The Blount Partnership is committed to leading the Blount County business community through this crisis. Be sure to check out our continually updating Managing Your Business during COVID-19 webpage. If you missed a daily update, refer to our listing page .
SENATE APPROVES $484 BILLION IN RELIEF
The U.S. Senate approved a total of $484 billion in relief funds for small businesses and hospitals. The Senate passed the package by a voice vote. The bill goes to the House, which is expected to vote on the package Thursday before going to President Trump's office for his signature.

The additional funding gives $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program, bringing total funds to $659 billion. Additional funding will give aid to small businesses struggling with economic conditions during this pandemic.

The deal will also provide $75 billion for hospitals and health care providers stretched thin by the pandemic to address coronavirus expenses and lost revenue and an additional $25 billion to facilitate and expand Covid-19 testing.


A reminder that if you did not receive funding through the Paycheck Protection Program, please continue to regularly consult with your lender to be sure it remains in the queue when the PPP program likely resumes next week.
GOV. LEE UPDATE
Next week, 89 of Tennessee’s 95 counties will begin a phased reopening of the state’s economy as the state works to bring industries like retail, restaurants, and close contact services to a safe and methodical opening. 

Tennesseans must maintain habits like social distancing, working from home when possible, handwashing, and utilizing cloth masks. Certain restrictions will remain in place to ensure we do this properly and safely, such as discouraging social gatherings of 10 or more and restricting visitors at nursing homes and hospitals until further notice. 

Gov. Lee and the Economic Recovery Group will provide specific guidance for Tennessee industries later this week. 
BLOUNT PROUD
Do you have a friend, family member, or a loved one working in healthcare in Blount County? Allevia Technology, ABC Monograms and Dandy Lions Gifts are sponsoring BOGO shirts!
When you purchase a Blount Proud t-shirt, a FREE shirt will be given to a healthcare professional in Blount County. Purchase your shirt online and then visit Blount Proud Facebook page to nominate someone in healthcare to receive a free t-shirt from ABC Monograms. Blount Proud is a simple gift to say thank you to our healthcare professionals! 
PPP MAXIMIZE LOAN FORGIVENESS WEBINAR
April 23 at 3 p.m.

One of the key features of the Paycheck Protection Program is that all or a portion of the SBA guaranteed loans may be forgiven. R. Christopher Trump will explain how to determine what portion of PPP loans are to be forgiven and the process for seeking forgiveness, as well as offer various strategies for maximizing the amount of forgiveness.   

You are invited to a Zoom PPP Loan Forgiveness meeting.

Register in advance for this meeting:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
TSBDC BUSINESS NAVIGATION
Now is the time to assess the impact COVID-19 is having on your business. Tennessee’s small business advisors are here to help you navigate this unprecedented event. As Tennessee comes to grips with the Coronavirus, we are committed to providing businesses with guidance to help them manage during this crisis. Please explore the link below to find information about your business and COVID-19. LEARN MORE
THIS WEEK'S WEBINARS
Links to future and past SBA loan, PPP, CARES Acts webinars can be found on our webinars page . Here's some of those in the upcoming days.
April 22-24 at 6 p.m. ET
COVID-19 Information for Small Businesses

The SBDC is providing daily webinars for the Small Business Community on information as it relates to funding information during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will be discussing the Economic Injury Disaster Loan, Payroll Protection Program, Disaster Bridge Loan, 7a Forgiveness Program, and other funding opportunities for your business.

Information is changing and updating daily and we want to make sure Small Business owners are being provided the most up to date factual information as to what is available for funding.

April 22 at 10 a.m. ET
Preparing to Reopen

Though your business may be closed, now is the time to start preparing for your next chapter. A well thought out plan will help make the transition easier for you, your employees and your customers. Businesses that are best prepared to reopen will undoubtedly be the most successful.

In this webinar, we'll provide some things to consider when developing your plan. We'll discuss employees, vendors, inventory, customers, cash flow and more. People across the country are rooting for the small business community, making this an opportunity for you to solidify existing customer relationships and to welcome new customers.

April 22 & 23 at noon ET
Keys to Business Survival: Cash Flow and SBA Relief Options
                         
Sign up today for this small business webinar with timely, practical advice on understanding your financials in an uncertain time and resources that can help you.

