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Halfway Through the 2021 Legislative Session: Status Report
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In her March column, OBI Board Chair Karen Vineyard, market executive for global commercial banking at Bank of America, shares an update on the 2021 legislative session as we round the halfway point.
OBI has achieved some significant wins, but there is much work to be done in the final three months.
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Opportunities for Employers to Assist in Vaccine Rollout
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The Oregon Health Authority last week released a comprehensive “employer toolkit” designed to help you communicate important information about vaccines to your workers, and to give them information about locations and appointments as they become eligible in the next few weeks. Some frontline workers and Oregonians with underlying health conditions became eligible this past Monday, March 29.
The next round of eligibility includes frontline workers, as defined by the CDC, on April 5.
OBI worked with the governor’s office to develop this quick test to see if your workers are considered “frontline” in Oregon. Note: employees do NOT need proof from their employers that they are frontline workers who qualify for the vaccine.
For employers, there are a few immediate steps you can take to help your employees prepare for vaccinations – and, of course, get Oregon on track to full economic recovery.
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Encourage employees to register with the state so they receive notifications and know how to make appointments when they become eligible.
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Share all the vaccine information in the toolkit with employees, customers and your business network. Email, text and social media templates are available for you to use. This is important to address vaccine hesitancy and to make sure employees feel comfortable about getting a shot.
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The state needs more medical personnel to administer the vaccine. Please consider putting a call out to your employees to see if they are qualified medical providers. They can sign up here if they have the necessary experience.
- Some employers may be able to host onsite vaccination clinics for their employees and community members. The state plans to make these arrangements with large employers and will provide specific information soon. We will keep you updated as information becomes available.
We are hosting a webinar with the Oregon Health Authority and PhRMA on April 13 that will cover all the information employers need to prepare their workers to receive the vaccine.
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2021 Member Survey Now Open – Win $500 to Target!
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As a valued member of Oregon Business & Industry, we want your honest opinion on how we're doing serving your business.
We hope you will take just a few minutes to complete the annual membership survey. Your feedback helps us understand how we can best support you. Your responses will remain confidential. We will ask you to provide your contact information at the end of the survey to be entered into a drawing to win a $500 Target gift card!
The deadline to submit your feedback and be entered into the drawing is Friday, April 9.
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Economic Scorecard Updated with Latest Data
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The state of Oregon this month released economic data for January 2021, showing positive trends in many important metrics like the unemployment rate and spending in the hospitality industries. Much of the good economic news is due to downward trends in the spread of COVID-19 – and the ramped-up vaccination efforts – which has allowed many Oregon counties to begin reopening, albeit with limitations.
However, while this report brings welcome news, the pandemic’s economic impact on diverse communities has not abated. And, overall, consumer spending decreased since the previous month. We will continue to closely track these indicators as our economy recovers.
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Virtual D.C. Fly-in: Discussions with Oregon’s Congressional Delegation
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For years, OBI has partnered with the Portland Business Alliance and the Oregon Business Council under the Oregon Business Plan to take our federal agenda to Oregon’s congressional representatives in Washington, D.C. This year, going in person is not an option, so we are taking our D.C. fly in virtual, with a series of webinars featuring Oregon’s delegation members.
We are starting TOMORROW, April 1, with Congressman Kurt Schrader, a Democrat representing Oregon’s 5th District. Rep. Schrader will provide his perspective on the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic and recession, his thoughts on the American Rescue Plan and other critically important legislation that will impact Oregon businesses.
Keep an eye on our website and our weekly events email to register for these important discussions. For now, save the following dates:
- Senator Jeff Merkley, April 21, 1-2 p.m.
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Representative Suzanne Bonamici, April 27, 3-4 p.m.
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Representative Earl Blumenauer, April 28, 12-1 p.m.
We are working on confirming Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Cliff Bentz, and Rep. Peter DeFazio.
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“Our Jobs Our Voice” Coalition Grows to More than 10,000
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Last week, we celebrated a big milestone in the effort to grow the Our Jobs Our Voice coalition: We now have more than 10,000 grassroots advocates from across the state! We’re working hard to continue to grow this movement and hope you’ll join us.
Everyday Oregonians are connecting with their legislators on key issues like tax increases, supporting small businesses and economic recovery. As the 2021 legislature continues to meet and discuss important policy, this is one more way to ensure your voice is being heard.
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Relief Round-up: Federal Programs Available to Oregon Businesses
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Paycheck Protection Program Application Deadline Extended Through May 31
After widespread advocacy from both sides of the aisle and throughout the nation’s business community, President Biden this week signed the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act, which leaves the application period open until May 31. The previous deadline was today, March 31.
If you are interested in applying for a PPP loan, contact your financial institution right away.
U.S. Small Business Administration Announces Increase in EIDL Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing the maximum amount small businesses and non-profit organizations can borrow through its COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
Starting the week of April 6, 2021, the SBA is raising the loan limit for the COVID-19 EIDL program from 6-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $150,000 to up to 24-months of economic injury with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.
Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program Opens Next Week
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OBI Members Making Headlines this Month
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Here are a few recent headlines from OBI members.
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Welcome to Oregon Business & Industry!
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OBI is thrilled to welcome 14 new members that joined in February.
Congratulations and thank you to the following businesses for joining OBI; we are a stronger organization because of you.
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Are you taking full advantage of your OBI membership?
Check out all of our benefit programs and start saving today!
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Oregon Business & Industry
1149 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
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