MEMBER UPDATE
March 24, 2020
Minnesota’s Peacetime Small Business and Independent Contractor Loan Program: APPLY NOW!  
Aimed at providing immediate assistance for small businesses and independent contractors by bridging the gap until the SBA Disaster Loans and other federal assistance can be disbursed.

  • $30M fund to provide loans in amounts between $2,500 and $35,000; 0% interest; long-term repayment; and up to 50% forgivable. Loans will begin going out as soon as this week. 
  • Allows cities and counties with revolving loan funds with the state to issue loans. The estimated value of those funds is $28 million, which brings the Minnesota total available to $58M. 
  • To learn more and to apply 
Extension of Closure Likely  
The Governor has not formally announced lifting or extending the closure, however in today’s press conference he indicated he will likely extend the closure of schools and other places of public accommodation. We’ll send the announcement as soon as we have it. 
Employment Law Panel  
Joel O’Malley and Courtney Blanchard of  Nilan Johnson Lewis  answer some common questions about employment law with regards to coronavirus and COVID-19. Topics covered include: Paid Sick Leave and FMLA; taking employees’ temperatures; furloughs vs. layoffs; tip pooling; and more. Timestamps for each topic can be found in the video description on YouTube . 
 
Information on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act from federal Department of Labor  
  
Governor’s Supplemental Budget Provision for Lodging Assistance  
$13.7M has been added to the Supplemental Budget to support funds for lodging for homeless persons exposed to COVID-19 or who are experiencing respiratory illnesses. Funds would be granted through the Emergency Services Program, giving local providers and tribal governments the resources to provide space for needed isolation. Participation by lodging properties would be voluntary.  [ Read more ]
AHLA launches #HotelsForHope  
The  American Hotel and Lodging Association  has launched “ Hotels For Hope" , an initiative complementing many state association efforts to connect hoteliers with government entities interested in using properties during this time of crisis. In just a few short days, over 6,500 hoteliers have stepped up to offer a way to help their communities in this time of need. See the FAQ document on this new initiative for more information.
AHLA Webinar with federal SBA officials  
Join the  American Hotel and Lodging Association  to learn more about SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program on Thursday, March 26 at 3pm EDT 
ARVC Organizes Advocacy for Campgrounds to Nation’s Governors  
In addition to Hospitality Minnesota’s advocacy efforts at the local, state and national level on behalf of the hospitality industry, the  National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds  (ARVC) is part of an effort to make the case to the nation’s Governors to look to the sector for its help in emergencies. Campgrounds play a vital role in providing temporary accommodations as well as providing access to propane and electricity in their communities. 
[ Read more ]  
Call to Action from AAHOA  
The  Asian American Hotel Owners Association  urges all hotel owners  to sign on to their letter  asking Congress to support key changes to the CARES Act. 
288,151 emails have already been sent through this NRA Call to Action
Help confront the impact of COVID-19 by reaching out to Congress to urge support.  Act now . 
NRA conducting Coronavirus Restaurant Impact Survey  
Restaurants can help the  National Restaurant Association  quantify and further illustrate the economic impact that the coronavirus is having on the sector. The National Restaurant Association Research Group developed this online survey an online survey that has been sent to all members.  Take the survey.
2020 NRA Show Cancelled  
On Tuesday, the  National Restaurant Association  announced the cancellation of their annual show in Chicago on May 16-19.  [Read more]
News from Around the State  
The first case was diagnosed in one Minnesota county on March 6. There are now more than 260 confirmed cases in 31 counties. Here are a few stories that have come in overnight:  

Great Multi-Lingual Resource  
The Sahan Journal is tracking and providing Coronavirus updates in Somali, Spanish and Hmong.  Find it here . 
Sincerely,
Liz Rammer
President and CEO
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