April 22 at 3 p.m. ET
Leading Your Business Through the COVID-19 Crisis

Research on the effectiveness of organizational responses to dynamic crises indicates that there is one variable which is most predictive of eventual success – preparation and preemption. Preparing for the next crisis (or the next phase of the current crisis) now is likely to be much more effective than an ad-hoc, reactive response when the crisis actually hits.

April 23 at 11:30 a.m. & 4 p.m.
Plan your cash flow during COVID-19 crisis: 5 ways to stress-test your business now!

We know that COVID-19 is causing unparalleled problems - especially for small businesses. Now more than ever, it is essential that you know your cash flow and the factors that impact your future cash flow. Attend this FREE webinar to learn 5 ways that you can stress-test your business to help you plan your cash flow easily and quickly.

April 22 at 2 p.m.
Handling Stress  presented by Dale Carnegie

This 90-minute live online workshop is designed to bring leaders together to learn about and reflect on new research from Dale Carnegie Training and others on workplace resilience and explore:
• The impact resilience can have on reducing stress in times of adversity
• How to develop resilience in people, teams and across an organization
• Key techniques to accelerate performance and capitalize on change and uncertainty
REGISTER HERE . **Password- TNChamber

April 24 at 8:45 a.m.
Develop Your Leadership Potential  presented by Dale Carnegie

Develop Your Leadership Potential: Stop Doing, Start Leading goes beyond traditional leadership training programs because it focuses on the foundational interpersonal communication skills that are needed to build strong teams and equip new leaders with the right attitudes to step up and take charge.
HELP US SAVE SMALL BUSINESS
The Blount Partnership is beginning to work on Phase 2 of its Business Relief Fund which provides money to qualifying businesses during the COVID-19 crisis.
 
It provided grants to 11 small businesses during Phase 1 which concluded April 9.

As we move forward into Phase 2, we are looking for ways to address how businesses can return to work safely, successfully and with sustainability. This next step begins a process to bring the economy back.  

If you wish to donate to the Blount Partnership Business Relief Fund, visit here .
SOFT SKILLS TRAINING WEBINAR
Free soft skills sessions are offered in partnership by the Blount County Public Library, the Adult Education Foundation of Blount County and the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.

All sessions will be conducted via Zoom Meeting.  Click here to download Zoom . It's FREE!

Registrations are currently being accepted online at  www.blountchamber.com   for a class entitled  Networking Strategically on April 24 . Build a network that is beneficial and strategic. Learn how to avoid networking traps and break out of the mold in order to advance project and professional goals.

All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.
BLOOD DRIVE COMING APRIL 23
MEDIC Regional Blood Center is hosting a temporary, extended inside blood drive in the Gary Hensley Auditorium at the City of Maryville Municipal Building (400 W. Broadway, Maryville) from April 23 through May 8 to collect blood products for local hospitals including Blount Memorial.

The drive takes place weekdays only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment only. Donors can schedule their appointment by calling 865-521-2658 or online at www.medicblood.org . For an online appointment, follow the link to donate and enter Blount County in the search criteria.

There is an ongoing need for O Positive, O Negative and A Positive blood types. Donors are truly the saving lives in our community.
REVIEW OUR BUSINESS RESOURCES
If you have questions about any business related topic about the COVID-19 crisis, please refer to our Managing Your Business During the COVID-19 Outbreak page that is updated daily. There's good information that can point you in the right direction.

Also take advantage of our member-to-member offers at the bottom of this email and online . There are a number of resources that you may find beneficial.
We have compiled quick reference sheets for these SBA Loan options.
FACEBOOK GROUPS YOU NEED TO JOIN
Please do the following for both jobs and food groups:
(1) JOIN as your business page AND as an individual.
(2) SHARE with other businesses and individuals so they can join (membership is NOT required to join or post for this group!)
(3) POST your business' NEW or existing take-out/delivery services, menu specials, precautions you are taking for the safety of customers, etc.

We continue to add to the number of available jobs, so please share and post to this public Facebook group . This page was established to assist those looking to hire with an additional outlet.

If your company expects or is experiencing layoffs or work furloughs, or needs employees to fill open positions, please email Jessica Belitz at jbelitz@blountpartnership.com or call 865.273.1214.
We've also created a public Facebook group page . The goal is to offer another way for area restaurants and service providers to promote their menus, takeout & delivery specials and ANY other information they'd like to share with the public.

Help us help and support our businesses when they need us most. Click the link below to view or offer a product or service to assist the public or business community.

