CHAMBER NEWS: April 21, 2020

U.S. Senate Approves Nearly $500 Billion More for Coronavirus Relief The Senate passed a nearly $500 billion interim coronavirus bill by voice vote today that includes additional money for the small business loan program as well as for hospitals and testing, making way for the legislation to become law as soon as the end of the week. Read more here.

Parish President Mike Cooper Forms Advisory Council to Establish Re-opening Action Plan St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the formation of the St. Tammany Economic Recovery and Resiliency Advisory Council, to establish the Live Safe. Work Safe. Shop Safe. Action Plan and re-opening strategy following the April 30, 2020 expiration of the concurrent stay-at-home orders for the state and parish. Mike Cooper tapped Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation to spearhead the two phases of the Advisory Council, and he has reached out to local hospitals for their advisement as the strategy is assembled. Click here to read more and to see who's on the Council, including Chamber CEO Lacey Osborne. The Council has already begun working and will have a draft to President Cooper this week with the goal of having an initial phased plan ready by May 1.

Northshore Leaders Share, Collaborate on Business Recovery in Region Business advocacy organizations, each working to help their members and the community during this crisis, came together and have been meeting weekly to share information. The Northshore Collaboration group initially began with chamber, economic and tourism representatives in St. Tammany and Tangipahoa Parishes, including the Northshore Business Council and Northshore Community Foundation. Most recently, representatives from U.S. Senators Kennedy and Cassidy's offices, Parish Presidents Mike Cooper and Robby Miller, and Washington Parish representatives are joining in the collaboration. Today's Zoom meeting included Small Business Administration Regional Administrator Justin Crossie, who reported the SBA's 10 district offices he oversees are working daily to field calls from businesses seeking assistance from various funding programs. He encourages businesses to work with their community lenders to be ready when Congress provides additional funding.

State Lifting Some Non Emergency Health-Care Restrictions Gov. John Bel Edwards on Monday said the state’s health care sector can begin performing non emergency procedures starting next week. Health care providers will have discretion to decide whether a procedure needs to happen soon to protect the patient’s health. Postponed elective procedures that can stay on hold without jeopardizing the patient’s long-term health still should not be performed, state officials say. READ MORE

CARES Act Update from Rep. Scalise Representative Steve Scalise provides the latest updates to the CARES Act of April 16, 2020. The update found here includes new unemployment information and new portals from the Internal Revenue Services for income tax filers (Get My Payment) and non-filers to get their stimulus payments. Get My Payment Non-Filers: Enter Payment Information Here

Foundation Fund Helps Nonprofits Provide COVID-19 Relief Food banks and other nonprofits working on the pandemic's front lines spurred the Northshore Community Foundation to create the Emergency Relief Fund. It is being used to sustain critical needs, such as food distribution, mental health services and in four northshore parishes. The Fund is also supporting medical staff infrastructure with meals and break-room items at St. Tammany Health System, Lakeview, Slidell Memorial and Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa. If you want to donate to the fund, click here.

Virtual Chamber Events

Tomorrow, Wed., April 22 9 to 10 AM via Zoom LIMITED to 20 participants MEMBERS ONLY This members-only benefit provides a fast, effective networking opportunity while maintaining social distancing. Participants will give 1-to-2 minute sales pitches about what distinguishes their business/ service from others in their field or just inform other members about their organization and what a good referral for them would be. You must have access to a webcam to participate. REGISTER

Thursday, April 30 4 PM to 5:30 PM via Zoom   LIMITED to 50 participants MEMBERS ONLY   Grab your favorite beverage and join us for our Virtual Business After Hours. It will be a trivia night with a variety of general interest questions. Bobby McKinney with Tutor Doctor in Mandeville won our last trivia contest.   You must have access to a webcam to participate. REGISTER

Networking Opportunities EVERY DAY Join the St. Tammany Member Facebook Group and stay in touch with more than 120 fellow members who've joined already. It's a private group for Chamber members only to share business updates, hours of operation and special promotions.   Follow the Chamber on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .   Post your takeout, curbside and delivery operations on St. Tammany Eats --or go there to order your meal and support local businesses.   Use your Chamber member benefits to advertise specials or share news with other members. Read more here .

Leadercast St. Tammany 2020 Virtual viewing option available Wednesday, July 22 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Movie Tavern Northshore 201 N. Hwy. 190, Covington Register Today

Advertise your business to other members HERE or with a separate CHAMBER member Eblast email

We are changing with the current business environment. During this time, we are now offering members the opportunity to use this promotional space ($125) in our daily Chamber News and/or send a standalone Eblast email ($250) to our Chamber list Monday through Friday. Our current open and click-through rates are up 5-10% over our normally better-than average rates. Click here to reserve.

What Testing Is Everyone Talking About? With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are calling for widespread testing. But testing of what and for what? Click here for some information about different types of tests, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Recovered COVID-19 Patients Can Help Others The Blood Center is looking for local residents who have beaten COVID-19 to participate in a convalescent plasma program for seriously ill patients currently fighting the disease. If you are someone you know is a potential donor, click here for more information.

Protecting Yourself and Others While Staying Active Outdoors The Centers for Disease Control what you to now how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 while staying physically active outdoors. Click here for ways to safely enjoy open parks and recreational facilities.

For up-to-date health information, visit these Chamber member websites:  Ochsner Health System: Coronovirus  St. Tammany Health System: Coronavirus Slidell Memorial Hospital: Coronavirus Lakeview Regional Medical Center: Care Navigator

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