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September 9, 2020
Has COVID created a sense of unease regarding your retirement?
Are you concerned about where the market is heading?

Market and Economy Update
with Chad Morganlander, Senior Portfolio Manager with Washington Crossing Advisors.

Monday, September 14
9:00-10:00 am

Topics to be covered:

·    Current Global Economy Outlook - Near & Long Term
·    Financial Market Update with upcoming Elections and other news headlines
·    Macro Impacts of COVID Shutdowns & Low Interest Rates
·    The Federal Government Debt & Potential Impacts 
*After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the meeting.
Advocacy Updates
Help Small Businesses Now

The GSCRA is a member of the Save Small Business Coalition, which has partnered with the U.S. Chamber, the Small Business Recovery Initiative and several current and former CEOs and senior executives representing some of the largest companies in an effort to get Congress to take action NOW to support our small businesses.

If you would like to learn more or sign onto the letter, please visit helpsmallbusinessesnow.com

Business Roundtable with Senator Bennet

Last week business leaders from throughout the Roaring Fork Valley participated in a small business roundtable with Senator Bennet. Thank you to chamber members, Ken Murphy, Mike Mercatoris and Steve Beckley for representing Glenwood Springs in the discussion.
Opportunities and Resources for Your Business
Energize CO Gap Fund Application: First Round Closes Sept. 14

The first round of the Energize Colorado Gap Fund application process closes on Monday, September 14 at midnight. As expected, there are thousands of applications submitted and in-process throughout the state.

There will be three additional application rounds to follow. So, if you miss this round or are not funded in this first round, you will be able to strengthen your application and submit again.

It is recommended that you apply now to get a feel for the application process. The application allows you to save and edit.

The Northwest SBDC is here to help you navigate the process. Please sign up for an appointment, and they will connect to go through your questions. For those interested in additional support, they will introduce you to one of our business consultants for a virtual meeting to review financials and tips to strengthen your overall application.

Tips:

  • The application is competitive; not first come, first serve.
  • Be sure to focus on the quality of your application and on why your business should receive funding. This should be tied to COVID-19 economic impact, with narrative to also touch on the other points you may be eligible for in the scoring rubric.

You are able to receive an additional point on your application by working with an SBDC consultant. 
Additional Low-Interest Loan Opportunities

City of Glenwood Springs Revolving Loan Fund – available to businesses in City limits; interest rates capped at 3.0%; flexible terms

Colorado Lending Source Emergency Loans for Rural Colorado - $10,000 loans for small businesses in rural Colorado; fixed 3.0% interest rate; payments deferred for six months

Colorado Department of the Treasury CLIMBER Fund – loans averaging $100,000 provided to 1,000 of the hardest hit businesses in Colorado; coming in October 2020

COVID-19 Employer/Employee Guidance

Valley View has put together helpful COVID-19 guidance for employers and employees.
Upcoming Webinars & Meetings
"Flood After Fire" Informational Webinar
When: September 9 at 6 p.m.

Due to the increased risk of flash flooding and mudflows following the Grizzly Creek Fire, the City is hosting a webinar to assist property owners at risk with information on protecting their home and property. The webinar will take place Wednesday September 9, 2020 at 6:00 PM. This webinar will include a question and answer section for the public.
Land Title Guarantee Virtual Classes
Land Title Guarantee is offering a series of virtual classes with topics related to real estate.
Glenwood Networking Group
When: Thursdays at 8 a.m.

Bring yourself and your business cards. We'll each share about our business, get feedback from the group and learn about others in the community. The emphasis is on building relationships and passing referrals.
SBDC Webinars
The Colorado Small Business Development Center Network consists of 15 regional centers across Colorado.

Roaring Fork Leadership Free Resilience Education
The Resiliency Experience is a collective effort of leadership practitioners who believe leadership development is the future for Colorado. Learn from the best of the best across the state to support you and your organizations during these uncertain times.
GSCRA Member News and Events
Members of the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association are encouraged to utilize our e-Communications to their benefit. Emails are sent to 1K+ contacts. There are opportunities in this Business FOCUS e-news, B2B Broadcast and Member Spotlight.

FirstBank Welcomes Jorge Rojas Lopez
The FirstBank Roaring Fork Valley market is excited to welcome Jorge Rojas Lopez as its newest Spanish-speaking officer. Jorge, originally from Mexico, has called Colorado home since 2002 and has been with FirstBank for five years. He spent a majority of his childhood in Eagle County, attending Battle Mountain High School and Colorado Mountain College, before moving to Denver for six years.

Rally the Valley on September 12
Join us on Saturday Sept. 12 for Rally the Valley! This year's virtual event will be hosted by David Bach, and include guest speakers and special musical performances. 100% of all registrations, donations and sponsorships go directly to support local cancer patients at the Calaway•Young Cancer Center at Valley View. Learn more at RallytheValley.org!
"Standing Tall" Documentary Premier on September 9
This is the VERY FIRST showing and special premiere of the Everest documentary, Standing Tall. All ticket sales will go directly to The Kirstie Ennis Foundation. The event takes place on Wednesday, September 9 at 8 p.m. at the Audi Drive in Theater presented by Bumble at Buttermilk.

GSCRA Member Spotlight
Each week, the Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association will be highlighting one chamber member business on our blog, in our Business Focus e-newsletter and on social media. Chamber members are invited to fill out this form for inclusion. Businesses will be selected on a first-come, first served basis. 
Member Spotlight: Bridging the Gap Counseling
What goods or services do you offer? Individual, marriage and family counseling.

How have you adjusted to serve your clients during these unprecedented times? I am continuing to see clients face to face and also doing telehealth counseling to help clients feel comfortable.

What’s the response been? What comments have you heard from the public or from your employees? The response has been positive. People are responsive to mental health services especially when everything is so unpredictable.

How can the community best support your business? I would love to reach more clients with counseling services.

What’s the best source to keep up to date with your offerings? I am about to launch a website, and I have a Facebook page. 

What are your plans going forward as the “new normal” evolves? My plans are to continue to promote the importance of staying emotionally and mentally well so as to keep a healthy balance.


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