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Loans and Assistance for Small Business are Available
Dear Members,

This is dry material but it's important; please read it. The Small Business Administration has made disaster assistance loans available for every state due to COVID-19. It may be difficult to imagine needing disaster assistance when you have not opened your business for the season, but please consider whether you have enough working capital to open and operate with a potentially significant decline in business for a month or two (or what your finances will look like without those months of revenue).

These loans can help you stay afloat. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%. The SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

This part is important, stay with me: The MEDC has created the Michigan Small Business Relief Program which will provide up to $20 million in support for small businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. The funding is divided between $10 million in small business grants and $10 million in loans. Those funds that make it here to Northern MI will be available in DAYS and they will be gone extremely fast. Even if you are not open you may want to consider applying for these grants if you do not have the capital to open, operate, and staff your business with significantly less than normal revenue for two months.

The loans will be managed by the MEDC but the $10 million in grant funds will be distributed to each economic region (in Mackinaw City we fall between two regions so who reviews your application will depend on your physical location in Cheboygan or Emmet County) and distributed in the form of grants to businesses. My understanding is that businesses that apply for the SBA disaster relief loan now may be more likely to receive any grant money from the MEDC. This makes total sense to me. They want the money in the hands of those who need it most, businesses that would not otherwise survive the shutdown. If that is you, please consider applying for the SBA loan right away- even if you are not operating yet. Their website is crashing regularly since it is currently overwhelmed, but keep at it.

We will let you know as soon as the application for the grant money becomes available. You will see that application for the state grant money released in a matter of days. Since many of you are not open for business yet you may miss it. If you are not back to Mackinaw City yet for the season please keep in mind we are going through the same thing here that you are going through, wherever you are. It will be a difficult spring. Take consideration of your finances and what you need to continue operating strong without making drastic cuts and changes to your operation.



If you have any questions we are happy to help find answers. Please consider joining us for tomorrow's member zoom conference (see instructions be low). If you are not able to do the conference you can also email me your phone number and I will be able to quickly return your call.


Thank you,

Jamie Westfall
Executive Director



You are able to download the Zoom app on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop device through the app store or by visiting https://zoom.us/


Meeting Details:

Who: Current, Active Members
You are invited to a Zoom meeting. 
When: Mar 26, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 
You must register in advance for this meeting.


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



Employers: Please Review

Effective March 24, 2020 at 12:01 am, and continues through April 13, 2020 at 11:59 pm

 

Advisory: Governor Whitmer "Shelter In Place" Executive Order


The Mackinaw City Police Department is advising all residents that the Governor has signed an executive order to "shelter in place" for the next 3 weeks. This order is in effect starting at midnight tonight(03-24-2020). The Village of Mackinaw City can't stress enough on how important this executive order is and to follow the guidelines that was put in this order. You can find this executive order and its guidelines at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus . I believe if all of us as a community follow the guidelines by staying home,not congregating and practice social distancing, we will have better chance of avoiding what is going on elsewhere in the State. Thank you in helping keep our community safe.
Member News and Updates
Straits Area Food Pantry Continues to Provide Food Weekly

We recognize there may be an increase in need during this unexpected economically challenging time, so we would like to share details of the Straits Area Food Pantry, for those who are interested. Please spread the word.
The Food Pantry services people living in Mackinaw City, Carp Lake, and Levering Wednesday at 10am. Next date will be 3/25 from 10-11am.
To keep everyone healthy tables will now be set up outside. Pull up, open your trunk, and staff will put in a bag of food. No forms, no questions.
We also recognize that with a potential increase in demand there will be a greater need for donations. If you can spare any food please make an appointment for drop off by calling Church of the Straits at 231-436-8682.
Gift Cards Make Great Christmas Gifts

A cool idea if you have the extra funds:

Each time you order take-out add a gift card to the order. Set the gift cards aside (in a really safe place where you won't lose them) until Christmas and much of your holiday shopping will be done.
Cancellations and Closures due to COVID-19
Effective 3/16/2020: The CDC recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S.  More Information on Mass Gatherings .

COVID-19 HOTLINE
The State of Michigan has established a hotline to answer questions regarding the coronavirus. Calls are accepted, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (888) 535-6136.

Community U pdates
New updates in BLUE

  • MI Works Job Fair Saturday, April 4th, at the Cheboygan Ice Rink Pavilion- Cancelled
  • Mackinaw Area Public Library offers daily story time at 1pm through Facebook
  • Due to COVID-19 Concerns the Mackinac Bridge Authority will not accept cash transactions starting Saturday, March 21, 2020
  • Odawa Casino Mackinaw City and Petoskey closed until March 31, 2020
  • Mackinaw City Village Council will not meet until at least April 6, 2020
  • All MI Welcome Centers Closed until further notice
  • Odawa Hotel Closed until Mach 31, 2020.
  • Merrel Shoes Closed until March 27, 2020
  • St. Ignace Home Show rescheduled for May 29 & 30
  • NLEA Annual Lunch April 24 Postponed
  • Audie's Restaurant Closed until March 31
  • CNB lobby open by appointment only. Drive-Thru open
  • Statewide School Closure until April 6, 2020
  • Statewide Dine-In Closure until Monday, March 30 at 11:59 pm
  • Village Hall- Closed to public, available for calls
  • Wawatam Senior Center Meals Available by Pick Up Only March 15- April 6 (no orders after 4 pm. Call (231) 436-5323 to place an order)
  • Straits Area Federal Credit Union- lobby closed until further notice. Drive thru- OPEN.
  • Wawatam Senior Center – All activities are cancelled from March 15- April 13
  • The Mackinac Bridge has indefinitely suspend its driver assistance program to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus
  • Village of Mackinaw City Recreation Center is CLOSED until April 6, 2020
  • The Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce has adjusted staff hours to 12-8 pm to accommodate scheduling needs during the statewide school closure. We will work remotely in the afternoon hours when possible.
  • March 26- Cheboygan County Humane Society Soup and Casserole Supper – Inverness Township Hall
  • March 26 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm March 17- Band concert, school gym, 7 pm- Cancelled
  • March 28- Saturday Second Community Breakfast, Church of the Straits- Cancelled
  • April 4 Raptorfest, Postponed
  • April 4-5 Roller Derby- Cancelled

