their needs as we get back to a "new normal".

This first session features Dave Adkisson, former CEO of the Kentucky Chamber and Past Board Chair of ACCE and Council of State Chambers. He will lead us through a discussion on Protecting the Chamber Brand.

Area Development Partnership (ADP): Support On the Way for MS Small Businesses

Wednesday, May 13th, the State House & Senate passed a historic, bipartisan $300 million small business relief bill (S.B. 2772) for businesses impacted by COVID-19. This is the first allocation of the $1.25 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds Mississippi received as part of the federal CARES Act. The relief programs (outlined below) would be for businesses that existed before March 1 and have 50 or fewer employees. Businesses that work in partisan politics or in lobbying are not eligible to apply. It now moves on to Governor Tate Reeves for signing.

Included in this bill is aid for Mississippi small businesses as follows:
Phase I: $60 million
·     $2,000 Relief Checks - All businesses (< 50 employees) that filed Mississippi state income taxes in 2018, 2019, or eligible businesses who intend to file for 2020, and who were subject to any COVID-19 related state, municipal, and/or county required business closure or voluntary closure will receive a $2,000 relief check- no application required. Businesses covered in this phase include clothing stores, dance studios, barber shops, salons, restaurants, etc.

Phase 2: $240 million
·     Relief Grant Program - All businesses (<50 employees) that filed Mississippi state income taxes in 2018, 2019, or eligible businesses who intend to file for 2020, and suffered any interruption in businesses due to COVID-19 may apply to receive up to $25,000 in grants to cover payroll, rent, utilities, mortgage interest payments and other eligible expenses incurred during the the COVID-19 outbreak. Approved applicants under this program will receive a base payment of $1,500 and can either (1) receive an additional $500 per full-time equivalent employee OR (2) itemize eligible expenses on the application form. 
·     Additional notes on Phase 2
·     Businesses that receive checks under Phase 1 are still eligible to apply for Phase 2 relief without restriction. 
·     Businesses that did not receive federal PPP funds will receive priority for the first 21 days of the program. After that period, businesses that received PPP funds will be allowed to apply, with a portion of their state aid offset based on the amount of the PPP loan.
·     For the first 60 days, $40 million will be reserved for minority-owned businesses. 
·     Grants awarded will not be subject to tax. 

Both programs will be administered by the MS Development Authority which is already working to get Phase 1 payments sent to eligible business owners without delay.

Finally, we want to give a special thank you and recognition to our Senators and Representatives who represent Greater Hattiesburg. We have a strong delegation that advocates for our region in Jackson and it’s their hard work and leadership that has helped ensure our small businesses are getting this critical support! 

 Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce Statement on Supreme Court Decision

MADISON – Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) President & CEO Kurt Bauer released the following statement after the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down Emergency Order #28 – which extended the state’s Safer at Home order – as unlawful, invalid and unenforceable:
“We commend the state Supreme Court for upholding the rule of law and understanding that coequal branches of government must work together, especially in times of crisis. Today’s decision is a win for the state’s economy, countless businesses and hundreds of thousands of unemployed Wisconsinites who are ready to get back to work. WMC looks forward to working collaboratively with the legislature and Gov. Evers to ensure the state begins its economic recovery in a safe and sustainable way so we can protect both lives and livelihoods.”
For more information, please contact: Nick Novak, 608.239.4866

#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy


"Be open to transformation."

 Daily Herald: Two New Facebook Groups: Teachers and Good News

Hi everyone,
We have two new Facebook groups and two new corresponding newsletters we'd like your help promoting.

Suburban Teachers Facebook group and newsletter
We all know someone who's a teacher. Many of us are parents who communicate with our kids' teachers over email, especially during distance learning. Please tell them about our new FB group and newsletter. When you join the FB group, it's easy to invite others. Or you can send them the link and encourage them to join and contribute. 
Here's the link to the FB group -- 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuburbanTeachers/

Good News in the Suburbs Facebook group and newsletter
We've also found that people are craving good news now more than ever. We'd like your help encouraging anyone you know to join the Good News FB group. Again, you can join and invite everyone you know.  
Here's the link to to group --  
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoodNewsfromtheSuburbs/

To sign up for the Teacher and Good News newsletters, visit
https://www.dailyherald.com/newsletters 
Please share the sign-up page with as many people as possible.

Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it!

Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Presents: Industry Roundtables

You asked; We listened. We heard from many of our businesses and organizations that you wanted the opportunity to have conversations with others in your industry. Join us for the opportunity to share challenges, solutions, and ideas regarding the impact of COVID 19.

Manufacturing
Wednesday,
May 20th
10:00 a.m.
Join the conversation
https://bit.ly/2LsfZ8g


Not for Profit Organizations
Wednesday,
May 20th
1:00 p.m.
join the conversation
https://bit.ly/2T1Mpuw


Restaurants
Tuesday,
May 19th
10:00 a.m.
join the conversation
https://bit.ly/35W8eko


Finance and
Insurance
Thursday,
May 21st
1:00 p.m.
join the conversation
https://bit.ly/3dFWPYy


Business and Professional Services
Thursday, May 21st 10:00 a.m.
join the conversation
https://bit.ly/2LmNjxk


Retail
Tuesday, May 19th
1:00 p.m.
join the conversation
https://bit.ly/2Z46jss


Health Care
Friday, May 22nd
10:00 a.m.
join the conversation:
https://bit.ly/2Z1l7s3


Education
Friday
May 22nd 1:00 p.m.
join the conversation:
https://bit.ly/2WRRTcq

Please contact Kris Noble at knoble@saukvalleyareachamber.com or call 815-625-2400 for more information.

COVID resources: https://www.saukvalleyareachamber.com/covid-19-resources
Join the Facebook group: Sauk Valley Area Updates-resources for Sterling and Rock Falls

Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber: House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour


The BBChamber invites you to join us for the House Democratic Downtown Business Coalition Listening Tour - Metro Detroit / SE Oakland

Michigan is home to some 16,500 restaurants and over 15,000 retail shops, employing over 1.25 million Michiganders. Small businesses are the heart of our cities, villages, and townships. They define Michigan’s culture in a way no other individual industry can. This round-table discussion is for us to hear from small businesses about what they need to be successful.

Together, we will work to create policy for Michigan's small businesses. Policy that is driven by Main Street, not Capitol Avenue.

We look forward to hosting you Friday, May 15, 2020 at 2:00pm.

Yours in Service,

Rep. Mari Manoogian
Rep. Kyra Harris Bolden
House Democratic Leader Christine Greig

 "A Pet Friendly Virtual Happy Hour" from the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber 

Business (After) Inside Hours
Friday, May 15th: 4:30PM

Come Network with us ONLINE
Bring your Furry Friends
For a Pet Friendly Virtual Happy Hour!

Connect with your fellow Chamber members virtually to share a drink
from a socially safe distance...
Connect via Zoom hosted by the PNRC


Free Appetizers, compliments of your refrigerator

And of course, BYOB!

Time: May 15, 2020 04:30 PM Eastern Time
Join Zoom Meeting provided by Wesbanco's Cranberry Twp Branch

Register Here

If you have any questions about the upcoming virtual meetings or having technical issues, please contact our tech guru, Beth Machine, at 724-816-8282.


From Erin Guthrie, Illinois DCEO: Fast Track Capital Grants


Today, DCEO joined Governor Pritzker in announcing the Fast Track Capital Grants– a $25 million initiative to accelerate funding to help complete critical public infrastructure projects. This program will help ensure planned capital projects move forward in spite of revenue loss facing the entire state, will prioritize projects in underserved communities, and will ensure skilled labor can return to the job site just in time for the summer construction season.

This new program builds on a series of COVID-19 relief and assistance programs totaling over $100 million – including the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program, the Emergency Small Business Loan Fund, and more. A full menu of programs can be found on DCEO's website here.

We encourage all of our business partners to stay informed on the latest information pertaining to the reopening or programs for businesses by visiting our website, signing up for any one of our upcoming webinars, or by following us on social media.

