IMPORTANT UPDATES
Many businesses can open their doors back to the public today. Many have decided to pause that for a little while longer. These
businesses are allowed to open up at 25% occupancy
, but in some cases that could mean that a restaurant would only be able to serve 2-3 tables at a time due to the occupancy numbers that include the dining staff and kitchen. These are hard business decisions to make but be sure to respect their decision. If these restaurants continue to offer curbside and takeout only, don’t punish them for not opening up for a few tables. Understand they are working to be able to pay those employees who are working and remain a viable business.
One piece of good news – it looks like
“Alcohol to Go” may be here to stay
. The Governor said that this could continue through the end of the order and past May 1
st
with no end in sight. This is something that has continued to help businesses and help patrons of those businesses. Sometimes, a take home margarita is all you need!
FEDERAL & STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
The Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce along with the Georgetown and Round Rock Chambers of Commerce hosted
A Conversation with Senator John Cornyn
yesterday. The Senator gave an update on what has transpired on a federal level, as well as giving insight into next steps. Toward the end of the conversation, Senator Cornyn answered questions from the callers. To view the video
CLICK HERE
.
The
U.S. Unemployment numbers grew again by 3.8 million more workers filing for unemployment benefits,
bringing the total to approximately 30.3 million in the six-week period since the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic started hitting the United States hard. According to news articles, this has become the most devastating economic crisis since the 1930s. This totals more than 1 out of 6 Americans who have been laid off during this crisis. According from data in Community Impact,
Cedar Park (78613) unemployment insurance claims are at 3,412, or 3.98% of the population
.
Governor Abbott’s
“Texas Business Bulletin”
stated that Texans are battling a colossal challenge – one that has tested our lives and our livelihoods. The Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office continues to work to provide direct assistance and resource referrals to Texas businesses to overcome this crisis. They are focused on recovery and the next steps to position Texas for future success. For more information on their recovery efforts,
CLICK HERE
.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY UPDATE
The
Williamson County Business Survey
has been completed. In partnership with the largest coalition of business organizations in Williamson County, the Cedar Park Chamber released the results of a survey conducted across Williamson County businesses. In preparation for the anticipated effort to “Open Texas” for business, a consortium of business assistance programs within WILCO collaborated to gather information about the impact to business and to better understand the broad operational condition of businesses.
The survey assessed business concerns and perspectives on their needs as we begin to gradually reduce restrictions and allow activity to start taking place. More than 700 businesses responded to the survey. The effort to collect the regional feedback was spearheaded by the business assistance organizations in Williamson County. This coalition included:
·
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
·
City of Cedar Park
·
City of Georgetown
·
City of Round Rock
·
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce
·
Greater Ground Rock Community Foundation
·
Hutto Chamber of Commerce
·
Leander Economic Development Group
·
Round Rock Chamber
·
Taylor Economic Development Corporation
·
Williamson County
·
Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area
The survey’s key findings include an overview of current business perspective related to operations, safety, preparedness, workforce and financial concerns.
To review the Williamson County Business Survey Results summary,
CLICK HERE
.
Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) announced Williamson County’s ninth death related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
LEANDER ISD
Leander ISD is asking students, parents and teachers if they are meeting expectations
during these challenging times. According to UPDATE #23, they want to know! “As we continue to plan based on the Governor’s Executive Order that school buildings will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.” They would like to gather feedback from teachers, parents and students about how things are going with the district’s emergency distance learning. Each group will receive a link to a short survey, but if you missed it – the links are below! The district is asking for the survey to be completed by May 1
st
.
IN CLOSING TODAY
For those who are keeping count… this is our 33
rd
COVID-19 News You Can Use Newsletter. If you had told me we would be doing this newsletter for this many days, I would have thought you were wrong. The truth is this newsletter continues to be a resource for you and for your business. Please be sure to pass this information on to people who can use it. Be sure to retweet a newsletter if you find it to be helpful. Please like it on our Facebook page or save it to your own.
This is a time where information is key, and we want our businesses to be well informed. I’m happy for many of you that are able to open your doors today. Know that we are all fighting for you as we fight for our own businesses and organizations. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
