New Covid 19 PPP Resources Alert Today from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Muncie on the Move: In Person June 17; Memorial Day Note From National Chamber of the Year Finalist Effingham County Chamber; $135 billion remains in available PPP funds; Rochester Regional Chamber: Back Together & Better Than Ever!; Ridgeland Chamber: Open for Business Green Ribbon Champaign; Local Chambers Develop Back to Business Tool Kit To Aid in Reopening the Local Economy; Prince William Chamber: Members Helping Members: Tele-Learning Assistance/Child Care; Owensboro Chamber: Healthy at Work Guidelines; WEDC Adds PPE Producers to Wisconsin Supplier Network Website; Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory; Taskforce releases Harrisonburg-Rockingham COVID-19 business impact survey data; Oakland Chamber Network (via Rochester Regional Chamber): Weekly Small Business Town Hall; Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide; Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offering help during pandemic; Chincoteague pony swim canceled for first time since WWII; Arlington Chamber: Nonprofit Forum: Learn to Pivot Strategies for Organizational Success;

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

New Covid 19 PPP Resources Alert Today from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce


New! Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Guide

Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the funds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses. Click here to download this step-by-step guide to calculate your loan forgiveness amount, navigate record-keeping requirements, and determine repayment terms on amounts not forgiven.

Click Here to Download the PPP Forgiveness Guide


New Resource Added! Reopening Business Digital Resources Center


Last week, as part of the Path Forward initiative, the U.S. Chamber unveiled its Reopening Business Digital Resources Center to equip America's business community with the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources as we look to reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed.

Now, the resources center also includes a customizable workplace flyer to help you keep employees and customers safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Click Here to View the Digital Resources Center


ICYMI: Reopening Business Digital Resources Center Toolkit

In addition to the Reopening Business Digital Resources Center, and as you and your members face new questions and unprecedented new challenges, the U.S. Chamber has also created a comprehensive toolkit of key messages, example posts, and social media graphics for you to utilize while sharing the tools and resources with your local business communities and networks.

Click Here to View the Toolkit


Now Available in Spanish! Small Business Reopening Playbook

Click here to view the U.S. Chamber's new Small Business Reopening Playbook which provides in-depth information and resources for you and your members as you plan and prepare to reopen and get back to work.

Considering that reopening strategies will largely depend on the state and business type, this guide has consolidated federal, state, and local guidelines, industry specific resources, insights and strategies from leading experts, and more.

The playbook is now available to download in Spanish—click here to learn more.

Click Here to View the Playbook

Muncie on the Move: In Person June 17

Dear Membership,

We are looking forward to connecting with our members but want to do so in the safest manner possible. Following the governor and local health officials’ guidelines for reopening, we are implementing some new practices to ensure our members are safe during our upcoming events. Specifically, in preparation for the Muncie on the Move event scheduled for June 17th, we have discussed and prepared various social distancing measures to protect participants

· The room will be set with four people to a table and tables will be spaced six feet apart.

· The breakfast buffet will be attended by staff of the Horizon Convention Center. Guests will be served their food as they walk through the line. While in the buffet line, guests will be asked to stay behind a barrier to avoid being too close to the food.

· Instead of beverages being on the table, there will be a beverage station and Horizon Convention Center staff will serve each guest.

· Staffs of the Chamber of Commerce and the Horizon Convention Center will be wearing masks.

· We ask that all guests wear their own masks as well. For those individuals that do not have a mask, the Horizon Convention Center has a limited supply available for sale. The Horizon Convention Center does reserve the right to ask people to leave who do not have a mask or are unwilling to wear one.

· Masks may be taken off while eating, but they must be worn during other portions of the event and especially while being served at the buffet.

· There will be no exchanging of business cards. However, we are looking into various ways for participants to exchange information.

· Only one person may be staffing a booth at any given time.

Though things will look a little different, the Chamber is committed to serving our community safely. We want all our members to feel comfortable while attending events. We are so grateful for our community’s support and cooperation as we take these necessary measures to reopen. We are looking forward to reconnecting with all our members and community leaders.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact your Chamber staff. We want to hear all of your feedback as we try and reopen. Stay positive Muncie-Delaware County!

