Showing posts with label #Chamber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Chamber. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Champaign County Chamber: Predicting Chaos: High Impact Weather Risk; #FamousChamber Quotation of the Week (Be committed!) #BestChamber practices: Chamber serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County: The Re-opening Ribbon Cutting; South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory; Barrington Chamber: Christmas in July Gift Card Drive for Local Food Pantries; ADP: MASKUPHBURG; Chancellor Blank lays out three-part COVID testing program to be used in the fall; Oshkosh school board adds 2 referendum questions, worth $115 million, to November ballot; Bazaar After Dark night market postponed to next year due to coronavirus pandemic; #BestChamber practices: Skokie Chamber: Multi-Chamber Networking Program (would work virtual, too!); Clarkston Area Chamber: New Economic Recovery Grant Opportunities Announced by Oakland County; Rochester Regional Chamber: Additional small business grants & more: Keeping you informed! Reston Chamber: Business Education Series Workshop; Indianapolis Partners With Indy Chamber and Musical Family Tree For Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program; Indiana Chamber Announces Mentoring Partnership to Help Companies Skill Up Their Workforce, Engage With Employees; NKYP Announces 2020 Next Generation Leader Award Winners; 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! 

Champaign County Chamber: Predicting Chaos: High Impact Weather Risk

Presented by: Dr. Eric Snodgrass, Principal Atmospheric Scientist, Nutrien Ag Solutions

Tuesday, July 28
Beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Virtual Event

The science of weather prediction has evolved rapidly as computing technology has increased and new methods of observing weather with high resolution satellites and Doppler radars has become common place. Accessed to highly detailed weather forecasts is the new normal in the digital age, but how are these forecasts made and how reliable are they? Can we predict high impact events like hail storms, extreme lightning, tornadoes, severe winds, hurricanes, flash floods, and drought? Find out why all of this matters to our local economy and not just agriculture.

On July 28 we welcome Dr. Eric Snodgrass, principal atmospheric scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, to talk about weather and the tools we can use to better understand it.

To hear Dr. Snodgrass speak, you would normally have to attend an expensive conference. We are bringing him to you at home. You can enjoy his presentation all while staying safe during COVID-19.

The event will be held virtually; a meeting link will be sent to attendees closer to the event.

Cost to attend:

$19 for members
$29 for non-members

Register Now



#FamousChamber Quotation of the Week (Be committed!) 

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever does. - Margaret Mead




#BestChamber practices: Chamber serving Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County: The Re-opening Ribbon Cutting

Visit the "Reopen Rockbridge" resource hub on our website for helpful information and tips on safely getting back to business!


South Suburban Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Resource Guide & Business Directory  

The Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Community Guide & Business Directory   is available at the Chamber of Commerce today! Thank you to the Chamber team for their help and direction putting this together! 






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.


Barrington Chamber: Christmas in July Gift Card Drive for Local Food Pantries

Date and Time: Wednesday Jul 1, 2020 Friday Jul 31, 2020

July 1- July 31

Location
BACC Office
190 E. James St.
Barrington, IL 60010

Website
www.BarringtonChamber.com

Register


Please consider helping families in need by donating $10 or more to be used for purchasing grocery gift cards that will be distributed to the Barrington and Cuba Township food pantries. The Chamber will be accepting donations on behalf of the Women's Biz Net Group all month.
Simply click the REGISTER button on this page to make a donation.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT!



Contact Information: Suzanne Corr
Send Email



ADP: MASKUPHBURG

Welcome to MASKUPHBURG.COM!

This website is shared between key business, tourism, health care and government partners throughout the City of Hattiesburg, Forrest County and Lamar County to provide information to citizens about the public health campaign - Mask Up, HBURG.

On this site, you will be able to locate information about face coverings and their impact on slowing the spread of COVID-19, where they are required to be worn, educational content about how to wear them and ways you can also share the "Mask Up, HBURG" messages with your friends and family. 


We are proud to join other organizations in the Pine Belt to help slow the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about how you can also do your part, visit maskuphburg.com.

Chancellor Blank lays out three-part COVID testing program to be used in the fall



UW-Madison will have a three-part testing program in place when students return to campus in the fall, according to Chancellor Rebecca Blank.
Blank told a Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce briefing today the university will first set up free testing sites around campus for anyone in the community to use. Then, it will conduct wide-range surveillance testing in the surrounding community to monitor for potential hotspots or outbreaks, as well as practice targeted testing for students in dorms and athletics.
“We want to be able to tell students that campus is actually a safer place for them than the outside world,” Blank said. “Our goal is to make sure the university stays that safe for the entire semester.”
Targeted tests in dorms and sports facilities will be conducted at least once every two weeks, with immediate containment and quarantine protocols in place in the case of a positive test.
Creating a more inclusive environment
Blank said she did not take the decision to reopen on a hybrid model of instruction lightly, but that it is necessary to have a “properly functioning flow of thought” at the university. She said that much learning on campus happens when peers collaborate, and that online school does “students a disservice” by not offering those opportunities.
Blank also noted the university is looking for ways to become more “welcoming and open” for students of color. 
UW-Madison has already mandated a new “Diversity Framework” course for all incoming students — similar to the GetWIse workshops required for alcohol and drug use — that will “promote shared values of diversity and inclusion” among other issues. The university has also launched a $10 million fundraising campaign that will provide scholarships and financial aid to students and faculty of color. 
“For white people like me there is a window of opportunity now that we have never had before,” Blank said. “White students and faculty need to reflect on our own behaviors and actions every day. If we do not seize this moment to listen, understand and change then shame on us.”
Financial concerns
Blank touched on the UW-System’s financial future due to the pandemic and said short-term cash flow issues may be exacerbated by the possibility of fall sports being cancelled.
“Short-term, we are going to have a few problems,” Blank said. “To make it worse — though I can’t say with certainty — if I had to guess there is under a 50 percent chance sports play in the fall.” Read more: The Daily Cardinal




Oshkosh school board adds 2 referendum questions, worth $115 million, to November ballot

Voters will decide in November whether to allow the school district to extend property tax hikes from previous referendums and add another $107 million.
The school board on Wednesday unanimously approved putting two referendum questions on the November ballot that will ask voters to renew $7.95 million in operating funds they approved in 2014 and 2016 and to approve collecting an additional $107 million to address the district's aging facilities by consolidating schools.
The decision to put two questions on the ballot comes after critics say they are tired of multiple referendums in the past few years.
"We understand there can be referendum fatigue. We heard loud a clear to combine the two and let us come to the poll one time," Superintendent Vickie Cartwright said Thursday during a town hall with Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce members. Read more: Oshkosh Northwestern


Bazaar After Dark night market postponed to next year due to coronavirus pandemic


Organizers are pushing back the Fox Cities Bazaar After Dark to next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The event is rescheduled for June 5, 2021 in downtown New London and July 28, 2021 in Neenah, according to the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce.
Organizers said Wednesday the decision was based on public health guidance athe safety and wellbeing of the estimated 8,000 people who attend the night market each year.
“This was not an easy decision nor one we took lightly,” Fox Cities Chamber President Becky Bartoszek said in a statement. “While we’re disappointed to not be able to celebrate in these communities in 2020, we felt this was the optimal decision for the health and safety of all involved.”

Bazaar After Dark focuses on fostering community collaborations through art, music and common experiences. Organizers said to watch the Bazaar After Dark Facebook page or chamber website for more information on next year’s events.
Read more: Post Crescent



#BestChamber practices: Skokie Chamber: Multi-Chamber Networking Program (would work virtual, too!)


