Morton Updates:

The Morton Public Library Board of Trustees has now approved a policy to temporarily extend services to non-residents during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This means all residents who live within the District 709 school boundaries, and who are not served by another library, may apply for a temporary digital card to allow access to e-books and other online resources through June 30, 2020. Use this link to apply: http://www.mortonlibrary.org/online-temporary-library-card/

On 4/21, the Morton Chamber will be hosting a Chamber 101 membership benefits session at noon with special guests Ameren Illinois who will be sharing updates about their initiatives and providing codes for attendees to receive free smart thermometers!

On 4/22, join a session with Twin City Energy Services about how you can save on your business's energy costs! Session begins at 10:00 AM.

Reminders: All previous bulletins and other resources listed at www.gpcovid.com . Resource requests from our community institutions listed at the end of this bulletin. Send any questions to bizinfo@greaterpeoriaedc.org .

Paycheck Protection Program Advice
As was widely reported, the popular Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) ran out of funding toward the end of last week. Congress is currently negotiating a fourth relief package and all indications point toward another round of funding coming to PPP. Over the weekend we spoke with nearly 10 bank leaders in Peoria, all of whom advised that companies interested in PPP should not wait until new funding is announced. Interested parties should be in contact with their bank or financial institution and complete the application, which can be located here , even if it cannot yet be submitted. The Treasury Department also has a variety of useful information on PPP here . It is important for borrowers to be thorough, accurate and complete and gather all the required documentation prior to submitting. This is all work that can be done now while businesses are waiting for new funding to be announced. Some businesses have had success in hiring agents or working with their accountants to complete the paperwork, which alleviates extra work on your lender and frees him/her to process more completed applications.

Forbes Article on Assistance to Hospitality Workers
In an article about a large donation by Barcardi to assist hospitality workers, Forbes does a nice job of cataloging a number of other charitable efforts aimed at helping hospitality workers. Read the article here .

Child Care Assistance
Employees in “essential businesses” (i.e. health care, manufacturing, grocery, etc.) can find find more information about emergency daycare services here . 

OSHA Relief on Certain Requirements
OSHA announced that due to the coronavirus health emergency it may be difficult to meet certain standards. As a result, employers will be granted relief if they are unable to fulfill annual testing, inspection, training and auditing due to coronavirus if the employer makes a good faith effort to stay in compliance. More here .

Landmarks Illinois Grant for Nonprofits
Landmarks Illinois has created a new, temporary grant fund to provide monetary assistance to non profit organizations that have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Grants of $2,000 will be available to nonprofit organizations with an annual revenue of less than $1 million or fewer than 7 employees. More information here .

RESOURCE REQUESTS
  • Community Foundation of Central Illinois: Requesting monetary donations for the Central Illinois Disaster Recovery Fund. Information https://communityfoundationci.org/.  Morton Chamber & EDC addition: The Morton Community Foundation has also announced a Morton Area Disaster Relief Fund for organizations serving those affected by COVID-19. Donations are being matched to up to $10,000. Donate here.
  • UnityPoint Health: UnityPoint is seeking personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. They are als in search of medical personnel to help them prepare in the event that there is an influx of sick patients. Information here.  
  • OSF Healthcare: OSF seeking personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and other supplies. Information here.
  • Peoria Innovation Alliance: PIA is gathering the maker community to discuss ways individuals and small companies can make supplies like masks. Information here.
  • Heartland Health Services: Seeking personal protective equipment, medical supplies, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes unopened. More information here. 
  • UICOMP Accepting Handmade Masks – The University of Illinois College of Medicine is accepting donations of handmade masks. Details can be found here.
  • IWIRC: Seeking standard PPE such as N-95/surgical/home-made masks, face shields, gowns, and latex-free gloves. Donated supplies can be dropped off at their downtown Peoria clinic location at 736 SW Washington St. Information here. 
  • Morton Chamber & EDC addition: Community Harvest and Midwest Food Bank are soliciting monetary donations to help support the influx of requests for food.Visit their sites for more info.
  • Morton Chamber & EDC addition: Community United Church of Christ and Grace Church provided meals to Morton kids over Spring Break.To help cover some of the expenses, they are graciously accepting monetary donations. Checks can be made out to and mailed to Community United Church of Christ, 300 N. Main St, Morton, IL 61550 with the memo "School Meals".

Chris Setti
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council