Dear Chamber Members, Partners & Colleagues,
As this unprecendented (COVID-19) situation unfolds, we will do everything we can to support you.
The Chamber has been researching and working on developing steps toward increasing connection and collaboration with members during this time.
With businesses and employees increasingly trying to telework or perform more operations online, they get a feeling of isolation these steps are designed to mitigate:
- Tag us on social media when you post about what your organization is doing.
- Share your needs, ideas and concerns.
- We’ll be experimenting with live webcasts of Chamber programs (more to come)
- Post a Member to Member deal. Login HERE.
- Buy gift cards to local businesses to show support.
We have a strong community and in trying times we must pull together and support one another the best way we can. Rest assure the Chamber is working diligently to provide resources and opportunities that are of great value to our members. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any assistance.
For business & community,
Katie Chuba
Executive Director
Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce
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ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS
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Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 (H.R. 6074) expanded the Small Business Act’s definition of a disaster to include Coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, the SBA will be able to provide Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) under a Governor’s Certification Disaster Declaration. In order for SBA to issue an EIDL declaration, the Governor must submit a written request to SBA with supporting economic injury loss information that certifies at least five (5) small businesses in a disaster area have suffered
substantial
economic injury as a result of the disaster.
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It is important for all employers to monitor the Coronavirus outbreak and implement strategies to protect their workforce while ensuring continuity of operations. Following are links to variety of resources provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help educate employers and employees on how to prepare for and address the impacts of the Coronavirus.
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State to Expand Emergency Unemployment Insurance Benefits for Those Affected by COVID-19
Governor Whitmer is issuing temporary unemployment insurance (UI) rules to help businesses manage through the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
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UIA, Michigan Works! Urge Residents to Avoid Offices and Use Online Resources
LANSING, MICH
. To mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak, the Unemployment Insurance Agency and Michigan Works! Agencies are strongly urging workers to avoid visiting their statewide offices and utilize user-friendly online resources for unemployment assistance. Eligible employees should apply for unemployment benefits at
Michigan.gov/UIA
or by calling 1-866-500-0017.
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Congress Passes Sweeping Coronavirus Relief
The President is on the verge of signing significant bipartisan legislation addressing the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, aiming to soften the economic blow of the pandemic. How will the Families First Coronavirus Response Act impact employers?
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Michigan Chamber Coronavirus Update
As the number of Coronavirus cases continue to rise across the state, Michigan Chamber President & CEO Rich Studley advises members to focus on four guiding principles: 1) Be prepared; 2) Be prudent; 3) Stay focused on facts; and 4) Take appropriate action, but don't overreact.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE CALLS
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General Coronavirus Tele-Townhall with Representative Slotkin, Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist, and Elizabeth Hertel of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Date: Tuesday, March 17
th
Time: 5PM
Purpose: General information Tele-Townhall for all 8
th
district residents on coronavirus preparedness and response.
8
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Congressional District Leaders Call with Representative Slotkin
Date: Wednesday, March 18th
Time: 2:30PM
Purpose: Regular call with state and local leaders within the 8
th
congressional district.
8
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District Business Summit Call with Representative Slotkin
Date: Friday, March 20th
Time: 1:00PM
Purpose: Discussion with 8
th
district businesses impacted by coronavirus.
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Remote Working Tools & Training
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The COVID-19 global situation has many companies and organizations asking employees to maintain business continuity through virtual working tools. To aid employees in effectively conducting daily business in the virtual world, here are some tips for running effective remote meetings and resources for further information.
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Taking Precautions with COVID-19
As we continue to learn about more confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the globe and in Michigan, we want to ensure that we’re following the recommendations set forth by the
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. The health and wellness of our members and our staff is critically important to us, so we want to provide the latest guidelines to all of you as you consider the precautions you and your team will take in the coming days.
Based on recommendations of the CDC, we are asking you the following questions.
- Have you or someone in your household gone on a cruise or traveled to a country on the CDC’s Level 3 watch list in the last 30 days? At this time, these include China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. These may change. See the CDC’s guidelines for the most up-to-date list.
- Have you been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19? See the CDC’s risk assessment guidance.
- Do you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19? Symptoms can include a fever, cough or shortness of breath. See the CDC’s symptom information.
If you answered “yes’ to any of those questions, we ask you not to attend meetings, committees or events hosted here at Chamber building or at other locations.
If you answered “no,” we ask you to take the advice of the CDC, including:
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home if you’re sick and keep your children home if they are sick.
- Clean surfaces in your home and personal items, such as cell phones, using regular household products.
- Consider an “elbow bump” instead of a hug or handshake.
Our goal is to minimize the impact on our community by looking to our public health experts for guidance related to COVID-19. Here are some additional resources for your reference.
We hope to maintain business as usual, but also want to ensure we’re aligning with best practices to do all we can to keep our community healthy.
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Comcast - Provides Xfinity WiFi FREE For Everyone
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Please be advised that Comcast has now opened its Xfinity WiFi hotspots to the general public. This, and additional measures, are detailed in the attached press release, and also
available here
. The relevant portion is as follows:
Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone
: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity
WiFi hotspots, visit
www.xfinity.com/wifi.
Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.
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Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce | 9525 E. Highland Rd. Howell, MI 48843 | 810.632.9130 | www.hartlandchamber.org
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