To add your event to this list please email jamie@mackinawchamber.com.
COVID-19 Business Resources
Small Business Loans from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)


The Michigan Small Business Relief Program will be a top priority for the MEDC, with funds being available no later than April 1, 2020. Loan and grant proceeds under the Michigan Small Business Relief Program may be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or other similar expenses that occur in the ordinary course of business. Through this program, in combination with other programs and services, the state will ensure economic support is available to Michigan’s small businesses to overcome anticipated loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 virus through both grant and loan opportunities. 
 
“With the outbreak of COVID-19, many small businesses are faced with significant economic impacts, including challenges with cash flow and resources to support their workforce,” said MEDC CEO Mark A. Burton. “The Michigan Small Business Relief program will provide immediate assistance to the small businesses around the state who are facing revenue loss as a result of tough, but necessary steps that have been taken to mitigate the spread of the virus.”
Webinars Available by the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA)

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will be hosting several hour-long informational webinars for Michigan employers regarding unemployment insurance and the recent Executive Orders 2020-09 and 2020-10 signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. All webinars will be conducted using Microsoft Skype for Business. To join the webinar, please click on the “Join Skype Meeting” link for the appropriate date and time. 

Below are the webinar dates, times and login information as follows:
Monday, March 23, 10 - 11 a.m.
Dial-in Number: (248) 509-0316
Conference ID: 501784127         
Monday, March 23, 2 - 3 p.m.
Dial-in Number: (248) 509-0316
Conference ID: 473769071
Tuesday, March 24, 10 - 11 a.m.
Dial-in Number: (248) 509-0316
Conference ID: 616070893
Tuesday, March 24, 2 - 3 p.m. 
Dial-in Number: (248) 509-0316
Conference ID: 794829308
Resources for Employees Available at Chamber

Member Employers: Year-round employees that have never needed to navigate the UIA filing service MiWAM are now facing that reality. If you have an employee experiencing difficulty filing we are here to help. At the Chamber we are not UIA experts but have a computer available, an abundance of helpful member contacts, and a good resource toolkit available to help them sign up for the services they need. We will sit with them until we can figure it out together. Employees can call (231)436-5574 to make an appointment.

On that note, we will do our best to help them connect to any services they need (not just unemployment benefits). We are available for this all of the time, not just pandemic. Give us a call.
Please join our new area dining group, Mackinaw City "To-Go," on Facebook to stay up to date on local specials, lunch and dinner features, hours of operation and more during dine-in shutdown. Spread joy and laughter through social distancing take-out photos with family and friends. Phone numbers and links to menus and websites (year-round member listings only):

Update to Chamber Hours of Operation
March 24

Effective March 24, the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce will be closed as per Executive Order 2020-21 . Staff will be working remotely at this time to respond to the needs of the membership. Our area maps and guides will be stocked outside the Visitor's Center, as always. We implore all members to take seriously the risks we face. Help us keep our loved ones safe. More than a wealthy community, we want a healthy community.
Comfort Keepers Northwest Lower Michigan has been preparing for the growing challenges related to the Corona Virus for the past several weeks. We want families in the area to know that we have been deemed an essential business by the Governor and we are prepared to assist seniors in their homes at this time. Our employees are trained home health care workers, and we are following all guidelines created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 
The health, safety and well-being of our clients and employees remains our utmost focus. We are closely monitoring the situation with the Coronavirus and have put in place necessary measures, in line with the guidance of the CDC and local authorities.
We will continue to operate and provide uplifting care to our clients while ensuring we are taking necessary safety precautions. As always, our goal is to provide the highest quality care that enhances the lives of our clients and their families.
Please contact Comfort Keepers at 231-929-9044 for more information.
Members Making an Impact
Team Members at Odawa Casino work to feed the community during recent closures related to COVID-19. So far they have donated 1,000lbs of food with a value of around $10,000.00
Consumers Energy works to respond to increased need for food across Michigan
CONSUMERS ENERGY FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $500,000 IN GRANTS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The Consumers Energy Foundation is supporting two statewide organizations with a $500,000 contribution to help enhance critical services for Michigan children, seniors, and those who may need assistance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contribution will provide $250,000 each to the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Association of United Ways. 

The Food Bank Council of Michigan will distribute the funds to its regional food bank network to fill gaps where schools are unable to provide food for children, vulnerable seniors, and the anticipated growing need that will surface as more people cannot work due to COVID-19.

The Michigan Association of United Ways will share the funding with United Way organizations located in Consumers Energy service areas that have set up or are deploying emergency response activities in their local communities. 

In addition, Consumers Energy enhanced its Matching Gifts Program by matching employee contributions to local food banks/pantries, homeless shelters, community foundations, and their local United Way organizations.  
Additional COVID-19 Resources for Businesses
Thank you for supporting the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce