Springfield Chamber
COVID-19 Bulletin
April 24, 2020
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Next week we’ll see the release of additional federal funding for the CARES Act assistance to small businesses. We expect a reactivation of the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Paycheck Protection Program as a result. Make a point of checking with your lending institution on the status of your PPP loan or an opportunity to initiate an application if you haven’t yet done so. Same goes for your EIDL application which will likely open again on the Small Business Administration website
SBA.gov
. I highly recommend the
US Chamber of Commerce and INC National Small Business Town Hall
webinar
(4.24.2020) posted in this bulletin. Lots of good questions posed and answered on the new funding, and solid advice provided in this one hour program.
On everyone’s mind is when and what can we expect in the re-opening of business in Oregon? You deserve to be the first to know, and will have an opportunity to do so early next week as our Government Issues and Economic Development Committees invite Sarah Means of the Governor’s Regional Solutions Team to present the framework now under review. We will be working hand-in-hand with local and state officials to ensure our members’ concerns and needs are represented. To that end, your input is crucial so look for the notice in our news below.
Keep an eye on opportunities to stay connected, informed, and engaged via our chamber committees and key communications. Every conversation is valued and brings purpose and motivation to our day. You can continue to check our
COVID-19 Business Resource hub
for updates and, if you haven’t already, scroll through our newly launched
Advocacy and Elections Page
.
Remember, we’re still just a phone call away.
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-Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO
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Member Continuity and Relief Options
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We are deeply appreciative of our members’ support to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and grateful for the sacrifices you’ve made to protect the health of our community, employees, and families during these unprecedented times.
Many of our members who are feeling the greatest impacts are the same local small businesses and non-profit organizations that have and will define us as a community. We are very aware of the overwhelmingly difficult decisions you may be facing. We are equally aware of the financial burdens.
To this end, we’ve established multiple COVID-19 member continuity and relief options that we think you’ll find of value, including the Membership Match Program, sponsored by Oregon Community Credit Union. If you have any questions about our COVID-19 member continuity and relief options, please reach out to our Member Services team at
max@springfield-chamber.org
.
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Legislative Advocacy
Your Business. Your Community. Your Voice.
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Business Voices Needed in Request to Delay the Corporate Activity Tax
With the signatures of over 300 local area businesses, earlier this week the Springfield and Eugene Chambers of Commerce submitted a joint letter requesting the delay of the Corporate Activity Tax to Governor Kate Brown and members of the Oregon legislature. Our chamber will continue to advocate on behalf of our members to delay this tax. Show your support by submitting your name and organization through the link below.
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Government Issues & Economic Development Committees
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As the COVID-19 response continues to move rapidly at the local, state, and federal levels, we have moved our Government Issues Committee meetings to a weekly occurrence. We invite you to join us 8am Tuesday mornings via Zoom to stay on top of local, regional, and state issues of impact on business and community.
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Upcoming Government Issues Committee Meetings
Tuesday, April 28th, 8:00am, Zoom Conference
Join the Government Issues and Economic Development Committees for a presentation on by Sarah Means, South Valley/Mid-Coast Coordinator of Regional Solutions in the Office of Governor Kate Brown. The presentation will cover information on Oregon’s phased approach to re-opening.
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Open for Business
Stay Home | Support Local
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If you have gift cards available for sale, list your organization on
supportlocal.usatoday.com
, and help in building a one-stop-shop for purchasing from local Springfield restaurants and retailers.
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Pulse Survey: Status of Emergency Relief Loans
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The CARES Act, passed by congress in March, was intended to provide funding relief to businesses like yours. We're asking our members to complete this survey to better understand the status of your access to these resources. The information that you provide will be kept confidential and will allow the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to further advocate on your behalf.
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If you're looking for ways to engage our elected officials, please stay up to date on opportunities to share your story through the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce's Advocacy in Action page.
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Congress is set to add $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The second round of applications will officially open soon. Continue to watch for updates as new funding legislation moves through Congress. Here is a summay from Senator Wyden's Office on Interim COVID-19 Bill Small Business Improvements:
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The SBA suggests four things you can do right now if you're a small business:
- Prep for possible additional Paycheck Protection PPP funding
- Explore other funding options
- Create a business plan for now and life after COVID-19
- Connect with local, state, and federal resources
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Watch this comprehensive webinar from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce + INC. National Small Business town hall:
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If you are an independent contractor or self-employed, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for losses of income related to the coronavirus pandemic.
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IRS information (English & Spanish) for taxpayers, businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and others who need information about Coronavirus tax relief and economic impact payments:
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The Chamber Community has been stepping up, leaning in, making tough decisions, surviving, innovating, hiring, pivoting, and is deserving of support and acknowledgment. Check out some of these important updates from our Chamber members:
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This past month, even with all of the changes,
Greenhill Humane Society
helped
over 265 animals
– including 116 stray animals, 98 owner surrendered, and 56 that came to them in other critical situations. They were able to reunite 72 animals with their families and find new families for 137 animals. Presently there are over 100 animals in their care.
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They've helped our human community by fielding more than 5,100 phone calls from people in need, and distributing more than 5,000 pounds of pet food throughout Lane County for people who are in financial crisis.
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The Pony House Inn
has established "
Champion Connection,
" a FREE Sales and Marketing Club Facebook page with weekly content to help you grow your business and be a leader in your industry. Learn from top leaders throughout the region.
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During these uncertain times, we recognize the strength and resiliency of the Springfield Chamber community. Thank you to those who have shared your story. To all our members, please help us share yours. Contact Elora Kelsh,
elora@springfield-chamber.org
for more information.
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If you are looking for opportunities to stay connected and informed, you can watch all of our COVID-19 related informational webinars on our Business Resource Hub under the “Informational Webinars” tab:
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Education & Talent Development
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Upcoming Education Meetings
May 21st, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
If you would like to join this committee meeting or if you have any questions please email our Director of Development and Talent Initiatives Paige Sharpe (
paige@springfield-chamber.org
)
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Five Important Warnings As The Paycheck Protection Program Opens Back Up
After passing new stimulus legislation this week, Congress is set to add $310 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The second round of applications will officially open soon. And whether you’re waiting on an already submitted application or you’re itching to apply, here are five things to remember as you get ready for PPP to open back up.
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The Coronavirus Economic Reopening Will Be Fragile, Partial and Slow
From airlines to car makers, companies are planning to gear up again. The new normal will look anything but.
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Cardinal Services Announces COVID-19 Business Relief Package
Local employment services firm offers three months of free payroll services with comprehensive reporting support.
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We want locals and visitors to know that we are proud of the ways our local communities are coming together to support one another, and that we’ll be ready to welcome travelers when it’s time to travel again. We #LoveLane County, and want to encourage anyone connected with our communities to help us celebrate why.
In partnership with ten of Chamber of Commerce agencies throughout Lane County, Travel Lane County
developed a suite of creative assets, including video, photo and shareable graphics that will help us all show that Lane County is united in supporting local businesses and that we are eager to welcome back visitors when the time is right. Check out the video and download some #LoveLane media assets below!
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COVID-19 Bulletin | Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
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