CHAMBER NEWS: April 1, 2020
Gov. Edwards Announces New State-Led Program to Help Small Businesses
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, which will offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To help Main Street and rural businesses sustain operations, the loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent.

The Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, or LPGP, is a partnership of Louisiana Economic Development, which will provide a loan guaranty fund; the Louisiana Bankers Association, whose membership will provide the loans; and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority, which will administer the program. A total loan pool of $50 million will be quickly disbursed to eligible small businesses across Louisiana.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry Free Webinars on CARES Act
Thursday, April 2, 8:30 AM
Questions Answered Live

LABI President Stephen Waguespack and Congressman Garret Graves will discuss how CARES Act and other federal legislation will provide relief to businesses amid the coronavirus crisis.
Thursday, April 2, 2:00 PM

LABI will be joined by Congressional staff and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust experts to help you understand the COVID-19 relief programs available to Louisiana businesses, particularly the Small Business Association 7(a) forgivable loan program known as Paycheck Protection.

Two options to join on Zoom
Meeting ID: 565 528 457
Virtual Member-Only Events
TOMORROW, Thursday, April 2
9 AM to 10 AM via Zoom

WEBINAR: ONLY 10 SPOTS LEFT
(Will be recorded.)

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, we have assembled a team to answer your questions—live during the webinar. Submit your questions when you register.

Attorneys David Landry and Russ Foster
Carver Darden Law
CPAs Carrie Calvin and Jennifer McGinnis
Bourgeois Bennett CPAs
Banker David Boudreaux
Hancock Whitney
Insurance Agent Alan Case
 Lowry-Dunham, Case & Vivien
Wednesday, April 8
9 AM to 10 AM via Zoom

LIMITED to 20 participants


Participate in our first virtual networking event! This members-only benefit provides a fast, effective networking opportunity while maintaining social distancing. Participants will give 1-to-2 minute sales pitches about what distinguishes their business/ service from others in their field or just inform other members about their organization and what a good referral for them would be.

You must have access to a webcam to participate.
Read Now, Be Prepared for Legislative Call to Action
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is advocating for two initiatives critical to not only their industry but all businesses in the recovery period of this pandemic.

One is the Business and Employee Continuity and Recovery Fund. Read more here. The other is vital to the health of the real estate industry and deals with the temporary forbearance of secured and unsecured debt obligations underlying the shopping center industry, including commercial mortgage-backed securities loans. Read more here.

Review the list of businesses and organizations that have already signed on to these initiatives and reach out to any contacts you may have there with your support.
SBA Warns of Scams and Fraud Schemes
Be aware of potential fraud schemes related to the economic stimulus programs offered by the U.S. Small Business Association in response to COVID-19. Read more here.
Upcoming Legislative Session
Like just about everything, this spring’s legislative session is ‘fluid.’ Read more here.
Apply for Paycheck Protection Program ASAP
Chamber directors across the state are communicating about the challenges their members are facing and sharing daily changes and advice. Here are some good pointers from Baton Rouge Area Chamber CEO Adam Knapp.
Olde Towne Slidell Office Renovation Moving Along
Renovations for our new office in Olde Towne Slidell are continuing on schedule. Everything should be ready by the time stay-at-home orders are lifted.
Connect with us: