Here is what is Happening in Colonial Heights
1850 Touchstone Rd
South Chesterfield, VA 23834
(804) 520-0789
#leadingthefield

Everything you need from weed control, seed to enviro safe chemicals to clean up your pond. Supporting Community, Farmers, Lawncare companies, and YOU!!!
Platinum Plus Auto Repair
3221 Oaklawn Blvd,
Hopewell, VA 23860
 (804) 458-4450
Benny's Tavern
3631 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834
804-526-2536

New in
Dunlop Shopping Center
1 Dunlop Village Circle
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 391-6100
Discount Day for Members
Monday April 20th
Print out and show the membership Badge below and get 10% off your order
Alison Harris and Eric Howard

803 Arlington Rd
Hopewell, VA 23860
(804) 452-6452

Your connection and service for Coin op machines, ATMs and Pool Tables

Bookkeeping By Becca LLC
Virtual Bookkeeping
(804) 504-1322
Tabetha Campbell Thompson Agency
Bryan Campbell
Agency Manager

133 N Sycamore St
Suite D
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
(804) 220-5594
Peebles in Colonial Heights is becoming Gordmans

Incredible Deals can be found now at:

3055 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA, 23834

804-526-1261
These are unprecedented times and this guide will change daily. The phone numbers are beside the name and restaurants are offering delivery options and pickup.
Please continue to support Local Businesses.
UTILIZE YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS
Frequently asked questions from workers regarding covid-19 On March 12, 2020, Governor Northam declared a State of Emergency in the Commonwealth due to the state-wide spread of COVID-19. Many workers are asking for guidance on how to navigate this public health crisis as they work to keep their families both healthy and financially stable. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions received from workers. Please check with your human resource officer for employer-specific policies on sick and medical leave. This document is not designed to give legal advice on individual situations. 1. Because of COVID-19, my employer has temporarily closed, and I do not have paid leave or will not receive a paycheck. What can I do? You may file a claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). To receive benefits, you must meet certain minimum requirements, including having sufficient past earnings and an immigration status that allows you to work. If VEC approves your claim, you will receive a weekly benefit payment that is dependent on your past earnings. The maximum benefit amount is $378 for up to 26 weeks. For more information about Unemployment Insurance benefits and to file a claim, please visit http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699. 2. I have been quarantined by a health official and cannot go to work. What can I do? First talk to your supervisor about telework options or if you have paid sick or medical leave. If you have to take unpaid time off, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). For more information about Unemployment Insurance benefits and to file a claim, please visit http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699. 3. My employer has cut my hours back due to the coronavirus. What can I do? If your weekly earnings fall below what would be your weekly unemployment insurance benefit, you may file a claim for partial Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). For more information about Unemployment Insurance benefits and to file a claim, please visit http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699. 4. A close family member of mine has coronavirus, and I will stay home from work to take care of them. What can I do to receive income while I’m not working? You may file a claim for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). To receive benefits you need to meet certain minimum requirements, including having sufficient past earnings and an immigration status that allows you to work. If VEC approves your claim, you will receive a weekly compensation depending on your past earnings. For more information about Unemployment Insurance benefits and to file a claim, please visit http://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11699. 