MEMBER TO MEMBER RESOURCES
Listed below are resources offered by our Blount Chamber members that may be beneficial during these trying times. Please review and share with another business operator if you think it may be helpful.

Send us your resources and we'll continue to communicate those out to our membership.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES?
  • Buy gift cards
  • Order carry-out OR delivery
  • Engage with them and review them positively on social media or the web
  • Order an item and ask for it to be held until you can pick it up
  • Tip generously if you can
  • Check on owners and staff; ask what you can do, if only to listen
TODAY'S NEW SERVICE
Allevia Technology Offers Free Telecom Analysis
For small businesses, we're happy to review your phone, internet, and cable bills for free! Our goal is to find the best service at the best price in your area. Contact us today to learn more.  
BEEF. IT'S WHAT'S FOR DINNER
Century Harvest Farms is offering 10% off a purchase from its online store
Use the code BLOUNTCHAMBER at checkout.

BUSINESS/LEADERSHIP ADVISORY
Vistage  — Free public  Coronavirus Resource Center  - a public, one-stop shop to help business leaders better lead themselves and others during these challenging times.
 
Also from Vistage, "The Situation Room" — a twice-weekly informal, live virtual forum for greater Knoxville area business owners, CEOs, and senior executives. Its purpose: To help owners and senior leaders from all industries to stay connected, compare notes, ask questions, share learnings, confront reality, and otherwise get help and perspective from similarly situated peers. Mondays and Thursdays at 11:30a ET, usually an hour or less, depending on number of attendees. Free. Sign-up is required (to avoid Zoom-bombing), contact Vistage Chair  Kurt Greene . 

BLOUNT COUNTY LIBRARY ONLINE RESOURCES
Blount County Library -- Click the link to the left and see that t he BCPL offers plenty of reading materials through its Tennessee READS resource which provides digital access to both audiobooks and e-books for children and adults. It also offers many online resources for businesses.

COMMUNICATIONS
AT&T -- AT&T will waive domestic wireless plan overage charges for data, voice or text for residential or small business wireless customers incurred because of economic hardship related to the coronavirus pandemic. These fees will be retroactively waived, dating back to March 13. We will not terminate the service of any wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customer because of their inability to pay their bill due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. See expansion of our low cost home broadband service. 

Spectrum Enterprise -- Offering existing fiber clients the ability to upgrade their current bandwidth on a month to month basis, as many companies will need increased speeds to allow employees to work from home or to host video conferencing.

DEVICE REPAIR
Cell Phone Repair (CPR) -- Offering free pick up and delivery repair service on your laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Device will be disinfected upon return.

DIGITAL SERVICES & ADVERTISING
WVLT-TV -- Offering TV advertising and digital services like SEO, SEM, targeted video and display and OTT. Willing to match in value for new advertisers schedule to get the word out for “we are open,” “we are hiring,” etc. Contact Allen Koch .

EMPLOYER - EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS
Gallaher & Assoc . -- proactive in research, outbreak response planning, communications with our employees and customers.  The resources we've have assembled may not fit for everyone, but I am pleased to share with all to assist in any way other businesses and employers in the area.   Download here .

EYE CARE
Blount County Eye Center -- Offering doctors to everyone in the community for all eye-related issues and questions. Our doctors are on call 24/7 to triage any needs regardless of if you are a current patient or not, insurance or ability to pay. We're able to help with contact lens supplies, broken glasses and telemedicine options. 

GROCERY DELIVERY FOR IMMUNE DEFICIENT & SENIORS
SCHAS -- SCHAS has created the S.O.S Program to provide grocery delivery services to those who have compromised immune systems or are age 62 or older.

HEALTH AND LIFE BETTERMENT
Resilient Pathway -- Offering free online classes, prayer in the virtual vertical gardens, and an open space for all healthcare providers to reflect and be heard.

MARKETING & HR
Epic Nine -- Free virtual (phone or video conferencing) one hour BaseCamp consultation to help businesses identify and implement marketing strategy.

Express Strategic Services -- Information regarding online presence, website refresh, employee communication, disaster planning. Free 1 hour strategy business/marketing session (done by phone or video conferencing).

ONLINE ORDERING
Reinhart Food Service -- If your restaurant isn’t taking online orders, here’s a great resource that can answer questions and get you started on the path to offering your customers another outlet to connect with you.