Speed Networking Events offer you a wonderful opportunity to meet many people form other chambers of Commerce in quick succession. But sometimes they can be overwhelming. In order for these events to be successful, for you, follow the rules, follow the script and be concise without going over your three minute limit per person. Thank you and happy networking!

How this works… (6 to 10 People at each table)

1. Each person has a name tag with their table rotation listed.
2. We have tried to separate you so industries are not duplicated at each table, however due to the numbers present at today’s function, please understand if there is an occasional duplication. - Remember in the chamber world, we are all colleagues, not competitors.
3. The moderator will announce each rotation, please proceed to the table number printed on your name tag.
4. Once at your table, assign a time keeper.
5. Each participant will have three minutes to introduce themselves. We have provided a script for your convenience. You do not need a script if it does not reflect the needs of you or your company.
6. The moderator will give a five minute warning before each table rotation.
7. There will be a five minute passing period in between each rotation
8. There will be (X) table rotations for today’s program (Three table rotations would be a good meeting’s worth.)
9. Please feel free to stay at the conclusion of the speed networking program so you can continue to make connections!

Introductions
Your Name
Name of Your Company
What is Your Position With Your Company
What Does Your Company Do…
What makes You or Your Company Unique
You Should Do Business With Me Because…
Chamber Member (X) Recommends Me
A Good Business Lead For Me Is…

More information: Skokie Chamber

Clarkston Area Chamber: New Economic Recovery Grant Opportunities Announced by Oakland County

Yesterday, Oakland County announced that retail stores, restaurants and personal service businesses such as salons and fitness centers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for part of the $32 million Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant fund.

The grants – which range from $2,500-$10,000 – provide an infusion of capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses or other similar ones that occur in the ordinary course of business. The funds come from Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money allocated to Oakland County by the federal government.

The full press release from Oakland County can be read here. Further details and an application can be found at the Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant web page.

As always, we encourage you to stay in touch with the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce via our website, social media or reach us directly at (248) 625-8055.

Rochester Regional Chamber: Additional small business grants & more: Keeping you informed!


Keeping you informed! Here at the Rochester Regional Chamber we are working hard to stay on top of news and information that can assist you in navigating these difficult times. Below find information about two additional grant programs available for small businesses as well as a webinar we will be conducting with the SBA "Answers to PPP & SBA EIDL Loan Forgiveness"

Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant

· For businesses with 100 or fewer full or part-time employees

· Applications will be reviewed and determinations will be made periodically throughout, and following, the 6-week application period ending on Monday August 24, 2020.

· Nonprofits are not eligible

Oakland County announced last week the dedication of $28-$30 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you have experienced any of the following between March 2020 and June 2020 you are eligible to apply.

· A loss of gross receipts or sales
· Operated at a reduced level of production, sales, employment or service
· Have temporarily closed all operations and are now in the process of reopening

This competitive grant program is focused on hard-hit sectors such as:

· retail,
· food and lodging,
· personal services,
· business services,
· entertainment and recreation and
· construction and maintenance services.

Oakland Together Small Business Recovery Grant Info/Application

Michigan Small Business Restart Program Grant

· For businesses and nonprofits with 50 or fewer employees

· 30% earmarked for women, minority or veteran-owned eligible businesses.

Through the MEDC (Michigan Economic Development Corporation) the State of Michigan has allocated $100 million of CARES Act funding, of which $11 million is available to Oakland County businesses, to support small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Businesses can apply for grants up to $20,000 and applications are due by August 5. Awardees will be announced no later than September 30.

Michigan Small Business Restart Program Grant Info/Application

WEBINAR

Answers to PPP & SBA EIDL Loan Forgiveness

Join the SBA Michigan District Office to get all your questions answered regarding the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program), the EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loan) program, SBA Debt Relief programs, and SBA consulting and training resources to help you recover from COVID-19.

