COVID-19 - What You Need to Know TODAY
May 21, 2020
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Recent Updates that May Affect YOUR Business
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IMPORTANT UPDATES
As businesses across Cedar Park, and across the country prepare to reopen their doors, one of the most important questions they’re asking themselves is how to effectively communicate their plans to customers. Business owners must not only update their audience on hours and products/services available, but also explain any new health and safety protocols that are in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). To learn more about how to effectively communicate this, please
CLICK HERE
.
FEDERAL & STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a
NEW Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Guide
which is now available. Under the PPP, loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the funds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses. To download and use this step-by-step guide to calculate your loan forgiveness amount, navigate record-keeping requirements and determine repayment terms on amounts not forgiven,
CLICK HERE
.
Governor Abbot has allowed
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) license and permit renewals to occur after the current 30-day grace period
after an expiration date without any late fees. This waiver applies to renewals with an expiration date on or after March 13, 2020.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY UPDATE
Williamson County released a statement yesterday which stated
due to the overwhelming interest in COVID-19 testing through Family Emergency Rooms, Williamson County is temporarily taking down the online testing portal
from its website until the backlog of testing requests has been scheduled. Announcements will be made notifying the public when they can again request a free COVID-19 test from the county at
www.wilco.org
. As of May 19
th
, there have been 564 tests conducted, which have provided accurate testing results on concerned citizens. Of these tests, there have been eight positives which has allowed those individuals to seek medical attention and quarantine to prevent the spread.
While this is not WILCO related, it is local, and I thought it was important to start getting people to understand that this may be the likely path forward for now. The Austin American Statesman is reporting large events in Austin are not likely to make an appearance through the end of 2020. These events would include, but are not limited to, Austin City Limits, UT Football Games and many others. Austin Public Health officials state that these large events were the first things impacted and will likely be the last things to return. To read the full article,
CLICK HERE
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CITY OF CEDAR PARK
Currently, the City of Cedar Park has
38 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 27 fully recovered.
There are 11 active cases in Cedar Park. Williamson County has had a total of 493 confirmed cases with 280 of those fully recovered. Currently in the county there are 16 hospitalized, 2 on a ventilator and 4 in the ICU.
AVAILABLE RESOURCES
Last week the U.S. Chamber unveiled its
Reopening Business Digital Resources Center
to equip America’s business community with the latest state guides, sector-specific guidance, small business advice and other tools and resources as we look to reopen safely and keep employees and customers health and informed. New Resources have been added to this guide. For more information,
CLICK HERE
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IN CLOSING TODAY
Do you need to network with some friendly faces? Don’t worry, you don’t have to leave your house or your place of business to do it! Join the Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce as we host our weekly
Power Networking Breakfast sponsored by Cedar Park Regional Medical Center tomorrow, May 22
nd
at 8:30am
. The Power Networking Breakfast is currently held virtually and is a free event for both members and non-members of the Chamber. This is made possible in part by our Networking Sponsor Cedar Park Economic Development. Consider joining us from the comfort of your home or office. You must register ahead of time by
CLICKING HERE
!
I also want to leave you with these thoughts. Every business, non-profit, employer and employee has been impacted in some way, shape or form during these last 2 months. To me, it seems like so long ago that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) entered our lives. We have been living and breathing it for weeks. Take time during your work schedule to think of the ways you have impacted people during these times. Have you helped a neighbor or colleague? Has your business provided goods or services to those in need? Remember that we all impact one another. Remember that we are all working toward making Cedar Park be one of the best places to work, and a better place to live!
Be safe and be kind to one another!
Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
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DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES
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HOW TO USE YOUTUBE TO MARKET YOUR BUSINESS
This week we are going to review YouTube and how to make a successful marketing plan using it! In a world where Vlogging is the new norm. YouTube can be a great access to your company!
Here are some steps for a YouTube Marketing Strategy:
5.Optimize your videos for SEO
Your YouTube SEO involves optimizing your channel, playlists, meta data, description, and the videos themselves. Optimizing your videos helps people find them inside and outside YouTube. Here are some tips:
- Pick the right title and the right keywords
- Make an interesting thumbnail
- Write an interesting and compelling description
- Add hashtags to your video descriptions
- Add cards, bumper ads, and watermarks to promote your channel
- Ask viewers to subscribe
6.Upload and schedule your videos
The Golden question…what is the best way to schedule your YouTube Videos? YouTube is almost as popular as TV these days and many of your subscribers will treat your channel as a channel on the TV. So, just like a TV show, set a time and date every week for that show. Remember every TV station as multiple shows so, this does not mean you need to just upload one video a week. Be Creative and mix it up!
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We are sad to announce that due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are cancelling our 2020 Cedar Fest BBQ Cook-Off. We are offering full-refunds or the opportunity to move your registration to our 2021 date on April 9-10, 2021. Please click the image above to download the necessary paperwork. If you have any further questions, please email Lyndee Matthews at lyndee@cedarparkchamber.org.
Thank you for your understanding!
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