A Note from the 2021 Chairman |
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I think we all breathed a sigh of relief as the ball dropped and we saw not only the end of such a challenging 2020 but an opportunity for a new beginning in 2021! While we aren’t all the way through the forest yet, we are starting to see a clearing that is already opening opportunities up for bright and exciting times ahead!
I encourage each of you to stay positive and strong! Together we can not only continue to engage in the vibrant community that we love and serve, but we can grow in so many different areas. Change isn’t always bad, in fact, change is when we can develop ourselves the most!
So, let’s embrace 2021 and the growth that will come with it! As valuable Chamber members, embrace the opportunity to lean into the Chamber for educational resources, networking opportunities, fun events and community involvement! The Chamber is here for you. I am here for you. And I look forward to serving you this year as the 2021 Chairman of the Board.
Susan Shaw
2021 HEB Chamber Chairman of the Board
Shaw Insurance Agency
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Join Us Next Week for a Positively Outrageous
Membership Luncheon!
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Important Registration Information
A hot lunch will be provided by Texas Star Conference Center and pickup for these will be on the day of the event between 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. When registering, please select whether or not you would like a hot lunch.
Registration deadline to receive a lunch is Friday, January 8.
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Door Prizes Are Welcome!
If you have questions about this event or would like to contribute a door prize to be given out to a lucky luncheon attendee, please contact the Chamber office at (817) 283-1521 or email Events Coordinator Jessika Skinner for more information.
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Thursday, January 14
11:40 a.m. - Networking breakout rooms with fellow members and Chamber Board leaders
12 p.m. - Program Begins
Virtual Event on Zoom
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Thank You to Our Meeting Sponsor! |
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The Annual Awards Event is right around the corner!
The HEB Chamber believes in recognizing members who help stimulate the local economy, give back the community and serve as positive and productive advocates for the Chamber. Now is your chance to honor and acknowledge members that you have seen stand out during 2020!
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Thank you to this year's Annual Awards Luncheon Sponsors! |
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Friday, February 26
11:30 a.m. - Food Service Starts
12 p.m. - Program Begins
Texas Star Conference Center
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2021 Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available!
Sponsoring programs and events is an excellent way to bring more visibility to your business! Contact Director of Development Jennifer Klump to discuss how you can create a customized membership package make your marketing dollars go farther in 2021!
Just one more way that the Chamber works to promote our valuable members!
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Congress Passes Virus Relief, FY 2021 Omnibus Deal |
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Both Chambers of Congress approved a massive COVID-19 relief and omnibus appropriations package late yesterday with supermajority margins, following weeks of negotiations between leadership in the House and Senate.
What's in the COVID-19 Relief Deal?
Below you will find a summary of the legislation passed by Congress on December 22, 2020. Key provisions in the COVID-19 relief package include:
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Small Businesses
The bill provides $325 billion toward relief for small businesses, including $284 billion that is allocated for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). It also designates $15 billion in PPP funding for live venues and $20 billion for new EIDL grants for businesses in low-income communities. The deal includes language that seeks to simplify the loan forgiveness process and would provide PPP eligibility for 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations.
Health Care
The package allocates $69 billion for various health care related needs. This includes: (1) $ 22 billion for COVID-19 testing infrastructure; (2) roughly $20 billion toward procurement of vaccines and therapeutics; (3) nearly $9 billion to the CDC and states for vaccine distribution; (4) over $3 billion for the strategic national stockpile; (5) $9 billion for health care providers; and (6) $4.5 billion in funding for mental health services. In addition, the deal would allocate $250 million for broadband services for telehealth.
Transit
The package allocates $45 billion in emergency funding for the transportation sector. Specifically, this includes: (1) $15 billion for airline payroll support; (2) $1 billion for airline contractor payrolls; (3) $10 billion for state highways; (4) $2 billion for airports and airport concessionaires; (5) $2 billion for the private motorcoach, school bus, and ferry industries; (6) $1 billion for Amtrak; and (7) $14 billion for transit such as light rail and bus.
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Broadband
The bill allocates $7 billion for provisions pertaining to broadband connectivity, which includes a $3.2 billion set-aside for low-income families to access broadband by way of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fund. It also provides a $2 billion pot for small telecommunications firms to use toward replacing Huawei/ZTE equipment.
Child Care & Nutrition
The bill provides $10 billion toward the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), with a $250 million pot for Head Start providers. The legislation also includes $13 billion for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will increase benefits by 15 percent.