Register Here


Reston Chamber: Business Education Series Workshop 

TOMORROW @ 8:30 AM

How to Effectively Network During Covid

Join us tomorrow morning and learn:
· How to engage a “virtual” prospect.
· What to “say” during the conversation.
· The “3-step” transition process and,
· The most effective “follow through” process

This presentation is ideal for Owners/Strategists/Senior Sales Executives Who:
· Want to engage new prospects
· Have a large social media network of “unknown” contacts
· Don’t expect things to “go back” to the “old ways’ and,
· Want the 2nd half of 2020 to be their biggest opportunity.

This session will be refreshing for the expert and a blueprint for the beginner! This system will allow you to “engage” new AND old prospects EVERY week! If WINNING is still at the top of your to-do list

Register Now!

Registration cutoff is 8 AM on Wednesday. 


Indianapolis Partners With Indy Chamber and Musical Family Tree For Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program

The City of Indianapolis, Musical Family Tree and the Indy Chamber partnered to develop the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program, a grant program dedicated to supporting independent music venues disadvantaged by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Independent music venues are the lifeblood of the music scene, where local musicians learn their trade and build careers. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the City to provide assistance to them when they need it the most.” said Jim Rawlinson, Board Chair of Musical Family Tree in a statement yesterday. “Music venues were the first to close and the last to open. Hopefully these funds will allow them to hang on and reopen responsibly and safely.”

The program will make $125,000 of federal CARES Act funds available to independent music venues located within Marion County. Grant money can be used for costs including monthly rent, mortgage payments and utility payments.
“Indianapolis has some of the finest independent music venues in the country,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement. “As we safely reopen our economy, we want to make sure that our venues have the resources they need to survive and thrive.”
Musical Family Tree will handle the application process and the distribution of funds for the program.
Independent music venues in Marion County can apply at musicalfamilytree.org/blog by Aug. 7. Read more: WFYI.ORG

Indiana Chamber Announces Mentoring Partnership to Help Companies Skill Up Their Workforce, Engage With Employees

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is offering a new service to help Hoosier employers skill up their workforce and keep employees further engaged as remote work continues for many.
The organization is partnering with Indiana-based Engage Mentoring to connect employees with mentors to help them grow their skills on a variety of topics. The model uses a proprietary software system to assist employees in career development by forging relationships with qualified mentors throughout the business community as well as acquiring the necessary skillset to become good mentors themselves.
“We believe this company-to-company mentoring program can be an important resource for our members to address the continual call to better attract, retain and develop their talent,” says  Jason Bearce, Indiana Chamber vice president of education and workforce development.
“Beyond that critical mission, employers are now, more than ever, looking for meaningful ways for employee engagement and inclusion. This program can be a powerful strategy to achieve that within their workforce.”
This effort is part of the Indiana Chamber’s Institute for Workforce Excellence resource center.

NKYP Announces 2020 Next Generation Leader Award Winners

Recipients named during virtual celebration Thursday, July 16, 2020

The 2020 Next Generation Leader Award (NGLA) winners have been announced – and the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals (NKYP) are celebrating their achievements as they look towards building the future.

Facebook Live served as the virtual celebratory means by which the NKYP presented the 2020 NGLA Awards, which took place Thursday, July 16, 2020. Designed to salute and applaud young professionals under 40 for significant professional achievements, demonstrated leadership and community impact, the awards recognize talented young leaders and their contributions to the region.

Each of this year’s winners were chosen from a group of nearly 70 applications from across the region. The applications were then reviewed and narrowed down to a group of finalists in six categories based on primary job responsibilities across several industries.

The 2020 winners in each category are:

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & HOSPITALITY
Kimberly Best, The Carnegie
Justin Otto, North American Properties/Newport on the Levee

EDUCATION
Kevin Reynolds, Thomas More University

MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE SERVICES
Tyler Hudson, Hudson Eye Center

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Sarah Grace Mohr, MACKEY

PUBLIC RELATIONS, ADVERTISING & MARKETING
Mark Collier, Ft. Thomas Matters & Living Media

PUBLIC SERVICE & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Ellen Bates, Brighton Center

In addition to recognizing this year’s NGLA recipients, Candace McGraw – CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) – was presented with the 2020 NKYP Legend Award. The NKYP Legend Award is given to a community leader that has continued to inspire leadership and career success among young professionals throughout their career. Read more: Northern Kentucky Chamber



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!

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Chamber Executive Wisconsin News Digest April 16, 2020; What Every Chamber Executive and Board Member Should Read First Today: The Path to Recovery: Via: Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy; #Lookforthehelpers: SC Johnson and Save the Children Join Forces to Equip a Generation with the Life Skills to Battle COVID-19 and Future Public Health Threats; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Resource Center; U.S. Chamber Launches “Path Forward” Program to Lead Conversation on How America Can Return to Work; Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC COVID-19 Employer Toolkit; #ChamberSong ---A song to make you smile: "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles; Important COVID 19 Resources; #Lookforthehelpers: New Richmond Chamber Member: FREE Wills for Workers – Providing Peace of Mind for our Frontline; Encouraging Message from NYC Doctor (via the Oshkosh Chamber); Look to the helpers: Wisconsin Businesses Pivot To Help Health Care Providers During Pandemic; SBA: Faith Based Organizations May Apply for Assistance; Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in Wisconsin;






Chamber Executive Wisconsin News Digest
April 16, 2020


Good morning #ChamberWorld! #Lookforthehelpers! Listen to the good news! Start the Recovery! Make a small win today and huge wins tomorrow! Build the future now! It's going to be a GREAT day!



What Every Chamber Executive and Board Member Should Read First Today: The Path to Recovery: Via: Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy

Path to Recovery
Bob Harris and Bill Pawlucy are Certified Association Executives. They are a lot of insight and training for chambers, their board of directors and volunteers. They have written a short piece regarding a way to Plan for Recovery.
Good information and thoughts to process. That will be our next step - Recovery.



#Lookforthehelpers: SC Johnson and Save the Children Join Forces to Equip a Generation with the Life Skills to Battle COVID-19 and Future Public Health Threats


With a goal of enabling this generation of children to better protect themselves and their communities, SC Johnson and Save the Children are partnering to educate and enable children worldwide to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. This new partnership will focus on helping children and their loved ones respond to this and future public health threats.

SC Johnson is donating $1 million to help vulnerable and marginalized children around the world. This donation will support Save the Children programs that shine a light on the importance of personal hygiene and handwashing with the goal of slowing the rate of transmission and limiting the impacts of the pandemic on children and their families globally. SC Johnson will support Save the Children’s global response to this pandemic, including efforts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, China, India and Mexico.

“We all must work together to equip our younger generations with the information and tools they need to protect themselves,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “I am incredibly grateful the teams at SC Johnson and Save the Children were able to quickly form this global partnership, with our shared goal of safer and healthier children and families now and in the future.”

“Save the Children is proud to partner with SC Johnson in helping ensure the world’s most vulnerable children have access to hygiene information, education, nutrition and social-emotional support amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Janti Soeripto, President and CEO of Save the Children. “The new world we’re living in reinforces the importance of powerful partnerships like this one, which bring us together as a global community for the safety and well-being of children and families around the world.”

In addition to promoting the importance of good hygiene habits, this partnership also provides much needed support to help manage and overcome the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by:
Supporting children’s emotional needs with educational and psychological support as children struggle to deal with the stress and anxiety during these challenging times.
Addressing food insecurity by providing meals and food vouchers to families.
Educational support by providing books and other materials to support learning at home

The partnership will also launch a joint social media campaign that allows parents and caregivers to engage children to share and amplify personal hygiene tools, tips and techniques. Details of this campaign will be announced shortly through both organizations’ social media channels.