Additionally, Reinhart Food Service has available disposables for To-Go / Takeout needs.

PERSONAL MEETING SPACE
Airport Hilton -- Working from home not going as planned or just need a quite space to get work done? The Hilton Knoxville Airport is offering a special Home Office Package during this time where seclusion is key. Please contact the hotel's Sales and Catering Department to inquire. 865-970-4300 option 2.

Luxbury Inn -- Do you or a family member need a quiet space? Let Luxbury Inn help with suites offering spacious lodging space that are complete with full size appliances and strong Wi-Fi.

PEST MANGEMENT
Pest-OPS : Let us help manage mosquitoes for $45/month. We can also take care of your spiders, carpenter bees and wasps at your home and business. Please give Jeff Haun a call at 865-567-7665.

PRINTING
Ullrich Print Plus -- Offering 20% discount on all in-house printed materials including print, copy and sign services. All promotional products are a 10% discount. These offers are good for Blount County businesses. We also have access to certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Moving to Blount County in May. 3211 Regal Drive Unit B Alcoa TN 37701

PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
Restoration 1 -- COVID-19 Emergency Disinfection available 24/7. Providing disinfecting services for retail businesses that have a confirmed or unconfirmed Covid 19 exposure. Our prices are $0.55 a square foot for most places.

SERVPRO -- Trained to adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitization standards set forth by the CDC. Call 865-982-2332 or email office@servproblountcounty.com

REMOTE WORKFORCE
PCS, Inc – We can help your organization with secure remote control of office PCs, secure VPN access, remote monitoring and maintenance, or fully managed worry-free IT support. Give us a call at 865-273-1960 or email sales@pcsknox.com .

Allevia Technology -- Produced a video highlighting .four essentials to successfully work from home



Epic Nine -- Keep Your Pants On! How to work remotely and succeed. Learn how using valuable apps can help your team remain connected and productive while working remotely .

Gallaher -- Gallaher is here to assist you with your remote working needs. We offer remote telephony options as well as ways to monitor your business while you are away. Call 865-970-2471 for more information.

C-Spire -- Make your business remote-work ready. Equip your team to work from home or on the go with powerful resources like Office 365 and UC-One from C Spire Business - perfect for business of all sizes.




SEO & DIGITAL MARKETING
BigWheel -- Your website and social media presence are more important than ever. With so many people stuck at home, your social media and website are more important than ever. BigWheel can help you get in front of new customers, keep current clients engaged, and drive sales online. Get a free SEO audit and digital marketing plan.

SIGNAGE
Tip Signs -- Your Local Sign Company is offering 20% off Yard Signs & Banners related to communicating your COVID19 policy to your employees & customers. Also, 10% off all orders with in stock materials.

FASTSIGNS -- Offering 20% off several of its signage and banner products to help you communicate whatever you need to employees or clients. Call (865) 558-0180.

STAFFING
GemCare -- Gem Care is helping to connect people who have been recently laid off with companies that are experiencing an increase in worker demand. Call us at 865-560-9891 or visit our website . 

TECHNOLOGY AID
RCN Technologies  announced a COVID-19 community aid program by providing over $10,000 in wireless networking equipment and tech support service free to critical community organizations in healthcare, education, and public safety throughout the East Tennessee region.

RCN can help organizations whose operations have been or will be impacted by COVID-19 with immediate networking and technology needs, including secure, pop-up or temporary wireless networks, CIPA-compliant school bus hotspots, mobile command center networks with advanced threat protection, secure remote access and productivity kits, and more.

Community organizations interested in participating in the free technology aid program can contact RCN at (865) 293-0350 or send an inquiry in through the website at  https://rcntechnologies.com .

TELEHEALTH
Maryville Wellness Center has started weekly telehealth group therapy sessions to help with COVID-19. View the website for more details.

Maryville Wellness Center and Chilhowee Family Counseling are hosting two online support groups on April 20 at 4 p.m. and April 23 at 10 a.m. 

TRAINING
D1's K2 Performance Center and D1 Knoxville is providing online Bootcamp workouts for fellow Blount Chamber members at no charge through 'D1 to U'!
Download the TrainHeroic app using either of the links for Apple or Android
Or, search the app store for 'TrainHeroic'.
Create an account using your name, preferred email and password.
Enter Access Code: 1584968084
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.


And follow tourism updates here:
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