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MEMBER UPDATE
March 25, 2020
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The day begins with a call with the Governor
CEO Liz Rammer had a call with Governor Walz this morning, where he shared his announcement plans. Expressing his deep concern for the industry, he conveyed his understanding of how hard hit our businesses have been. Thanking the Governor for his swift action on relief items crucial to our industry— such as the acceleration of Unemployment benefits, the state’s emergency no-interest loan program, the deferment of sales tax collection and changing the state income tax filing date—Liz emphasized the need to address immediate cash flow concerns to help ensure businesses and jobs survive. We need more tools in the toolbox to fit the many different business models in the hospitality industry. She asked the Governor to ensure that our businesses would be designated as essential services; to extend the sales tax freeze; to work with the counties on delaying May property tax payments; to allow alcohol to-go for restaurants; and to consider the unique needs of seasonal businesses as the crisis unfolds. Governor Walz pledged to keep the lines of communication open and do whatever can be done to help this industry survive and thrive.
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With
Executive Order 20-18
, the closure of restaurants and other places of public accommodation has been extended to May 1. That means dine in will not be allowed until then, but restaurants and others can continue to offer takeout and delivery throughout.
With
Executive Order 20-20
, Governor Walz is asking Minnesotans to "Stay at Home” until April 10 to stem the spread of COVID-19, allowing our health care organizations to better manage the flow of critical cases. The essential businesses identified in the Order include restaurants, hotels and motels. It is our understanding that this includes resorts and campgrounds providing shelter, and we are working to confirm that with the Governor’s Office.
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Federal Relief on the Way
Today federal legislative leaders indicated they’ve reached a deal on a $2 trillion relief package. While the bill text is not yet available, it is expected to include low-interest loan relief to small business (up to 2.5 times payroll, with a cap of $10M and certain forgiveness provisions), direct payments to middle-class and lower income Americans, expanded unemployment benefits and further financial supports to states and public health efforts. It is expected that this legislation could be signed by the President as early as this weekend. Stay tuned for details tomorrow.
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US Department of Labor publishes guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Employer posters and an FAQ are now available, and can be downloaded for posting and distribution.
The Department of Labor announced that they will not bring enforcement actions against any public or private employer for violations of the Act occurring within 30 days of the enactment of the FFCRA (i.e. March 18 through April 17, 2020), provided that the employer has made reasonable, good faith efforts to comply with the Act.
Review the Temporary Non-Enforcement Period bulletin.
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UPDATED: Minnesota’s Peacetime Small Business and Independent Contractor Loan Program:
APPLY NOW!
Aimed at providing immediate assistance for small businesses and independent contractors by bridging the gap until the SBA Disaster Loans and other federal assistance can be disbursed.
- $30M fund to provide loans in amounts between $2,500 and $35,000; 0% interest; long-term repayment; and up to 50% forgivable. Loans will begin going out as soon as this week.
- Allows cities and counties with revolving loan funds with the state to issue loans. The estimated value of those funds is $28 million, which brings the Minnesota total available to
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ServSafe offers free courses and resources, including new training on takeout and delivery
ServSafe has two new free training video on COVID-19 Precautions for Takeout and Delivery. In addition, until April 30, the ServSafe Food Handler training is being offered for free, including both the training and the assessment.
In addition, the Minnesota Department of Health has extended the deadline for renewing your
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)
. Effective March 17, “Certified Food Protection Managers with State of Minnesota certificates expiring between March 17, 2020 and April 30, 2020, will be granted a six-month grace period to complete their four (4) contact hours of approved continuing education. Renewal applications remain due within six months of the expiration date of the state certificate.”
[Read more]
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Minnesota Central Kitchen
Chowgirls Killer Catering, Restaurant Alma and The Bachelor Farmer are partnering with Second Harvest Heartland and many celebrated Minnesota chefs to form
Minnesota’s Central Kitchen
.
- To donate food contact Dianne Wortz at Second Harvest: dwortz@2harvest.org
- To donate non-food items, contact Chowgirls: donation@chowgirls.net
- Items needed include dish chemicals; cleaning supplies; thermometers for humans; gloves; duct tape; hotel pans; uniforms; aprons; towels; paper towel; toilet paper
- To volunteer skilled chefs, contact Chowgirls: volunteer@chowgirls.net
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Our Member Updates are generally sent to members only. In the interest of public health and the health of our industry, we encourage you to share this update widely. Additional resources can be found on our
website
and through our social media posts on
Facebook
and
Twitter
.
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Sincerely,
Liz Rammer
President and CEO
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