5. Can I lose my job if I miss work because I’m sick with coronavirus? If your employer is covered under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), they may be required to provide you with up to 12 weeks unpaid leave. Leave from FMLA is awarded to individuals with a “serious” condition that is defined in the law as requiring inpatient care or three days continued treatment from a health care provider. The coronavirus does not necessarily present a “serious” condition, and the US Department of Labor has not issued guidance on this. Please check back here for updated information. 6. I caught coronavirus from my work. Can I file a workers’ compensation claim? Please contact your human resources director for more information about your employer’s policies. Workers’ compensation claims are evaluated according to the condition and specific circumstances. 7. If I have coronavirus, what can my employer tell others about my condition? All medical information on an employee is confidential and cannot be shared with other employees. For the safety of the workplace, an employer may disclose this information to a health authority. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act provides protections concerning disclosure of medical information. Information concerning disclosure of medical conditions can be obtained at (800) 368-1019. 8. Can my employer ask me if I have a health condition such as a weak immune system or existing condition that would be affected by coronavirus? No. Your employer cannot ask you questions that might disclose a disability. 9. Can I lose my job if I have to stay home to care for a family member that is seriously ill with coronavirus? If you meet certain requirements, your employer must provide you with up to 12 weeks of job-protected time off to care for a parent, spouse, domestic partner, minor child, or adult dependent child with a serious health condition. These requirements include: 1) your employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles of your worksite; 2) you have worked with the employer for at least a year; and 3) you worked at least 1250 hours in the year before you take time off. The federal government is working on policies to help support sick and medical leave for all individuals affected by the coronavirus. Please check back here for updated information. The Federal Family Medical Leave Act enforces requirements for paid sick leave. Information and assistance can be obtained at (866) 487 - 9243. 10. Can my employer not pay me if I am sent home early from work or told not to come in for a scheduled shift? Yes. A Virginia employer is only required to pay an employee for the work performed. 11. My child’s day care or school is closed because of the coronavirus threat. Can I take time off to care for my child? First talk to your employer about telework options, flexible schedules, and specific leave policies. Since your child is “healthy”, you currently do not qualify for FMLA. The federal government is working on paid sick and medical leave policies, so check back here for updated information. Unemployment benefits might be available for this situation. 12. My employer closed temporarily and I did not receive my last paycheck. How do I get paid? To file a nonpayment of wages claim, please visit the Virginia Department of Labor’s website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/labor-law/payment-of-wage-english/ .
Corona Virus Guidance Click Logo
Coronavirus Information for Small Businesses
Economic Injury Loan Disaster Webinars
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 - 9:00am EDT
SBA Participating
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Wednesday, April 1,2020 - 11:00am EDT
SBA Participating
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Wednesday, April 1,2020 - 1:00pm EDT
SBA Participating
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Wednesday, April 1,2020 - 3:00pm EDT
SBA Participating
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Thursday, April 2, 2020 - 1:00pm EDT
SBA Participating
Webinar: Applying for SBA Disaster Loans - Economic Injury Disaster ...
Thursday, April 2, 2020 - 3:00pm EDT
SBA Participating

 
 
Assistance With Applying
Contact your local Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance with applying for the Economic Injury Loan Disaster(EILD).
Disaster Office Hours of Operation
1‐800‐659‐2955-Disaster Assistance (EILD)
Monday-Friday
8:00 am-8:00 pm
Weekends
Saturday & Sunday
9:00 am-5:00 pm
SBA Virginia Richmond District Office 
804-771-2400
Weekends
Saturday and Sunday
8:00 am-5:00 pm
804-986-8901
Free Counseling Assistance
Free assistance with reconstructing financial records, preparing financial statements and submitting the loan application is available from SBA’s partners: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE.
Request a virtual appointment at vasbdc or score.org
We value our customers! Please share your feedback with us!

PRESS OFFICE
 
Release Date:March 31, 2020
Release Number:   20-29 
 
 
Contact:   Press_Office@sba.gov , (202) 205-7036
Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Blogs & Instagram
 
 
With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute Funds
WASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator  Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin  today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small businesses with the capital they need.
The CARES Act establishes a new $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program. The Program will provide much-needed relief to millions of small businesses so they can sustain their businesses and keep their workers employed. “This unprecedented public-private partnership is going to assist small businesses with accessing capital quickly. Our goal is to position lenders as the single point-of-contact for small businesses – the application, loan processing, and disbursement of funds will all be administered at the community level,” said Administrator Carranza. “Speed is the operative word; applications for the emergency capital can begin as early as this week, with lenders using their own systems and processes to make these loans. We remain committed to supporting our nation’s more than 30 million small businesses and their employees, so that they can continue to be the fuel for our nation’s economic engine.”
“This legislation provides small business job retention loans to provide eight weeks of payroll and certain overhead to keep workers employed,” said Secretary Mnuchin. “Treasury and the Small Business Administration expect to have this program up and running by April 3rd so that businesses can go to a participating SBA 7(a) lender, bank, or credit union, apply for a loan, and be approved on the same day. The loans will be forgiven as long as the funds are used to keep employees on the payroll and for certain other expenses.” The new loan program will help small businesses with their payroll and other business operating expenses. It will provide critical capital to businesses without collateral requirements, personal guarantees, or SBA fees – all with a 100% guarantee from SBA. All loan payments will be deferred for six months. Most importantly, the SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first eight weeks of payroll costs, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest.
The Paycheck Protection Program is specifically designed to help small businesses keep their workforce employed. Visit SBA.gov/Coronavirus for more information on the Paycheck Protection Program.
  • The new loan program will be available retroactive from Feb. 15, 2020, so employers can rehire their recently laid-off employees through June 30, 2020.
Loan Terms & Conditions
  • Eligible businesses: All businesses, including non-profits, Veterans organizations, Tribal concerns, sole proprietorships, self-employed individuals, and independent contractors, with 500 or fewer employees, or no greater than the number of employees set by the SBA as the size standard for certain industries
  • Maximum loan amount up to $10 million
  • Loan forgiveness if proceeds used for payroll costs and other designated business operating expenses in the 8 weeks following the date of loan origination (due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs)
  • All loans under this program will have the following identical features:
  • Interest rate of 0.5%
  • Maturity of 2 years
  • First payment deferred for six months
  • 100% guarantee by SBA
  • No collateral
  • No personal guarantees
  • No borrower or lender fees payable to SBA
SBA’s announcement comes on the heels of a series of steps taken by the Agency since the President’s Emergency Declaration to expeditiously provide capital to financially distressed businesses affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since March 17, SBA has taken the following steps:
Visit  SBA.gov/Coronavirus for more information on SBA’s assistance to small businesses.
 
###

JRF Announces DISASTER RESPONSE FUND
We are pleased to announce that, in response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, John Randolph Foundation has created a Disaster Response Fund to address the immediate needs of non-profit organizations during this crisis.
The $500,000 fund is designed to meet the immediate needs of and address the long-term effects on non-profit organizations in the John Randolph Foundation’s service area.
Non-profit organizations may apply for assistance online. Go to  www.johnrandolphfoundation.org , click on “Grants” and follow directions to apply for Disaster Response Grants. JRF plans to promptly review and process requests as they are received.
Priority will be given to requests from non-profit organizations providing disaster/crisis response services, experiencing greater demand for services due to the crisis, or experiencing hardship due to loss of revenue. Importantly, the fund is permanently endowed to assist not only with the current emergency, but with unforeseen crises or disasters in the future as well.
If you would like to be part of the relief effort in your community, it’s easy. And every contribution will be matched – dollar for dollar – by JRF up to $500,000.
Individual or corporate contributions (tax-deductible) to the fund are welcome and may be made payable to:
John Randolph Foundation
Attn: Disaster Response Fund
P.O. Box 1606
Hopewell, VA 23860
Or you may contribute online at:  www.johnrandolphfoundation.org.
For more information, please call 804.458-2239.
A lot of good information and resources can be found on the main landing page of our website at www.yourunitedway.org
For anyone in need due to the economic climate as a result of COVID 19, our 2-1-1 program is still the best starting point for help. See this link for a shareable brochure.

The nationwide FamilyWize prescription discount program may be helpful during this time as well.

United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg continues to manage the Dominion Energy Share program as well and have seen an increase in asks for help. 

Though our team works remotely for now, we are committed to the cause. 😊

Even with the tax filing deadline being extended, we continue to offer  free filing help for families making less than $65k per year . This is important to ensure eligibility for the forthcoming stimulus checks .

For individuals and businesses that wish to donate toward our relief fund , please see our web portal or reach out to me for more details. Our Executive Committee has released $100k as a dollar for dollar match on funds that come in.

Companies in the U.S. that wish to enable their employees to engage with their communities can check out Salesforce Philanthropy Cloud and speak with me for more info.

