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

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

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

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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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


Restart Kentucky: A Responsible Plan for Returning to Work

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

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

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

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

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

More About May 11th Guidlines Here


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

Dear members, partners, colleagues and friends,

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

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

Robert McKenna
President/CEO, Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce


#FamousChamber of Commerce Quotation: Be happy



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



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


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

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

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

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

DATES & TIMES:

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


COVID-19 RESOURCES: AFRICAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES

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

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


COVID-19 RESOURCES: LATINX SMALL BUSINESSES

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

DATE & TIME:

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


COVID-19 RESOURCES: WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

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

DATES & TIMES:

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

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

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



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


You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

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

Register in advance for this meeting:

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

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






Thanks and let me know if you have any questions.

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



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

Hoosiers by the Numbers





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

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

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

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

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

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

REGISTER NOW


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

Our vendors are eager to get the new season started.

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

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




#CedarburgStrong Signs Available Now


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

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

Together, we can stay #CedarburgStrong!

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

Order Here!

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


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


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

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

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



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


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


We are launching Virtual Bus to Business!

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

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

Some of the people you will be hearing from include:

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

· Nick Rowe, President of Kentucky American Water

· Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky

· Suzanne Cecil White, Cecil Farms Produce

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

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





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

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


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



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



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


Funding Options

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

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

EIDL Loan Advance

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

SBA Express Bridge Loans

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

SBA Debt Relief

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


Read Paycheck Protection Program FAQs by clicking here.


#Salesforce Care Small Business Grants

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


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

Town Square Publications, a division of the Daily Herald Media Group, is a national chamber custom publishing group that specializes in developing partnerships by producing high-quality print and digitally integrated publications along with other added value programs dedicated to creating relevancy for local chambers of commerce and other membership focused organizations interested in raising non-dues revenues.

Town Square Publications parent company, Paddock Publications, has over 100 years’ experience of print product development and dedicated customer service in communities throughout the Midwest. Our experience allows Town Square Publications to offer you attractive royalty and non-dues revenue share streams, provide direct distribution of your custom designed printed publications, including digital and mobile integration, and all with the quickest turn-around times available in the industry. Town Square also offers multi-media maps in both print and online formats, both with our No-Cost guarantee. More information: Town Square Publications

Chambers of Commerce and member focused organizations serve as a valuable resource in the local marketplace. The networking opportunities and representation with a wide variety of diverse businesses in your community is the catalyst of a successful organization. For further information about Town Square's publishing partnership with chambers of commerce and our No-Cost guarantee and Earned Revenue Share Program, To request your chamber publication or map proposal, contact Town Square Chamber Proposal

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


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