Daily Brief: July 2, 2020
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We’ve reached the July 4
th
holiday and who reading this now would have thought four months ago we’d still be talking about quarantines and testing visitors from our feeder markets? But, alas we are, and more importantly, the coronavirus has likely changed our industry forever.
We have seen data that show Massachusetts leads Maine in some measures of Covid-19 infection and where it does not, it is very close. Still, we have something to build on and we have already been in contact with the Maine Office of Tourism about launching campaigns immediately in these new states.
The governor also discussed masks. As you know, HospitalityMaine has led the way in employee and guest safety with our ground-breaking
restaurant and lodging front-line training programs
, now with nearly 3,000 people who’ve completed the certifications. The courses train on the uses of masks, and executive order requirements, for both employees and guests. More on this below.
Here's a quick update on our other core initiative underway. Three weeks ago we publicly announced our
$800 million Hospitality, Tourism and Retail Recovery Plan
. This ambitious program created with our industry partners earmark some of the CARES Act funding received by Maine from the federal government.
We submitted it to the governor’s Economic Recovery Committee for consideration in their recommendations and have briefed legislative leaders and the media. We are working on a formal meeting with DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson who we hope will partner with us and lead a task force. There is no time to waste – New Hampshire and Vermont have launched similar plans and some businesses have already started receiving checks.
Lastly, I want to wish you a happy and successful 4
th
of July. We have faced a very rough period with no paths to follow and many of us are inventing and re-inventing strategies on the fly every day. Please know that your voices are heard by our team here at HM and your support and advice – and even criticism – is always accepted and appreciated.
Thank you for all you are doing, and I am confident that we are going to emerge on the other side of this crisis stronger and more unified than ever before.
Steve
Steve Hewins
President and CEO
HospitalityMaine
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It's paramount that all of our members follow the state's reopening checklist, which our industry helped craft, and carry out these guidelines to remain profitable and law abiding.
According to two earlier Executive Orders on
traveler quarantines
and
Stay Safer at Home
, violating mask protocol is punishable — subject to a penalty of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Operating sans-coverings could mean forfeiting your business license or permits.
We urge our members and all business to follow this. It's part of our promise to guests. If you are not wearing masks, you are holding your business back.
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Government Affairs Update
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This extension should not be misconstrued as inactivity on giving prior PPP recipients an opportunity to access these leftover funds. There are several bills that either have been filed or are being written, including one from Senator Susan Collins, a co-author of the original PPP bill. Sometime between now and August 8 there will be deliberations to allow for businesses who have received PPP to apply for additional funds.
There will be different restrictions and guidelines with this new round of PPP and those details are being worked on and legislation may be filed as soon as today by Sen. Collins. PPP for 501c6 organizations like HospitalityMaine and Chambers of Commerce would also be included in any legislation.
Beer, wine and spirits to go
Several changes have been introduced over the past few months for on-premise liquor licensees due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Beer and wine in the manufacturers original package, growlers and cocktails to go are all temporarily allowed with take out orders for all licensees.
Many of our members have found this to be an excellent addition to their business model and would like to see this continue after the executive orders expire. We are currently working with interested parties and our government officials to try to make this happen.
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Workforce and Educational Development
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HospitalityMaine's partnership with Eastern Maine Community College, the Maine Community College System at large, and Maine Quality Centers has resulted in the successful administration of 2,135 micro-credentials between our
Lodging Foundations
and
Restaurant Readiness
training programs.
We continue to receive positive press as more and more chefs, like Melissa Bouchard of DiMillo's on the Water receive their credentials.
WGME ran this package on the program last night.
Look for a survey soon on future hospitality training content ideas. Critical needs, emerging needs, and longer term needs will be addressed.
Topics may include de-escalation training, mental health for employees, transferrable soft skills and professional training in both culinary arts and hospitality services.
Stay tuned -- we will want to hear from you!
New hospitality
services
and management program
Grow your skill set with a
Hospitality Services Certification!
This online education program
administered by Southern Maine Community College also enrolls individuals as SMCC students.
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Despite the ravages of coronavirus, the circle of membership is unbroken and gaining strength. Throughout the crisis, HM has widely shared up-to-the minute hospitality related information with all licensed hotels, inns, B & Bs and restaurants. This Daily Brief continues to be the go-to source for accurate, relevant and actionable information.
Welcome new members:
Maine Gifts by the Sea
If you are not currently a member, that's an easy fix,
Join Here
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This week HM released the
hospitality and Covid-19 impact study commissioned by HospitalityMaine and conducted by University of Maine professors Todd Gabe and Andrew Crawley. Coming on the heels of 2019's record year, Maine's hospitality sector suffered a precipitous plunge this year due to the pandemic. The Press Herald
reports the details in this story featuring the Cliff House Maine.
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Take the Restaurant Recovery Survey
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The National Restaurant Association is creating an industry wide
Blueprint for Recovery. Your feedback will ensure this reflects the needs of the entire restaurant industry.
Take the survey here
.
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Reach out to any HM staffer with questions or concerns:
Staff List
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To add a colleague to the daily brief submit
emails here
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