Dear Members and Business Community:
Governor Whitmer has issued an
Executive Order
that temporarily suspends all activities that are not necessary to sustain or protect life.
For further clarification on who is considered a critical infrastructure business
, click
HERE
. Please read page 5 of the memo if you're unsure if your business is exempt under the Governors Executive Order.
If you are a non-critical manufacturer/supplier, check out the
Pure Michigan Business Connect
to see if your business is able to
diversify and provide for any of the needs that are listed.
If your business is impacted by this order, there are resources available. The SBA is able to provide low-interest, long-term, disaster loans for businesses that are affected. Follow this
LINK
for more information.
The Small Business Association of Michigan has a
webinar series related to COVID-19 that takes place EVERY day at 3:00 PM
. You can check them out
HERE
!
Due to uncertainty regarding the guidelines for furloughed workers and the benefits they may access, the
State of Michigan is encouraging employers to provide “Temporary Leave” vs. “Termination”.
Please see the State of Michigan guidance and instructions
HERE
.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty due to the business climate but need to maintain operations, the
WORK SHARE
program is an option for you. Here is a
“Desk Guide”
that will help you through that process. Any employee that is temporarily laid off is encouraged to file for unemployment by calling
If your business is remaining open throughout the COVID-19 restrictions and you are having a difficult time maintaining a stable workforce,
please
fill out the
“Employee Needs” survey
so we can try and connect you with dislocated workers.
If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please get in touch with your designated Michigan Works Employer Specialist:
Houghton, Gogebic, Ontonagon Counties:
Marquette, Alger & Baraga Counties:
Please reach out if you require any additional information or have questions.
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Sincerely,
Tara Arens, Manager
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director
Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance
Brad Barnett, Executive Director
Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau
