COVID-19 - What You Need to Know TODAY
May 13, 2020
Recent Updates that May Affect YOUR Business
IMPORTANT UPDATES
Don’t forget to take a moment today to view from the safety of your business or home, the Air Force Thunderbirds who will be making a flyover to salute font-line workers and healthcare professionals . The flyover is scheduled to begin in Leander at 2:40pm and will be over Cedar Park very soon after – these are Air Force jets after all. If you can safely do so, take a moment to view this wonderful salute to our local healthcare community and front-line workers.

STATE UPDATES FOR BUSINESS
Governor Abbott issued a proclamation extending the Disaster Declaration for all Texas Counties in response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) . Originally issued on March 13 th and extended on April 12 th , the Disaster Declaration provides the state a number of resources to effectively serve Texans as Texas continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To view the Governor’s Proclamation, CLICK HERE .

Yesterday, Governor Abbot, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dennis Bonnen sent a letter to Congressional Leaders asking them to support liability protections for Texas employers . In the letter, the three state leaders urge Congress to support the inclusion of legal protections in the next phase of federal coronavirus relief legislation that would protect business owners, healthcare facilities and employees, and first responders from being held liable for COVID-19 exposure claims when they adhere to relevant public health guidelines and make good faith efforts to limit the risk of exposure and infection. To view the letter from the three leaders, CLICK HERE .

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received approval from the US Department of Agriculture to provide more than $1 billion in food benefits through the federal Pandemic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits to pay for groceries. P-EBT will be administered through a coordinated effort by the HHSC, the Texas Department of Agriculture and Texas Education Agency.
More than three million children in Texas are certified to receive free or reduced-price meals at school during the 2019-2020 school year. Households with school children who received SNAP food benefits for the month of March or were recipients of free or reduced-price meals at school before the statewide school closure are eligible for P-EBT benefits. Families who were certified for the free or reduced-price school meals program after in-person instruction at schools ended due to COVID-19 are also eligible to receive the benefit.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY
Williamson County received notification of two more COVID-19 related deaths in the county , bringing the total death toll to 16. A female in her 70s and a female in her 80s were the victims. For more information on the latest COVID-19 cases count in Williamson County, visit the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) dashboard, CLICK HERE .

IN CLOSING TODAY
According to a recent Small Business Coronavirus Impact poll, many companies are finding ways to give back to their community . Nearly two-in-three small businesses are continuing contributions to those in need in the midst of the pandemic. This includes 31% who have donated to a food bank or COVID-19 response fund, 22% who report paying their employees even if their business has shortened hours or is closed, and another 22% who have loaned money to a friend or family member. Nearly one-in-five business have produced or donated personal protective equipment.
Keep this trend going if you have the ability. Many businesses are already helping in some way, but some may not know what to do. Have a company food drive. Volunteer at a local non-profit and see how you and your business can help make a difference.

As I have said for the last few weeks… be safe and be kind to one another!




Tony Moline, IOM, PCED
President & CEO
Cedar Park Chamber of Commerce
See a doctor from the comfort of your home. Virtual appointments now available! Visit  CedarParkPhysicianAssociates.com  or call for more information.  
Digital Marketing Strategies
Tips on Building a Monthly Content Calendar

We have talked a lot over the last couple weeks on planning and managing your marketing content. Here are some tips and tricks to building your Monthly Content Calendar.

3. Create Meaningful Categories for Your Posts
Categorizing or labeling your different types of content can help you see where you might be oversaturating, and can help you garner ideas of new  ways to spin similar concepts you have already used. You can categorize your content by who, images, video, created , curated, or even collaborated. What ever helps you stay organized. Also, most of the calendar software used for this will help you visually label and categorize them for you.

4. Choose Posting Frequency
Every industry is different, as well as every set of clients but, sticking to a posting schedule will help you gain followers and attract new clients.
Once you set your frequency begin filling the empty slots with content ideas.

5. Brainstorm ideas well in advance
Social media moves quick. Set aside time to work on your social media calendar and have things planned months in advance. This will help you fill those empty spaces, push sales during holidays correctly, and make sure your flow feels right. Having issues filling those empty spots? There are plenty of companies out there that create social media content. They are usually not very expensive and are a great access to fill those holes.