Please share this email and the links herein with your colleagues, friends, neighbors, and family.

We at United Way are here for the businesses and people of our community. Work continues with our agency partners for relief efforts. More to come!

Longwood Small Business Development Center

COVID 19 Disruption Resources & Announcements

Dear Small Businesses,

COVID 19 has proven to be a disrupting force to our lives, to our communities, and especially to our small businesses. We recognize that the rapidly changing landscape around COVID 19 has had a significant impact on many of our clients’ businesses. As a result, we are adjusting our programming and consulting efforts to best provide what you specifically need during this difficult time. We are here to support you as business owners in our 26 county and city coverage area however we can. 

To that end, Longwood SBDC is doing the following:
·      Survey : Please take 2 minutes to complete this short survey to help us better serve your businesses during this time. There is also an opportunity at the end of the survey to ask specific questions and connect with an SBDC consultant.

·      Safety Considerations : Our consultants will be telecommuting through at least March 29. We are still here for you and available to coach and consult via telephone or video conferencing. Do not hesitate to reach out.

·      SBA Disaster Loan Assistance : On this page, you will find information on how to position yourself to receive this assistance in the future. We’ll continue to share this information as we receive it.

In the midst of the uncertainty around us, we must lean into the community. Please join us in using this as an opportunity to support each other more fully.

Please take a moment to complete the above survey. The results will enable us to gauge our next level of response and provide the best possible support for our local businesses. In the meantime, you can reach us at the following email address sbdc@longwood.edu . Click here to get updates of COVID-19 resources curated by SBDC.

Sincerely,

Sheri McGuire
Executive Director
Longwood Small Business Development Center


Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration

It is times like this when philanthropy can lean into its leadership role and unite our community for the greater good. At the Community Foundation, we are responding to the uncertainty with proactive action and collaboration.
In partnership with the  Emergency Management Alliance of Central Virginia , we have activated our regional disaster response fund to ensure resources are available for emerging needs related to the coronavirus and its impact in our region. The Central Virginia COVID-19 Response Fund will be administered as a public-private partnership between philanthropy, government and the nonprofit sector to address the most immediate urgent needs, as well as the longer-term effects of the pandemic and community recovery. We have seeded this fund with an initial contribution of $500,000.
To learn more about this fund and how to contribute, please visit our website.
We will remain responsive to needs as they emerge, but the fund will initial support:
  • Proven community-based organizations who support the physical and emotional health of our most vulnerable residents - including children and seniors; immigrants and those with limited English proficiency; the homeless.
  • Operating needs of safety net clinics; food access providers; child and adult care organizations; housing providers for the homeless; nonprofits who minimize disruptions for those who live in public housing communities
  • Secondarily, the fund will consider the hardships of our nonprofit organizations due to the lost income or revenue.
Federal CARES Act - March 31


Congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which will provide an over $2 trillion stimulus package. I wanted to take a moment to provide you with information on a few important aspects of the CARES Act.
 
The package provides for direct payments to individuals to be made as soon as possible. The CARES Act allocates:
 
     $1,200 to every adult who filed taxes and earned less than $99,000 according to their Gross Adjusted 2018 tax return. The benefit begins to phase out at $75,000.
     $2,400 to a married couple filing jointly who earned less than $199,000. The benefit begins to phase out at $150,000.
     $500 for each child age 17 and under.
 
The IRS will attempt to use the most recent banking information on file for taxpayers to distribute funds electronically. Failing that, they will issue paper checks. You can find the latest from the IRS on these checks by clicking here.
 
Unemployment Benefits
 
For those who find themselves unemployed the bill adds an additional $600 per week for the unemployed for up to four months.
 
Funding to states will be provided to pay the cost of the first week of unemployment benefits through December 31, 2020 to pay recipients as soon as they become unemployed instead of waiting one week before the individual is eligible to receive benefits.
 
It also provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through December 31, 2020 to help those who remain unemployed due to COVID-19 if state unemployment benefits are no longer available.
 
