Volume 5 | April 2020

CASWELL Matters

Hello Caswell: This edition includes updates from Chamber Members from the last few weeks. Please know the Chamber of Commerce is here to support you in any way possible. Stay tuned as there will be a 'Caswell Matters, Special Edition' next week that the Chamber, Caswell County Economic Development and Caswell Chapter of the Health Collaborative have developed to outline steps for accessing the myriad of resources available to businesses, nonprofits, farmers and the community. Please stay safe and well.

Thank you Caswell! We heard from several of you in response to our ask for WIFI assistance for PCC Students. We appreciate your commitment to our community as we all navigate through this together.

On the COVID-19 Front Lines Chamber Member, Caswell Family Medical Center has a team member from their Eden facility sharing his experience assisting in the COVID-19 crisis in NYC. Check out his journey here. We thank all of our first responders here in Caswell and all over the nation.

Caswell Farmers Market opening day safety protocols... The Caswell Farmers Market in Yanceyville (2246 Hwy 86, by Goodwill) will open for its 6 th season with safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Thankfully, Governor Cooper regards farmers markets as an "essential" component of our food system like grocery stores. A few pointers: The large pavilion style tent will not be up, and vendors will be spread generously apart to facilitate individual social distancing.  The vendors’ tables will be ‘check-out’ tables and their produce will be displayed behind them where shoppers can see but not touch. Vendors will bag with gloved hands, items shoppers identify.  We ask shoppers be intentional about maintaining a generous distance (at least 6’) between themselves and others.  The CDC is now recommending that everyone wear a covering over their mouth and nose also please do not bring your own shopping bags We request shoppers plan to be patient, as we are all learners in this new world. And please stay at home if you are sick.  Opening Day Growers will have: vegetable transplants | eggs | beef | honey | spinach | kale arugula | lettuce | poke salad | sassafras root | radishes asparagus | fresh herbs | green garlic | micro greens | black walnuts | frozen soups | jellies | seasonings | dips | rubs sauces | homemade arrangements from wild grape vines homemade soap | flowers | hanging baskets | CBD products dog treats  Market rules and vendor applications can be found at caswelllocalfoods.org . Contact us at Caswelllocalfoods@gmail.com      Be well in Caswell! See you at the market!

Employment Information IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS A number of companies in our state have immediate openings statewide. Many of these are available within driving distance of Caswell. Click here to see the list and to be linked to apply. UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATION For unemployment information click here . To apply for unemployment this link will take you to the NC Department of Commerce site with directions and the application. WORKING FROM HOME To help manage the stress of a new routine and the constant news about the virus, many tips are available. Click here for information. Stay tuned for more details from the Chamber on working from home.

Small Business $5000 Grants Available April 20, 12:00 pm applications open

NEW SMALL BUSINESS GRANT: Starting on April 20th at 12:00 p.m., the "Save Small Business Fund" will be accepting applications for $5,000 Grants. Your business must employ between 3-20 people and have been harmed financially by COVID-19. It is limited by Zip Code and Person and Caswell Counties should be valid. Information shared states the application will take only about 10 minutes and all you need is your business' W-9 form. You can sign up with your e-mail address for a reminder about when the application form will go live. THESE FUNDS WILL GO QUICKLY and are on a first-come, first-served basis, so get ready to apply on April 20th at 12 p.m.! https://www.savesmallbusiness.com/

Local, Farm Fresh Food

Caswell County Cooperative Extension is building a directory list of farmers offering produce for sale across the county. Click here to see the list and to add your farm.

Daily Updates on NC COVID-19   www.facebook.com/graigmeyer Representative Graig Myer provides updates each evening 7:30 pm on Facebook Live "Behind the scenes" info, North Carolina COVID-19 updates and answer your questions.

Our Mission: To be the lead catalyst for positive change in the community by meeting educational, networking, marketing and advocacy needs of our businesses, farms and entrepreneurs creating the best community in which to live, work and do business .

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