The partnership, announced today, coincides with a doubling of SC Johnson’s contributions – from $5 million to $10 million – to support pressing public needs and those battling the virus on the front lines. Read more: S.C. Johnson


 

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Resource Center

WMC_Logo
WSC Stack
Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Wisconsin Safety Council continue to monitor the situation related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are in contact with members, national partners and government agencies.

What is COVID-19?

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm), people who have confirmed COVID-19 infections have a range of symptoms, from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely sick and dying. Symptoms can include:
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of Breath
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Please see the below resources relating to the virus:

Latest News



U.S. Chamber Launches “Path Forward” Program to Lead Conversation on How America Can Return to Work

The Chamber on Monday announced the “Path Forward” program, an initiative to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully, and sustainably.
The program includes a comprehensive framework of considerations, an event series that will feature diverse viewpoints from the public and private sectors, and recommendations on the practices and policies needed to begin a phased process to bring the full American economy back to work.
“How America reopens will be the result of unprecedented coordination between business and government, and the planning must begin now. We need new processes and rules that reflect the realities of the pandemic,” said Chamber President Suzanne Clark.
In a letter sent to members, national associations, and state and local chambers across the country on Monday, the Chamber outined considerations across three different areas:
The event series launches today at 3:00 p.m. with Dr. William Hanage, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Register here.
Future events, which will occur on Mondays and Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. for the next several weeks, will explore potential barriers to reopening, such as childcare and transit; complex questions about immunity and liability; and ways employers can incorporate screening, social-distancing, and other approaches into the workplace.

Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC COVID-19 Employer Toolkit

COVID-19 EMPLOYER TOOLKIT(download the full toolkit here)
Employers and workers are in unchartered territory in responding to and planning for COVID-19. Everyone is balancing how to stay safe while continuing business operations. This online toolkit will help your business with the latest and most relevant information, and will provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. We will continue to update this with new information as these issues develop.


COVID-19 RAPID RESOURCE TEAM
WMC Staff stands ready to assist you with your COVID-19 questions. Please reach out to the following with your questions for assistance.
CHRIS READERHR, Health Care, Workforce Questions
Senior Director of Workforce & Employment Policy
CORY FISHTax, Logistics, Legal Questions
General Counsel and Director of Tax, Transportation & Legal Affairs
BRITTANY ROCKWELLSmall Business, SBA Questions
Director of Small Business Advocacy


SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF LOANS
Small businesses are among the hardest hit in this crisis. As a result, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has put together a comprehensive Coronavirus Small Business Guide that breaks down the newest federal programs and aid for small businesses and step by step guides for applying for SBA assistance. Additional guides have been published by the SBA and by the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Coronavirus Small Business Guide
The U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources


UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
One of the most asked about topics is Unemployment Insurance. Employers want to know what is available for workers they have to layoff or furlough, and workers obviously want to know how to apply to receive assistance for their families. Current Wisconsin law provides a maximum benefit of $370 per week for benefits, and the federal CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week in temporary additional benefits until July 31, 2020.
WI Department of Workforce Development Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information


FEDERAL PAID LEAVE CHANGES
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) provides new paid sick leave benefits for employees of companies with less than 500 employees, new FMLA benefits for some employees to care for children now home from school due to COVID-19, and more. To help everyone with compliance, the Department of Labor has issued extensive guidance on the FFCRA. DOL also has a page established with additional resources, such as HR posters that contain information employers are now required to post.


WORK SHARE
Work Share. A current state solution to help employers avoid layoffs is the work share program. Under work share, employers are able to retain staff by keeping a work unit, typically of 20 or more workers, employed at reduced hours, and the workers are able to receive unemployment benefits for the portion of hours they had reduced. WMC has also asked lawmakers to consider easing the requirements so small employers are also able to utilize the program. See the DWD Fact Sheet to determine your eligibility.


FEDERAL CARES ACT SUMMARY
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020 to provide direct financial relief to businesses and employees. It includes items like loans for small businesses, changes to SBA loans, payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, work share benefits, and paid leave changes.
U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Small Business Owner’s Guide to the CARES Act


STATE RESPONSE
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary Andrea Palm issued the statewide “Safer at Home” order on March 24. The order defines which industries are considered “essential” and may therefore remain open. WEDC has been the lead state government agency for helping businesses understand what the order means for employers.
Governor Evers Shelter in Place Order
US Dept. of Homeland Security Guidance on Critical Infrastructure Workers


WMC RESOURCES
WMC is leading the way on relief and recovery policy in the state. We released a comprehensive agenda to address economic continuity, business liquidity, employee assistance, regulatory & liability relief, transportation & logistics, and health care priorities.




#ChamberSong ---A song to make you smile: "Good Day Sunshine" by the Beatles


Daily Herald report
Updated3/24/2020 12:09 PM
We're going to try to inject a little positivity in the paper (and on dailyherald.com) with a daily "Song to Make You Smile."
It's designed to help lift you out of your coronavirus funk.


Important COVID 19 Resources

Business
State 

Federal


Health
State 
Wisconsin Department of Health Services Phone number --- 608-266-1683 


Federal 


#Lookforthehelpers: New Richmond Chamber Member: FREE Wills for Workers – Providing Peace of Mind for our Frontline

Wills for Workers is a relief program available to healthcare providers and first responders (paramedics, police officers, firefighters, etc.) in the St. Croix Valley, who are on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic.
These heroes are risking their health and welfare every day to help and serve others in the community. Now it is our turn to give something back and give them one less thing to worry about as they fight this disease. That is why, if you are a healthcare provider or first responder – servicing or living in the St. Croix Valley our firm is offering FREE basic Estate Planning Services, including:
·         Wills
·         Powers of Attorney
·         Healthcare Directives
·         HIPPA Releases
·         Electronic Authorizations

Our Estate Planning team delivers custom estate planning services specific to individual needs so you can enjoy peace of mind both during and after this pandemic.

Encouraging Message from NYC Doctor (via the Oshkosh Chamber)

Encouraging message from NYC Doctor - 10 minute video. Frontline physician gives us sound advice, makes the disease a little less scary, and gives us hope. Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce - Apr 2nd, 2020

The following video link was provided by US Senator Ron Johnson - link to video. The video was made by a New York City doctor, David Price. From his front-line experience in the nation’s coronavirus hot spot, Dr. Price gives us sound advice, makes the disease a little less scary, and gives us hope by empowering us. He helps put things into perspective as we weigh the human costs of the disease and our response. What makes the video so powerful is that Dr. Price is one of the heroes treating COVID-19 patients almost exclusively, and he’s not scared. Instead, he’s confident he will not catch the disease because he knows how to prevent it. Price’s advice: COVID-19 is transmitted primarily from the hands to the face. So be aware of your hands at all times. Keep them clean by washing often and using hand sanitizer. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE. If you’re sick or vulnerable, isolate yourself. In order to prevent overwhelming our health care system, go to the hospital only if you’re short of breath. Maintain social distancing. Feel free to use a face mask, primarily to train yourself NOT TO TOUCH YOUR FACE. But aerosolized transmission is far less common, so you don’t need an N95 face mask. Reserve those for front-line health care workers.

Look to the helpers: Wisconsin Businesses Pivot To Help Health Care Providers During Pandemic