Best,

Chamber Staff


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy

Tom Johnson: Elevate Rapid City: Pessimism is not in our DNA here in western South Dakota. All of us are still getting up, still going work, still doing our best. We still subscribe to the old proverb: It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory

The Appomattox County Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to John Redding and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together!



Appomattox County Chamber Community Guide and Membership Directory

Town Square Publications can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Memorial Day Note From National Chamber of the Year Finalist Effingham County Chamber

"You can't use an old map to explore a new world." - - Albert Einstein

Dear John,

What a great quote! Our recent experiences have been very much like exploring a new world. We have had to adjust our plans, find a new path and take detours along the way in our daily operations and yearly goals. 2020 will likely be thought of in two parts - before COVID-19 and after COVID-19. Our old maps (plans) need to be revised to get the best result for our businesses this rest of this year.

Next Friday, May 29, will see the reopening of more businesses in Effingham County, a day we have looked forward to for many weeks. However there will still be those whose business' reopening is still on hold. And, we can't forget that a number of businesses have been open this whole time and have had to make adjustments to their business model to support their employees and customers in a safe way.

Whether you’re opening is sooner or later, is your business prepared to open? Do you have a plan in place to protect your employees and your customers? Use this time wisely. Planning is a key component of reopening your business, whenever you reopen or adjust how you are currently operating. Maintaining proper distancing, determining the need for masks and other personal protective equipment and keeping your business clean to limit the spread of the virus is of utmost importance.

The Chamber has developed a Guide to Reopening Your Business to help you through this process. The guide delivers information for 18 different types of businesses and has been reviewed by the Effingham County Health Department. The Illinois Department of Public Health will be providing final guidance within the next few days and that information will be available on our website as soon as it’s available. The Guide is being made available to all Effingham County businesses on our COVID-19 Resource page at www.effinghamcountychamber.com.

As we toward the time when we are able to return to a more normal lifestyle, I believe we have all learned that our businesses, our lives, have forever changed. While we may wish we could rewind the clock and go back to our normal routine, we have also learned to adapt and change and find new ways of living and learning and conducting our business. My hope is that we have developed new maps to lead us to more success and prosperity.

It is Memorial Day Weekend. Thank you to our Veterans and the sacrifices you made to keep us safe and live in the "land of the free and home of the brave".


Norma Lansing, IOM, ACE
President & CEO
nlansing@effinghamcountychamber.com
You can reach me at 217.246.5844


$135 billion remains in available PPP funds

A total of $135 billion remains in available Paycheck Protection Program funding as of May 16, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced Wednesday.

Across the U.S., 5,496 Small Business Administration lenders approved $513.3 billion for a total of 4.3 million loans, according to a U.S. SBA report. The average size for approved loans was $118,000.

Wisconsin ranked 19th for most loans approved across the U.S. and 18th for loan dollars approved. A total of 185 approved loans at a value of $7.7 million has not yet been confirmed, according to the report.

The average loan size for Wisconsin businesses was $124,871. Read more: Biz Times

Rochester Regional Chamber: Back Together & Better Than Ever!

We're tying the community back together and better than ever! Join our "Tying The Community Back Together" Campaign as your business prepares to reopen.

Learn more.

We're tying the community back together and better than ever! Join our "Tying The Community Back Together" Campaign as your business prepares to reopen.

How it works:

Contact the Chamber by emailing maggieb@rrc-mi.com and say "We're back!" Cost $40 for RRC Members or $50 for Non-Members.

The Chamber Staff/Volunteer will drop off 2 pieces of ribbon and a lawn sign, then take a photo to share you on social media.

When you're ready, take a photo/video of you tying the ribbon together, with your new sign, and share on your social media tagging @Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce!

We will share your post and your business will get exposure, not once, not twice - but THREE times!

Flyer Downloads:

How To - Back N Better Program

6 Ways to Prepare for Re-Opening Flyer

Ridgeland Chamber: Open for Business Green Ribbon Champaign

To help celebrate the reopening of our business community, the Chamber is delivering GREEN RIBBONS for businesses to display as a sign of reopening. Not only is GREEN the City of Ridgeland's color, GREEN signifies new beginnings, new economic opportunities and the beauty of spring.

If you would like to display a GREEN ribbon, please send us an e-mail and we will deliver one to your business. Also, please send us your updated information so we can add it to our HAPPENINGS e-newsletter as well as to our social media accounts.

Our City's businesses are the heart beat of our community. We are so proud of how all our businesses have weathered the coronavirus storm and all of its challenges and uncertainties.

We love to say "Your Business Is Our Business" and we value each and every business and their owners and staff.

We are here for you every step of the way. We are United Together because we are #RidgelandStrong.

Local Chambers Develop Back to Business Tool Kit To Aid in Reopening the Local Economy

May 18, 2020—In an effort to help local business develop a successful plan for reopening, four local chambers collaborated on a “Back to Business” Tool Kit to aid in reopening the local economy. The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce; the Fox Lake, Richmond, Spring Grove Area Chamber of Commerce; the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce; and the Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce, launched a reopening playbook that includes information on the State’s reopening guidelines, getting prepared, planning a safe reopening, checklists, printable posters and helpful links. The information was compiled from the resources available through the Illinois Department of Public Health, CDC, and best practices being used across the country.

“This will be an evolving document as we receive new information and updates,” said Suzanne Corr, BACC President/CEO. “Our role as chambers is to be a clearinghouse of information and resources.  We want to ensure local business has the greatest path to a successful reopening from this pandemic.”

“Just as our Chamber encourages businesses to collaborate, it was great for our area Chambers to come together in this effort,” said Maria Weisbruch, Executive Director, Wauconda Area Chamber of Commerce. “Partnership and collaboration are essential right now.”

“We see the residents of our communities supporting local businesses now, more than ever, which is one of the positive outcomes of the pandemic we are living through,” said Claire Slattery, Executive Director of the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Getting to know your local business owners and employees can only lead to a stronger community and place to live.” 

A copy of the “Back to Business Tool Kit,” document can be downloaded from each of the Chamber’s websites at: www.barringtonchamber.com; www.flrsgac,com;  www.lzacc.com; and  www.waucondachamber.org. 

Prince William Chamber: Members Helping Members: Tele-Learning Assistance/Child Care

My Gym: Manassas

• “We are doing the best we can to try to provide income for our staff at this time. We have great staff who are well qualified to work with kids.
• If members have children at home that need care, we’d love to be able to match them up with our staff, so they can have income and the other member can have care coverage.”

Gainesville KinderCare

• The Gainesville KinderCare has been named as an ESSENTAL CENTER and is currently accepting enrollment for families that need our care during all of this if you or someone you know is seek child care during these crazy time, please contact us.
• Our amazing teachers are here, trained and willing to provide some normalcy to you and your child. We are accredited and licensed and happy to serve you.
• We are abiding by all guidelines in place PLUS some, to ensure the wellbeing of your children and our staff.
• Open: Monday through Friday: 5:30am to 6:30pm
• 703-366-3020 or Gainesville@kingercare.com

Huntington Learning Center

• “Our center is remaining open for the foreseeable future. We have extended our hours to minimize the number of people in the center at one time, to align with Governor Northam’s request to keep gatherings to 10 or fewer people. We are here for new students who want to keep up with their academics in the next month (for now) while schools are closed and want to be a resource to families that still have to go to work while the student is home.
• Students can come take an Academic Evaluation (cost is generally $195, but coupons can be found on our website), parents can meet with me to discuss the results, and then students can work in the time while schools are closed (and beyond, if necessary). Interested parties should reach out to our call center at (703)-670-9997 for more information and to make an appointment.
• Our hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9am until 8pm, Friday from 9am until 1pm, Saturday from 9am until 3pm and Sunday from 12pm until 4pm.”

