Today's Chamber Update: Plan Now for Re-Opening, Summer Elections Plan Approved, Take International Survey and More

CHAMBER NEWS: April 28, 2020

Gov. Edwards Extends Stay-At-Home Order to May 15

Late yesterday, Gov. Edwards extended the state's Stay-at-Home order until May 15 with a few minor changes.

Malls will remain closed to the public, but stores may open for curbside delivery.
Restaurants will be allowed to open their outside areas for patrons to eat meals only, without tableside service.
All employees of a business who have contact with the public must wear a mask.

Additionally, both the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health strongly urge everyone to wear masks when in public.

 
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Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Emergency Summer Elections Plan

Louisiana voters will have more early voting time and expanded mail-in balloting options in the July and August elections because of the coronavirus outbreak, under a plan approved by state lawmakers.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin will use the approved emergency plan to manage the July 11 presidential primary and an August 15 municipal election. He’ll be able to change precinct locations, relocate polling places, expand in-person early voting from seven days to 13 days and widen the availability of mail-in absentee ballots to people affected by the virus. Read more here.

Participate in International Chamber of Commerce Survey

We are pleased to invite your company to participate in the first global survey conducted by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) ‒

a major step in the private sector’s global response to COVID-19.

It will take only 3 minutes to help the WHO in the global fight against COVID-19.

 
                                                   COMPLETE SURVEY

Re-opening of Payroll Protection Program, Webinars

Yesterday, applications for the additional funding for PPP loans through the Small Business Administration began to be accepted again. What's different is that lawmakers added some guidelines that could actually help more businesses that are small; $60 billion was set aside for small, mid-size and community-based lenders. Read more here.

Click here to read what local bankers have to say about the process this week.

If you are interested in learning more information about the PPP or other loans, click here to register for scheduled webinars from the SLU Small Business Development Center.

Now Is the Time to Prepare Your Business for Re-Opening

Gov. Edwards intends to make his next announcement on moving to Phase 1 in Louisiana on or by May 11. As Louisiana prepares for its next phase of reopening, business owners are encouraged to plan as well. Following is information you may find helpful.

Use the 10 tips below from the CDC in your preparations. Download the interactive .pdf to access CDC links in the graphic.
Click here for FEMA's fact sheet about personal protective equipment in a non-healthcare setting; it includes helpful guidance based on whether PPE is required by law or not.
Understand your building’s maximum occupancy limits, which may require contacting local government or the State Fire Marshal’s office.
Plan on ensuring your employees have face coverings. Parish President Mike Cooper announced today that parish government will furnish approximately 90,000 donated washable, reusable masks to municipalities and Parish Fire Districts this week for distribution to the public once received. Read more here.

 
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Virtual Chamber Events

Tomorrow, Wed., April 29

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.

 
                                           REGISTER

Thursday, April 30

4 PM to 5:30 PM via Zoom

LIMITED to 50 participants

MEMBERS ONLY

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

Bobby McKinney with Tutor Doctor in Mandeville won our last trivia contest.

You must have access to a webcam to participate.

 
                                           REGISTER

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 .

Leadercast St. Tammany 2020

Virtual viewing option available

Wednesday, July 22

8:00 am - 2:30 pm

Movie Tavern Northshore

201 N. Hwy. 190,

Covington

For up-to-date health information, visit these Chamber member websites:

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