Oct 14, 2020
We are Stronger Together!
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What Chamber Members are saying about the Chamber...
The Chamber is a great resource to learn from others on how to enhance your business while at the same time network with those in your community that can use your resources and in the case of the YMCA support the work we do in the communities we serve. It has been an honor to serve on the leadership team of the chamber and I value the relationships and friendships that have developed due to my involvement with a great chamber and great group of people. I would encourage all business owners to get involved and reap the benefits of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. You will not regret it!
Jim Downs,
Hockomock Area YMCA
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In this Issue
Guidelines from the State
Small Business Advice - with MSBDC
Elder Care Giving: A Balancing Act
Learn How to Maximize Productivity with google Tools
State Updates
Employment Law Info
SEED Grants
Foxborough was awarded a regional federal CDBG grant with five other Mass communities PDF (Bellingham, Foxborough, Franklin, Medfield, Walpole and Wrentham).
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We are working hard creating new platforms for our members to grow their book of business while we all take this hardship on together! Our goal is to use strategies and technology to continue to connect people and build professional relationships during this challenging business climate! Business doesn't stop, and neither do we! Let us know how we can help you.
If you know of a business that would benefit from Chamber Programming - send them our way, we would love to have them as a Member
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HELP FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?
Let our MSBDC business advisors help you navigate the SBA Debt Relief Programs or the start up or growth of your business. All services are FREE! If you are an existing client, please email Alison Moriarty at amoriarty@msbdc.umass.edu and she will contact you to schedule an appointment. If you are new to the MSBDC, please complete our "Request for Counseling" confidentiality form and someone will contact you via email or phone to schedule a telephone appointment with an advisor.
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STEP 2 OF PHASE III BEGAN OCTOBER 5TH
On September 29th, the Administration announced that effective Monday, October 5 th, lower risk communities were permitted to move into Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Step 1 of Phase III.
In August, the Administration began releasing data on the average daily COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents, average percent positivity, and total case counts, for all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns. Lower risk communities are defined as cities and towns that have not been a “red” community in any of the last three weekly Department of Public Health (DPH) weekly reports. The list of communities not designated lower risk is available here.
Communities will lose their lower risk designation if they are a "red" community for three consecutive DPH weekly reports. Read Executive Order 51 for further details on the qualifications needed for a municipality to be designated as a lower risk community and the steps that must be taken if a municipality loses its lower risk designation.
CHANGES TO PROTOCOLS AND NEW REOPENINGS
Effective October 5th, a limited number of sectors were eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step 2 of Phase III for lower risk communities only. Updated protocols for the below industries and businesses have been posted on the Reopening website. Industry specific guidance and protocols for a range of Phase I, II, and III businesses have also been updated.
- Indoor performance venues are permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people.
- Outdoor performance venue capacity can increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.
- For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step 2 activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag are permitted to open and capacity can increase to 50%.
- Fitting rooms are permitted to open in all types of retail stores.
- Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools are also permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.
GATHERINGS ORDER
The Governor also signed an Order updating limitations on gatherings across the Commonwealth.
- The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.
- Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.
- Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step 1 communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step 2 communities.
RESOURCES FOR RENTERS, HOMEOWNERS, AND LANDLORDS
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers two programs that can assist eligible low-income households in covering both past and future rent and mortgage costs. On Monday, the Administration also announced a $171 million initiative to support tenants and landlords during the pandemic. To learn more about the Eviction Diversion Initiative and available housing assistance programs, visit mass.gov/CovidHousingHelp.
PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FORGIVENESS
the SBA and U.S. Treasury released a simplified loan forgiveness application for PPP loans of $50,000 or less. The Treasury also posted an updated FAQ clarifying that the extended deferral period under the PPP Flexibility Act automatically applies to all PPP loans. Finally, the IRS announced that PPP forgiveness amounts are not to be included in a borrower’s gross income for federal income tax purposes, and lenders should not issue a 1099 to borrowers for the PPP forgiveness amount.
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Virtual Mixer... BYOB "Let’s do some Networking"
Wednesday Oct 14, 2020 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
From your Computer or Smart Phone. When you register, a link will be sent. If you do not get the link please contact Kara
Virtual Mixer is BYOB is an hour long networking event using Zoom. feel free to bring your favorite cocktail (high-test or unleaded) The ability to be able to see each other, socialize and do a little networking is invaluable.
This Mixer is limited to 25 guests and registration is required. You will receive a link to the Mixer when you register
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In Person Networking - Tailgate Style
Thursday Oct 15, 2020 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
"a little Face to Face Networking tailgate style!"
Will be held in the Chamber parking lot (weather permitting), bring your chair or pop your trunk, we will space out accordingly.
Must RSVP - will limit to 20 people "masks will be required while setting up"
Space for 20 17 people - To reserve your spot – click below
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Explore Future Gillette Stadium Events
Thursday Oct 15, 2020 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Join us for an informational session of Future events at Gillette Stadium, presented by Executive Director of Special Events at Kraft Sports; Phil Buttafuoco. There will be a presentation, followed by Questions & Answers.
Phil Buttafuoco; Executive Director of Special Events at Kraft Sports + Entertainment (New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Boston Uprising and Gillette Stadium)
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Elder Care Giving: A Balancing Act
Wednesday Oct 21, 2020 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
$10 to attend, once you register a ZOOM link will be forwarded to you
Are you trying to manage the care of an older family member in addition to the priorities of your business? Has COVID brought new layers of challenge to these serious responsibilities?
Join the Tri-Town Chamber Women’s Link and the NRRC Women’s Leadership Alliance as we welcome Brigham Health experts to speak on…
“Elder Caregiving: A Balancing Act”
Shouldering the responsibility for an older family member’s well-being often means that the caregiver’s own health suffers. Our virtual session will provide insight from the experts into how to care for the elders in your life -- while also caring for yourself:
What’s the impact of being a primary caregiver? Learn how is one’s health affected, and when to ask for help and seek support.
Discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, as well as tools to relieve stress and promote self-care.
Learn about community-based services that are available to support caregivers.
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Learn How to Maximize Your Productivity with Google Tools
Friday Oct 23, 2020 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Virtually
Free for Tri-Town Chamber members $10 for Non-members
With all the different integrations and online applications, the Google Suite of Tools provides opportunities for you to maximize your productivity all in one place. From Gmail to Google Calendar and so much more, because these tools are united under Google, they all communicate, saving you time.
Join us and learn how you can use these tools and their integrations to communicate more effectively inside and outside of your organization, keep track of your tasks and calendar, create documents, presentations, and even schedule online meetings.
Who should attend?
Business owners, Entrepreneurs, Small Business Owners, Managers, Executive Directors, Account Managers, Project Managers, Social Media Managers.
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More Business Resources
Employment Law Corner September Newsletter by Foley & Foley PDF
SEED has just received special CARES Act funding for the purpose of aiding and assisting small businesses as they navigate the affects and challenges of COVID-19. Press Release
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency the COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report for Oct 8, 2020 PDF
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