Re-opening your business: Need HEPA?
According to NIOSH, HEPA filters are more than 99% effective at capturing human-generated particles associated with COVID-19.
Portable HEPA filtration units with a fan system are “a preferred option” for auxiliary air cleaning, especially in high-risk settings such as public waiting areas. If you’re considering using them, take a look at EPA’s Guide to Air Cleaners.
When choosing a portable HEPA unit, the size of the room matters. The product description should indicate the largest room size, or suggested room size, in square feet that the unit is appropriate for. If the ceiling height is more than 8 feet, multiply the room’s square footage by the ratio of the ceiling height divided by eight. So a 300-square-foot room with an 11-foot ceiling will require an air cleaner labeled for a room size of at least 415 square feet (300 × [11/8] = 412.5).
For units that only tell you their air flow rate in cubic feet per minute (cfm), there’s a 2/3 formula to follow. A 300-square-foot room with an 8-foot ceiling needs at least 200 cfm of air flow (300 × [2/3] = 200). If the ceiling height is taller, multiply that result by the ratio of the ceiling height divided by eight. If that 300-square-foot room had an 11-foot ceiling, it requires an air cleaner that can provide at least 275 cfm of air flow (200 × [11/8] = 275).
There’s also such a thing as ducted HEPA systems. See the CDC/NIOSH discussion here. Read more: Safety News Alert
Famous Chamber of Commerce Quotations: (Marketing to Membership)
“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself… – Peter Drucker
#BestChamber practices: Barbi Jones, Cabbarus County Chamber: Get your High school juniors and seniors on-board with FASFA
Dear friends,
The Chamber continually works with our community partners to help ensure you have a well-educated talent pipeline with the necessary skills and training to fill your current and future workforce needs.
While COVID has caused many hurdles for students, we know that a brighter future is coming! We want our students to understand the career possibilities available to them, and many of those start with the completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Last year, over $110 million in federal aid was left on the table, and only 30% of Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City Students completed this form that shows them grants, loans, work study opportunities, scholarships and institutional funds which help make college affordable.
Our Cabarrus County Schools, Kannapolis City Schools and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are working hard to let students know about the FAFSA and what is available to them. The form can be completed junior and senior year! We know parents and other family members play crucial roles in their students’ post-high school career decisions, and we are hoping as employers to many of these parents, you can help us spread the word. I am attaching a letter to parents that explains what is needed to complete the FAFSA and ways parents can get help completing it. Would you consider sending this to your workforce or posting it in internal communications? Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing information on our Facebook and Instagram pages. If your company is active on these platforms, please consider sharing our posts!
We know when this community works together, great things happen! Thank you for your consideration of helping us move the Class of 2021 forward to bright futures!
FAFSA Letter to Parents
Best Regards,
Barbi Jones
Executive Director
The Chamber of Commerce Serving Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County formally announces their 2021 high school scholarship applications are open. First awarded in 2017, the scholarships were established in partnership with our diamond level sponsors, CornerStone Bank, Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital, Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Awarded each year to one graduating senior from Rockbridge County High School (RCHS) and Parry McCluer High School (PMHS), the scholarships can be used for continuing education at any fully accredited 2 or 4 year institution of higher education.
Applications for both scholarships are due by Friday, May 14, 2021. Visit lexrockchamber.com to download the application online, or contact the guidance counselors at PMHS or RCHS for a copy.
The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Corporate Social Responsibility and Not-For-Profit committees – in partnership with Giving DuPage – are launching the inaugural NACC Volunteer Week on April 18th – 24th, 2021. Coinciding with the National Volunteer Week initiated by Presidential Proclamation in 1974, this week is designed to activate our community in a way that serves NACC Chamber Not-For-Profit organizations, which in turn, benefits the community as a whole.
Kaylin Risvold, President & CEO of the NACC said, “Using the motto of our beloved City of Naperville “Great Service – All the Time” as inspiration – we are asking Chamber Members (and the community) to utilize their talents and give of their time in order to make a lasting impact on the Not-For-Profit organizations that keep our community strong.”
The NACC has set an aggressive volunteer goal and is asking the community to join forces to fulfill it. NACC Volunteer Week looks to have 2,000 Volunteers – donating 14,000 volunteer hours. That’s just 7 hours per person – or – 1 hour per day. In addition, the NACC has created a custom event page at the GIVING DUPAGE VOLUNTEER PORTAL for volunteer week at www.naperville.net/your-region/nacc-volunteer-week/ where Not-For-Profits have created volunteer opportunities, charity events and donation drive ideas for the community to find, sign-up and participate in. Volunteer opportunities may be in-person, virtual, serve for one person or even a group.
“We are very excited to partner with the Naperville Chamber to host Volunteer Week, bringing together an entire community around service,” said Diana Orjuela, Giving DuPage Board President. “As the County’s Volunteer Center, it’s our honor to share different ways people can give back to our local nonprofit community, especially when those same organizations stepped up to help so many people during a challenging year,” added Orjuela.
In addition, the NACC is asking volunteers to post about their virtual or in-person volunteer experience on social media – OR – share stories about colleagues who are uplifting the community in new and inventive ways to inspire others to participate and honor their good deeds. With the use of social hashtags #NACCVolunteerWeek #NACCForService #NationalVolunteerWeek #NVW #NVW2021 the NACC believes this first year will be the start of something residents of the city of Naperville can plan for, stand behind and engage in annually.
Risvold states, “The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing an annual outlet for volunteerism that supports our mission of being a community advocate and resource. The NACC Volunteer Week will be a chance to highlight our not-for-profit community and the great people inside Naperville that believe in the value of being a volunteer by giving of their gifts, time and talents. We know when we combine forces – people, organizations, and business – the value of one becomes the POWER of many to make positive change.”
#BestChamber Practices: (via the CARY GROVE Chamber) Newsletter links
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Oxford Lafayette County Chamber: Community Support needed to make Oxford Chamber's Red and Blue Race a great success
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A Drive-Thru Job Fair is planned for April 22nd from 3pm to 6 pm at the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 120 Jackson Street, Oshkosh. Packets with career opportunities from 75 companies will be handed out to interested job applicants.
Due to COVID concerns for an in-person job fair, this drive-thru job fair is designed to get information about career opportunities into the hands of those seeking a new role. A reminder that we want to help you with your job search and keep you safe.
• You won't need to exit your car and kindly wear a mask.
• You'll receive a bag with positions available at local companies that are hiring now and they are tailored to your region;
• When you arrive, follow the traffic flow and wait patiently while others are served;
• There will NOT be anyone who can assist with Unemployment Insurance claims at this event and we ask that only those seeking a new role stop by for a packet;
• There is a limited supply of packets available - first come, first served.
Patti Andresen-Shew, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce commented, “This is a great way for job seekers to learn about the numerous opportunities available in the Oshkosh area and understand how to apply to businesses that are looking for candidates. The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be partnering with the Fox Valley Workforce Board to assist businesses in getting the word out on companies that are hiring.”
“We know the pandemic has had a great impact on the hiring process, as many local employers and job seekers have sought to utilize what may have been previously unfamiliar methods of recruitment and career development,” said FVWDB CEO Anthony Snyder. “A drive-thru job fair is just one of the many creative ways our workforce partners can keep our economy growing, fill open roles and ensure everyone begins the summer fully employed.”
For more information on the Fox Valley Job Centers or the work of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, please visit www.foxvalleywork.org or call 920-594-3655.
Or Patti Andresen-Shew, Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, 920-303-2265 x29, patti@oshkoshchamber.com
Chamber Spring Radio Days is happening today on 95.7 WCRC from 9am-3pm! If you have a chance to tune in, please do so and help support our local businesses!
We have Chamber business representatives sharing the microphone with WCRC's on-air talent, as well as, radio commercials throughout the day!
The announcing line up for the day is:
9-9:30am HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital - Mike Janis, Interim President & CEO - Dr. Ryan Jennings, Chief Medical Officer
9:30-10am United Way of Effingham County - Linda Hemmen
10-10:30am Leisure Times - Chris Kreke
10:30-11am The Glenwood Assisted Living - Vaneta Gilio
11-11:30am SDS Technology - Sherry Waldo & Heath Lackey
11:30am-12pm Waupaca Foundry - Steve Frisbie & Heather Dust
1-1:30pm HSHS Medical Group - Dr. John Powell, Orthopedic Surgeon - Stacey Brummer, Director of Business Development
1:30-2pm Crossroads Bank - Michael Tegeler
2:30-3pm Washington Savings Bank - Randy Jones
Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces Support for Holt Bond Issue on May 4 Ballot
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced its support for a $148 million bond issue in the Holt Public School District. The May 4ballot proposal would include improvements in four key areas of critical infrastructure, safety and security, learning environments, and innovation over the next eight years. Taxpayers will be asked to vote on a projected tax decrease of 1.77 mils compared to the previous year’s tax rate.
“The Lansing Regional Chamber has been consistent in supporting our students through the support of bond proposals for school districts,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “This investment is desperately needed. The Holt Public School District will be investing approximately $148 million in the health, safety, and security of the buildings to benefit the students, staff, and community.
“The last time we asked voters to consider a bond of this type was the year 2000,” said Dr. David Hornak, superintendent, Holt Public Schools. “Our last bond was focused on the secondary level and provided the funding for the high school. This bond proposal will focus on improving all our tired facilities.However, we will be emphasizing projects at the elementary level, which includes reconstructing two elementary schools.”
If approved, the new bond will create equitable access to resources by reconstructing two new TK-5 buildings at opposite ends of the District, while reducing the number of building transitions for students. The proposal also allows for:
· Reducing transitions between buildings supports relationship building and improved student outcomes
· Proposing a new structure: TK-5; middle school,6-8; and traditional high school,9-12
· Reconstructing two new TK-5 elementary schools, Dimondale and Sycamore, on their current site locations
· Reconfiguring existing elementary buildings to accommodate grades TK-5, including possible classroom and gym additions
· Adding classroom space at Washington Woods to create a 6-8 middle school; cafeteria expansion
· Adding new technology and infrastructure will enable students and staff to have easy access to innovative learning opportunities with updated devices and equipment
· Making select improvements to athletic and performing arts
The Holt bond proposal also calls for: updating facilities to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff; updating building infrastructure that is at or past its useful life cycle to address aging facility issues district-wide; and creating flexible, modern spaces that support creativity and collaboration while helping students build up their experiences each year until they graduate from Holt Public Schools.
“It is rare that a community ever has the opportunity to generate nearly $150 million to keep kids healthy, safe and secure,” Scott Ammon, Holt resident. “Other debt is being paid off, and the district is asking for some of this back to invest in our schools. This is a smart, sensible, and financially strategic strategy.”
Dubuque Area Chamber: Inside the Chamber Lobby
As the legislative session begins to wind down, major pieces of legislation are finding their way to the governor's desk. Last week, legislators sent HF848 - the governor's policy proposal on Broadband - to her desk. The bill doesn't include funding but we expect a down payment to be made on her request of $450 million over the next handful of years - likely around $100 million for FY2022. More from the Gazette.
Note: Sen. Carrie Koelker of Dyersville has been instrumental in getting this bill over the finish line. Please consider thanking her on social media (@CarrieKoelkerIA on twitter) or via email for her work on this legislation.
Indiana Chamber Webinar: How the New Stimulus Package Impacts your Business
Thursday, April 15 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EDT)
Key Provisions and Program Changes Impacting Businesses Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
Members: FREE
Non-members: $79
REGISTER HERE
Join us and our partners from Ice Miller LLP as we cover information to help your business better understand the ins and outs of the new stimulus plan.
Can't attend live but still interested in the topic? Go ahead and register in order to receive a recording of the webinar and additional resources.
Topics to include:
Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
Other small business-related provisions, including grants for restaurants and shuttered venues, and money available to states for other small business programs
Extension of unemployment assistance
COBRA subsidies
Extension and expansion of voluntary Families First Coronavirus Response Act family and sick leave tax credits
Employee Retention Credit
Owensboro Chamber: Athena Awards
The Chamber is proud to partner with Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County to present the annual Athena Award! This year the awards ceremony will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 28 at 12:00 p.m. via Facebook Live and Zoom.
The Athena Award is presented annually to an individual in our community who has achieved excellence in business or a profession, who has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in developing their leadership potential. View the nominees here and read about all eight of the nominated women on the Girls Inc. Facebook page. Thank you to all of the sponsors making this award celebration possible!
Join us on Facebook Live
Register to join us via Zoom
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