Additionally, self-employed people typically can't apply for unemployment. This CARES Act creates a new, temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the end of 2020 to help people who lose work as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis.
 
 
Homeowners and Renters
 
Many are concerned about paying their mortgage or rent during the COVID-19 crisis. The federal CARES Act prohibits foreclosures on all federally-backed mortgage loans for a 60-day period and provides up to 180 days of forbearance for federally-backed borrowers who have experienced a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 emergency.
 
The bill also provides up to 90 days of forbearance for borrowers with a federally backed multifamily (apartment complex) mortgage loan who have experienced financial hardship. Borrowers receiving forbearance may not evict or charge late fees to tenants for the duration of the forbearance period.
 
Further, for 120 days, landlords will be prohibited from initiating legal action to evict or charge fees and penalties to the tenant if the landlord’s mortgage on the property is in any way assisted by Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the rural housing voucher program, or the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.
 
 
Small Business
 
The CARES Act provided a number of tools for companies with 500 or fewer employees to take care of immediate operational needs and help keep employees employed during the COVID-19 crisis. The CARES Act provides:
 
     ~$350 billion in Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to provide potentially forgivable loans of up to $10 million per business. Any portion of the loan that is used for various operational expenses (rent, retain employees, etc.) could be forgiven if employees are employed through the end of June.
 
     $10 billion for grants of up to $10,000 to provide emergency funds for small businesses to cover immediate operating costs.
 
     $17 billion for loan relief forgiveness for small businesses already using SBA loans. The money will be used to help cover six months of small business loans.
 
 
The CARES Act also defers payroll taxes. This will allow employers to pay half of the amount required to be paid by December 31, 2021 and the other half by December 31, 2022.
 
The CARES Act has a number of provisions that are intended to help individuals, families, small and large businesses, and our overall economy during the COVID-19 crisis. The full text of the bill can be found HERE .
 
My office continues to monitor the situation in Virginia closely and will keep you advised as we learn more.
 
Commonwealth of Virginia - April 1


Overview of VHDA Housing Relief Programs
The Secretariat of Commerce and Trade has put out a one-pager on RELIEF PROGRAMS available for renters and homeowners.

Virginia Tax Penalty and Interest Updates
The Virginia Department of Tax has put out a fact sheet that gives an overview of the status of tax filing, given the COVID-19 outbreak. This is the FACT SHEET .

Impact of School Closure on students served in Private Day Schools (students with special education services)
With the closure of all public and private schools through the rest of the school year, the impact on contractual arrangements with service providers (such as private day schools) through the CSA (Children's Services Act) remain a matter of local jurisdiction. Yesterday, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and the Office of Children’s Services (OCS) issued joint guidance on this subject. Here is the LETTER and the corresponding GUIDANCE .

The VDOE advised local school divisions to work with their local Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMT), local CSA office and partnering private schools to discuss this matter. The Office of Children’s Services (OCS) has also been clear that funds are able to reimburse localities for services as agreed to by the local CSA program, local school division, and private providers.

Census in VA
As a reminder, today is Census Day 2020. To date, more than 38% of all Virginia residents have completed their 2020 Census through self-response. Households can complete their  Census online, by visiting 2020Census.gov , by phone (English: (844) 330-2020, Spanish: (844) 468-2020, Chinese (Mandarin): (844) 391-2020, Vietnamese: (844) 461-2020, Korean: (844) 392-2020), or by mail. 

Business donations or production for COVID-19 PPE
Yesterday the Commonwealth put out an Emergency Request for Information (RFI) in regards to personal protective supplies. That RFI can be found here .

Virginia Medical Reserve Corps
The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking individuals to volunteer with the corps. More information on the MRC can be found here .

Child Care Hotline
For parents needing to find a child care provider, they can call (866) KIDS-TLC or (866) 543 - 7852.

Extending Declaration of Judicial Emergency
Yesterday, Chief Justice Lemons of the Supreme Court of Virginia extended the Order of Judicial Emergency for all district and circuit courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Please consult with your legal counsel for any impact on your specific judicial proceedings.