Area Companies Providing Tents, Making Masks, Hand Sanitizer


While many Wisconsin businesses have closed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, some companies have shifted gears to help hospitals and health care workers.
Health care providers across the country have reported ongoing and dire shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) including hospital gowns, face shields and respiratory N95 face masks.
Last week, the Wisconsin Hospital Association reached out to the construction trades through the state Department of Workforce Development and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce asking them to donate any unused N95 masks to their local hospital.
Dozens of smaller businesses have stepped up, too.
Family-owned company Canopies, a Milwaukee-based event rental company, would normally be booked with spring weddings and parties. But the COVID-19 pandemic halted business until owner David Hudak contacted Advocate Aurora Health.
The health care provider, which has hospitals in Illinois and throughout eastern Wisconsin, is now contracting with Canopies to provide tents to its hospitals in both states.
The tents are being used as a triage area before patients are taken into emergency rooms, Hudak said.
"It’s really great to be part of something that is helping during this crisis," Hudak said. "It’s also good to know that I don’t have to lay off my guys during this. We would have had to shut down completely — for an unknown amount of time."
After seeing footage of health care workers putting sandwich bags and bandanas over their faces because masks weren’t available, Jalem Getz, the CEO of Milwaukee-based clothing retailer and personal styling company, Wantable, decided to use his large customer-base to help.
On Tuesday, Wantable launched a program called Sew Good to Give It Back. The company is crowdsourcing at-home sewing volunteers to create and donate face masks.
After completing a survey, seamstresses are sent everything they need, including a prepaid return label. Wantable will inspect the masks and send them to health care providers, first locally, then statewide and even nationally.
In just 24 hours, Getz has been pledged nearly 8,000 masks.
"If we can grow it to even 10,000 or even 20,000 masks per day, we can have an incredible impact," Getz said. "A true and incredible impact and trust that Wantable is going to get the masks in to the hands of those people who need it. This could be two weeks, three weeks, two months, we don’t care, we’re really focusing on this."
In Horicon, the one-man operator of Tornado Brewing has developed an edible hand sanitizer.
Dennis Erb said doing so is the same process as making moonshine — his hand sanitizer has 80 percent alcohol. And so far, it has been a hit with customers and companies that can’t find hand sanitizer elsewhere.
"There are a lot of places inquiring," Erb said. "The U.S. Postal Service, a couple blood donation places and assisted living facilities."
Erb said after the coronavirus pandemic ends, he will continue making the hand sanitizer.
"Being a hand sanitizer in a time of need is one thing, but I didn’t realize how much people actually like the product," Erb said. Read more: Wisconsin Public Radio



SBA: Faith Based Organizations May Apply for Assistance

Ashley D. Bell - SBA Region IV Administrator

Entrepreneurship Policy Advisor for the White House Opportunity & Revitalization Council

Faith is a pillar of hope, and for many Americans it has been a powerful reason for their continued success during these challenging times. The Administration, along with SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and other SBA leaders, recognized the need to support faith-based organizations and have clarified their ability to participate in the Paycheck Protection and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Programs.

Faith-based organizations may apply regardless of their religious identity or activities, and will be considered to the extent they are eligible as outlined in the CARES Act as passed by Congress, signed into law by President Trump, and implemented by the Paycheck Protection Act Interim Final Rule.

“During this global pandemic the SBA stands behind every business, non-profit and faith-based organization,” said SBA Regional Administrator Ashley D. Bell. “We recognize the importance of keeping staff employed and keeping businesses and organizations operational as we push through these difficult times."

FAQ's for Faith Based Organization Applications
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is designed to keep small business staff employed and provide small businesses with capital through lending institutions, with support from the SBA. The PPP’s maximum loan amount is $10 million with a fixed 1% interest rate and maturity of two years. SBA will forgive the portion of loan proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated operating expenses for up to eight weeks provided at least 75% of loan proceeds are used for payroll costs.

Paycheck Protection Program Information: www.SBA.gov/paycheckprotection

To Find a PPP Lender: www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find

(or contact your local SBA District Office for a current list of SBA lenders participating in the program here)

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program provides qualifying small businesses and non-profits with working capital up to $2 million with low interest rates and terms extending up to 30 years and includes an advance payment portion.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Information is here.



Town Square Publications Chamber Membership Directories and Community Profiles: The best Chamber Partner in Wisconsin


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