Unemployment
The bill renews the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program with an extra $300 per week. The bill also provides an extra $100 per week for individuals with both wage and contractor income whose base unemployment insurance benefit does not account for their contractor income. Furthermore, the bill includes another round of direct economic impact payments of $600 for individuals making up to $75,000 per year and $1,200 for couples making up to $150,000 per year, as well as a $600 payment for each child dependent. Unemployment benefits would expire in mid-March under the agreement, likely setting up another deadline for additional congressional action early next year.
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Education
The deal includes $82 billion for education-related needs. This breakdown includes: (1) $54 billion dedicated to K-12; (2) $23 billion dedicated to higher education; and (3) $4 billion for the CARES Act Governors Emergency Education Relief Fund.
Housing
The bill provides ($25 billion) for emergency rental assistance. It also extends the federal moratorium on evictions through January 31, 2021.
Community Lending
The deal would provide ($12 billion) for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) and Minority Depository Institutions (MDI), with set-asides to facilitate targeted emergency investments to help low-income and minority communities.
Postal Service
The deal converts a $10 billion loan provided to the United States Postal Service (USPS) under the CARES Act into direct funding.
State and Local Governments
The bill extends the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) through Dec. 31, 2021.
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Gain a front-row seat to building a network with the business leaders of HEB! Chamber Ambassadors meet on the first Thursday of every month.
Thursday, January 7
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Virtual Event on Zoom
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The Alliance is a collaboration of Chamber member businesses that provide products and services for seniors. Its purpose is to make it easier for the businesses to develop a network of service providers and joint promotion opportunities.
Tuesday, January 12
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Virtual Event on Zoom
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Weekly Leads Groups
*Industry Specific Leads Group
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Due to the increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in our area, all HEB Chamber meetings & events will be held virtually until further notice.
We appreciate your understanding and support to stop the spread in Tarrant County!
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Member News: Our Members Make the Difference! |
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Thank you to everyone who attended the December
Membership Luncheon online.
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Thank you to our event sponsor! |
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Christmas came early for the attendees of the December Membership Luncheon last month! We were entertained by the incredible musical stylings of the Trinity High School Show Choir, Harmony! Thank you to this wonderful group for providing such a delightful performance that was much needed as we finish out the year!
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Our Chamber family has grown!
We're very excited about the new members that joined us in December! Visit the websites and social media of these valuable members and see what great services they have to offer!
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Home-Based Veteran owned bakery
Local Specialty Yarn Store
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It's A Chamber-versary!
We are very appreciative to the following members who have renewed their membership and understand the importance of their Chamber benefits and how it contributes to the success of their business!
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Medical City Healthcare Hospitals Nationally Recognized for Safety Reported December 14, 2020
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Healthcare that is Here for You. And Your Safety.
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Trusted ER Donates Water Bottles to
HEB ISD Elementary School Reported January 6, 2021
Trusted Medical to supply 500 water bottles to children at Bellaire Elementary School in efforts to keep water accessible and students hydrated. Click here for Full Article
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Business News and Resources |
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Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Serving the 26th District of Texas
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Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 22nd annual State of American Business event as we explore how a united business community can rally a divided nation around a widespread economic recovery, restore good governance, and rebuild our economy for the future.
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Community Health Resources |
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2021 Goals and Strategies of the HEB Chamber
Each month we will take an in depth look at one of the goals of the HEB Chamber and the strategies that are put into place to execute this goal to the benefit of our members.
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Business Advocacy
Represent interests of the business community and promote beneficial public policies.
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Jeri Harwell, Republic Services |
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Government Relations & Collaboration
Partnerships with allied organizations to maximize our influence with government entities including TAB, TRTC, Tarrant County Days and the Coalition of East Tarrant Chambers.
Seat at the Table
Members involved in government so business views are represented.
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Civic Responsibility
Provides opportunities for members to get to know candidates and elected officials through programs, events, and awareness such as Youth in Government.
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Candidate Forums
Hold candidate forums for state representatives, city councils, school board
Issues Identification & Promotion
Take stands on issues and publicize The Amicus newsletter, voting records, and provide information about how elected officials voted on issues the Chamber took stands on
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COVID-19 Chamber Office Procedures
*All visitors to the Chamber are required to wear face masks.*
The Chamber office is open to the public, but we are taking every precaution to keep our staff and visitors safe. Here is our COVID-19 Office Procedures. The visitor office procedures and sign in sheet will be placed at a station inside the door that will have sanitizer and a no-touch thermometer available for anyone who comes to visit.
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Mission
ADVANCING BUSINESS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
Values
LEADERSHIP ~~ INTEGRITY ~~ DIVERSITY ~~ INNOVATION ~~ RELEVANCE
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