Stay safe and be well,

Erin Guthrie
Director of DCEO



Valpo Chamber - Re-Opening Message from Rex Richards

Dear John:

The Valpo Chamber is open for business.  We look forward to helping our members get our marketplace humming again. I am writing this from our front conference room which has three large windows and faces Lincolnway. What a tremendous sight to see cars parked on both sides of the street and traffic flowing in both directions.

Here are the results of the 5-question survey we asked our membership to complete prior to the Governor announcing his 5-phase plan. It looks like his plan mirrored our members’ wishes.  Here we go:

1. The best approach to reopening Indiana’s economy?
  1. All at once – 29%
  2. Phased opening by industry – 71%
 2. If phased opening is chosen, should those be:
  1. Every 2 weeks beginning in May – 51%
  2. Mostly in May, June, and July – 31%
  3. No answer – 2%
 3. Should restaurants be allowed to reopen:
  1. At full capacity – 10%
  2. At lowered capacity increasing over phases – 90%
 4. Should social distancing be:
  1. Eliminated all at once – 10%
  2. Phased out over time – 90%
 5. What changes might your company implement moving forward?  Check all that apply:
  1. Change workplace space to allow for social distancing – 68%
  2. Alternate staff to restrict exposure – 33%
  3. Add new safety features i.e. masks, gloves, etc. – 58%
  4. Continue remote work – 49%
  5. I do not plan to make any changes – 13%
  6. No answer – 2%
Get your gift certificates by calling he Valpo Chamber office at 219-462-1105. This is a great way to help the economy by helping Valpo businesses. 150 businesses accept our gift certificates. They are great gifts for teachers, graduates, birthdays, anniversaries, and to give to your favorite first responders.

I want to thank our Chamber staff for helping our businesses get through this difficult time and carrying on the work of the chamber during the previous difficult month. These outstanding and dedicated people are Julie Gaskell, Danielle Oeding, Kurt Gillins, Christine Pazdur and Sue Stymiest. They are the reason the Valpo Chamber has been recognized with numerous state, national and regional awards for outstanding achievement.

Rex G. Richards, CCE
President 

 Carol Stream Chamber: DuPage Small Business Relief Program Grant


A program to support DuPage County small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19.

In an effort to assist small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19, DuPage County in conjunction with Choose DuPage is providing grants to use for employee retention payroll, utilities,
and rent.

CRITERIA
Small businesses with fewer than 15 full-time employees and less than $1.5 million in annual revenue may apply for a grant up to $15,000.
Independent contractors with more than 50% of their annual income coming from 1099 work, and an annual income of less than $100,000 may apply for a grant up to $7,500.

Businesses and contractors that have received other funds intended for this purpose (i.e. PPP, EIDL) are not eligible.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM, JOIN US FOR AN INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR ON FRIDAY, MAY 15 AT 11:00AM CST.
REGISTER FOR WEBINAR

Applications will be accepted online beginning Monday, May 18. For additional information, click here to visit our website.

Romeoville Chamber of Commerce:
The chamber staff is working hard for you
·     Communicating with other local and national chambers to share best practices
·     Communicating all of your deals and discounts to over 3000 connections
·     Connecting businesses with resources to help them understand their options during the pandemic
·     Preparing marketing materials on behalf of members
·     Communicating with government agencies
·     Strategizing approaches with businesses to cope with COVID-19 impacts

To learn more, visit our website!

Madison County Officials Considering Re-Opening Plan


The Madison County Board of Health, which is made up of the full Madison County Board, will meet at 5PM TUESDAY, MAY 12 to discuss a proposal to begin a responsible re-opening of Madison County businesses and other establishments that have been impacted by the state's COVID-19 shutdown.

Please contact your Madison County Board representative prior to tomorrow's 5pm meeting. This is an excellent opportunity to share your business' story, your thoughts on responsibly re-opening, and the economic impact COVID-19 is having on your organization. CLICK HERE for Madison County Board member contact information.

CLICK HERE to read news coverage of Madison County's two special meetings held last week regarding re-opening the county.

CLICK HERE to listen to audio recordings of last week's two special meetings.

CLICK HERE for a link to tune list to tomorrow's 5pm special meeting via the Twitch platform, as well as a form to provide a comment or question prior to tomorrow's 5pm meeting.

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 Magazine RFP Requested. Thank you!
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