CHAMBER NEWS: April 8, 2020
Updated Information on Payroll Protection Program...
President Requests Additional $250 Billion

President Trump announced he will request an additional appropriation of $250 billion to supplement the Paycheck Protection Program.

According to a  statement  from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Senate could take up a funding bill as early as Thursday.
Answers to PPP Questions Provided

The Department of Treasury has posted frequently asked questions on the Payroll Protection Program to address borrower and lender questions concerning implementation.
New Tool Finds PPP Lenders

 The U.S. Small Business Administration has released a  tool  to help businesses find a nearby lender eligible to issue a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program.

Go to the U.S. Department of Treasury website for the latest guidance on the loan program.
Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Asks for Rebates and Lower Rates
Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon called on all Louisiana auto insurers to issue rebates and lower their rates in light of the COVID-19 crisis. Monday, Allstate announced that with claims decreasing as motorists comply with stay-at-home orders, their customers will be receiving a 15% rate reduction and a rebate on their March and April premiums. Donelon is asking other insurance companies to follow Allstate's example . Click  here  to see Donelon's entire statement from the Louisiana Department of Insurance. 
FAQs on State's Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program

Last week, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program to offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.  With many businesses still having questions about program, The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report put together answers to frequently asked questions.
Chamber Asks Congress to Ensure No Small Business Is Left Behind

U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley sent a letter yesterday to congressional leaders urging quick action for American small businesses should Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding not be enough after surging demand for those programs.
Child Care Financial Assistance Available for Essential Workers

As part of the CARES Act, the Federal Government has sent the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) funding for financial assistance for the children of essential workers still on the job. LDOE's Child Care Assistance Program provides significant financial assistance for child care at approved early learning centers and certified family home and in-home providers.
Upcoming Chamber Events
Wednesday, April 15
3 PM to 4 PM via Zoom

LIMITED to 20 participants
MEMBERS ONLY

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.
Thursday, April 16
4 PM to 5:30 PM via Zoom

LIMITED to 50 participants
MEMBERS ONLY

Grab your favorite beverage and join us for our first Virtual Business After Hours. It will be a trivia night with a variety of general interest questions.

You must have access to a webcam to participate.

Networking Opportunities
EVERY DAY
Join the St. Tammany Member Facebook Group and stay in touch with more than 120 fellow members who've joined already. It's a private group for Chamber members only to share business updates, hours of operation and special promotions.

Follow the Chamber on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Post your takeout, curbside and delivery operations on St. Tammany Eats--or go there to order your meal and support local businesses.

Use your Chamber member benefits to advertise specials or share news with other members. Read more here.
Advertise your business to other members HERE
or with a separate CHAMBER member Eblast email
We are changing with the current business environment. During this time, we are now offering members the opportunity to use this promotional space ($125) in our daily Chamber News and/or send a standalone Eblast email ($250) to our Chamber list Monday through Friday. Our current open and click-through rates are up 5-10% over our normally better-than average rates. Click here to reserve.
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