-Megan Miller, Center Director

The Goddard School in Gainesville

• We are open, appropriately-staffed, and continuing to serve the needs of our community.
• We are adhering to all the guidelines from the CDC, VDH, and VDSS regarding class sizes, social distancing, monitoring of temperatures and other potential symptoms.
• We have increased the frequency of the cleanings we perform throughout the day, and instituted a more rigorous nightly cleaning regimen.
• If you are an essential worker in need of care for your child(ren) aged eight and under, please contact us. We are here to help you help our community.
• We’re open Monday-Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm
• 571-222-5576 or gainesvilleva@goddardschools.com

Owensboro Chamber: Healthy at Work Guidelines

Good Afternoon, 
The sun is peeking out from around the clouds. That is how we are feeling today as we continue the reopening of businesses and moving ahead together. 
The schedule of the reopenings, along with the Healthy at Work Guidelines for each sector is below. Additional guidelines and sectors continue to be released. For the most current guidance, visit the Healthy at Work website. 

May 9, 2020: 
Places of Worship 

May 11, 2020: 
Construction 
Horse Racing (No Fans) 
Manufacturing & Distribution 
Office-Based Businesses (50%) 
Pet Grooming / Boarding 
Photography 
Vehicle or Vessel Dealerships 

May 18, 2020: 
Government Offices / Agencies 

May 20, 2020: 
Funeral and Memorial Services 
Retail 

May 22, 2020: 
Restaurants: 33% Capacity + Outdoor Seating 
Groups of 10 people or fewer 

May 25, 2020: 
Barbershops/Cosmetology/Hair Salons 
Massage Therapy 
Nail Salons 
Tanning Salons 
Tattoo Parlors 

June 1, 2020: 
Auto/Dirt Track Racing 
Aquatic Centers 
Bowling Alleys 
Fishing Tournaments 
Fitness Centers 
Kentucky State Park Lodges 
Movie Theaters 
Salato Wildlife Education Center 

June 11, 2020: 
Kentucky Horse Park 
Kentucky State Park Campgrounds 
Otter Creek 

June 15, 2020: 
Some Childcare 
Youth Sports (low touch and outdoors) 

July: 
Bars 
Groups of 50 people or fewer 

Thank you to Owensboro Health for providing downloadable compliance signs that you can post at your business or office according to the guidelines. 

WEDC Adds PPE Producers to Wisconsin Supplier Network Website

To connect Wisconsin companies that produce personal protective equipment (PPE) and other protective material with companies that need it, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is launching a new category, protective equipment and supplies, on the existing Wisconsin Supplier Network (WSN), according to a news release. The WSN website helps connect new and existing businesses in Wisconsin with the buyers, suppliers and service providers they need.

The new category will include equipment such as face masks and shields, gloves and sanitizer.

WEDC and its partners, including the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, academic institutions throughout the state, and regional economic development organizations, have been working to bridge the gap between PPE manufacturers and the State Emergency Operations Center.
Click here for more information.

Taskforce releases Harrisonburg-Rockingham COVID-19 business impact survey data

Fifty-seven percent of Harrisonburg-Rockingham businesses anticipate being able to return to pre-COVID-19 staffing levels, according to a survey conducted by the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Business Support Taskforce.

Eighty-three percent reported lost sales and/or revenue in April. Sixty-six percent have reduced hours and/or restructured operations.

The anticipated timeline to return to pre-COVID-19 level of business activity covers a wide range, with 25 percent indicating a two- to three-month return period, 19 percent looking 6-8 months ahead, and 19 percent forecasting a full year.

Taskforce members have been in frequent contact with area businesses to assess the economic impact, share information on resources, and do what can be done to keep the economic engine primed. The survey results, along with a local companion survey on consumer sentiment, is helping the Taskforce plan and recommend the next steps to help companies answer questions and get back to some sense of “normal” business operations as quickly as possible.

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Business Support Taskforce members include representatives from the City of Harrisonburg Economic Development; Rockingham Department of Economic Development and Tourism; the Shenandoah Valley Partnership; the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SVSBDC); Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance; the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce; the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council; and JMU’s Professional and Continuing Education. Read more: Augusta Free Press

Oakland Chamber Network (via Rochester Regional Chamber): Weekly Small Business Town Hall

Name: Weekly Small Business Town Hall

Date: May 21, 2020

Time: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EDT

Paycheck Protection Program Updated Rules

The Treasury Department and US Small Business Administration released new guidance. Join us for a Small Business Town Hall, brought to you by the Oakland Chamber Network, where we will hear from PPP experts at the Michigan Association of CPA's (MICPA) Leon LaBrecque, JD, CPA, CFP, CFA, Chief Growth Officer, Sequoia Financial Group and James N. Lopiccolo, CPA, CGMA, Managing Member, Capocore Professional Advisors. What you need to know to maximize loan forgiveness. Register Here. Zoom link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.

Kernersville Chamber of Commerce  Community Guide 

The Kernersville Chamber of Commerce Community Guide is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to Chris Comer and the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 

Kernersville Community Guide 2019-2020

Town Square Publications  (www.townsquarepublications.com) can help you accomplish your chamber's gloss map, directory, community profile or publication needs at no expense to the chamber. Please email John Dussman at jdussman@tspubs.com or call (847)-427-4633.

Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce offering help during pandemic

The Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is keeping its members informed amidst the many changes in daily life due to the coronavirus.

President and founder Michel Zazur says when the pandemic started it was important to get the information out in Spanish to his members and the Hispanic community.

They started a special Eblast alert and encouraged members to sign for the organization’s email distribution. He also recommended that members check the organization’s website for a list of resources available for the community and the business community.

The chamber is involved in helping businesses apply online for unemployment and is offering workshops that include classes, workshops, and is working with other organizations like Google, Comcast, and local and national leaders like Sen. Tim Kaine. Read more: WTVR News 6 Richmond

Chincoteague pony swim canceled for first time since WWII

The annual Pony Penning celebration is a perennial tourist draw and fundraiser

For the first time since World War II, the annual Chincoteague Pony Penning celebration, scheduled to begin July 2, has been canceled, Alex Tucker, president of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company Inc. announced Monday. 

“Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make, with the last pony penning being canceled over 78 years ago during the second World War,” Tucker said in a statement. “We know how much this community loves this fire company and supports our carnival but with the restrictions put into the phases to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it was the only logical decision to make.”

The annual Pony Penning and Carnival began 94 years ago and has become a tourist attraction and fundraiser for the local fire department. Fire department members, or “Saltwater Cowboys,” herd wild Chincoteague ponies from Assateague Island, across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague Island. After the ponies swim, they parade the carnival grounds where they are eventually to be auctioned. The event was immortalized in the 1947 children’s novel, “Misty of Chincoteague” by Marguerite Henry and the 1961 20th Century Fox film “Misty,” starring David Alan Ladd.

The feral ponies were most likely descended from animals brought to the area by European settlers in the 1600s, though local legend contends that the Chincoteague ponies, which are also known as Assateague horses, are the descendants of horses that survived a Spanish shipwreck in the area during the 1500s. Read more: Virginia Business

Arlington Chamber: Nonprofit Forum: Learn to Pivot Strategies for Organizational Success

Join the Arlington Chamber for the Nonprofit Forum: Pivoting Strategies on Tuesday, May 19, from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on the Zoom platform, presented by the Chamber’s Community Action Committee. During this time of uncertainty, strategies for both nonprofits and businesses in the community are changing drastically. This forum will utilize breakout sessions to dive deep into the different areas of change. Each room will be moderated by an industry professional, who will facilitate a discussion between both nonprofit and business attendees. The breakout room participants will brainstorm on their topic areas, and the Chamber will compile the list of all notes to distribute to attendees. Register soon to ensure a spot in your preferred breakout session!

Grand Sponsor: Arlington Community Federal Credit Union

REGISTER

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

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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!