Here's important information released Wednesday that may be of use as you conduct your business operations.
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MORE REOPENING GUIDELINES ANNOUNCED
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As businesses reopen across the state, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group released additional guidance today for Recreation, Offices, Lodging, Construction and Manufacturing.
Small group, non-contact recreation businesses like bowling alleys, arcades, dance classes, water sports, mini golf and more will be able to reopen Friday, May 8.
The Tennessee Pledge guidelines recommend capacity limits, spacing requirements, and frequent sanitization, among others. Larger venues and activities where social distancing is not feasible remain closed.
NEWEST GUIDELINES
The State of Tennessee has worked directly with the Tennessee Board of Dentistry and consulted guidelines set by the American Dental Association to allow
dental procedures to safely resume on Wednesday, May 6
.
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THERMOMETERS
The Economic Recovery Group has secured special pricing on Touchless Thermometers for restaurant, retail, & close contact businesses. Tennessee-based businesses can order through Friday at 5 p.m. ET (or until supplies last).
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FACE MASK DISTRIBUTION
As a result, these cloth face masks are not available to businesses. The department will keep a list of businesses in need in the event distribution is expanded to businesses.
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AMERICANS SUPPORT PROTECTING EMPLOYERS FROM CORONAVIRUS LAWSUITS
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“The global pandemic has caused tremendous economic harm to our nation. As employers plan to reopen safely and sustainably, the last thing they need is to face a financially crippling lawsuit despite their best effort to comply with public health guidelines,” said Harold Kim, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform.
“Any protections for employers should be targeted, timely, and temporary and that no business should be protected from lawsuits for gross negligence.”
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SBA requires all Paycheck Protection Program borrowers to certify that the PPP loan is necessary to support ongoing operations. SBA is extending the safe harbor deadline for borrowers who applied before April 24 to return PPP funds. The new deadline is May 14, 2020.
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CARES ACT ASSISTANCE SUMMARY
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The CARES Act allocated $350 billion to help small firms keep workers employed. Called the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% guaranteed loans that can be forgiven if borrowers maintain or restore payrolls. Check eligibility and prepare to apply using this guide.
The CARES Act expanded the SBA’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), which includes additional loan programs and $10,000 emergency grants. Check eligibility, calculate borrowing limits, and prepare to apply using this guide.
The CARES Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers that are closed, partially closed, or experiencing revenue losses as a result of COVID. Check eligibility and calculate your credit using this guide.
Congress has created new temporary paid sick leave and paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) programs that are 100% reimbursable by the federal government. Check requirements, eligibility and exemptions using this guide.
If you are an independent contractor or self-employed individual, you may be eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans/grants, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and/or Unemployment Compensation for lost income. This guide walks you through all the steps.
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CONSIDERATIONS FOR RETURNING TO WORK
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COVID-19 has created a health and economic crisis that has prompted unprecedented changes in the way we live and work. In the wake of the difficult decisions that have followed, Baker Donelson spoke with their clients and members of the Firm about the unique challenges ahead as we evaluate how to reengage our workforce, operations, and productive economic activity.
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Each session is limited to 100 participants and you must register for each session separately.
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May 15 at 9 a.m.
Respectful Workplace: It Still Matters.
Howard Jackson – Wimberly Lawson Wright Daves & Jones, PLLC
The EEOC has noted an increase in negative events based on nationality. Employers and employees alike are under great stress as a return to work begins. How we treat each other is important both for organizational success and for prevention of claims. The presentation includes practical advice on claim avoidance as well as some recent examples of managers behaving badly, showing what can happen if leadership does not send the right message and enforce it.
This Program, ID No. 522458 , has been approved for 3.00 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).
Join Our Webinar Powered by Zoom Meeting
Attendees are asked to register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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May 15 at 3 p.m.
Getting Back to Work: Practical Considerations in the Era of COVID-19.
Ed Trent – Wimberly Lawson Wright Daves & Jones, PLLC
The program addresses steps businesses should take when bringing employees and customers back to the workplace and how to address employee concerns about either returning to work or wanting to remain out of work.
This Program, ID No. 522458 , has been approved for 3.00 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).
Join Our Webinar Powered by Zoom Meeting
Attendees are asked to register in advance for this meeting.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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May 7 at 3 p.m.
Lessons We Can Learn From Other Countries About Responsible Reopening Strategies
presented by U.S. Chamber Foundation Path Forward program
Every country is fighting coronavirus and searching for responsible ways to get its economy humming again.
Today's Path Forward program looks at the global response to the coronavirus pandemic and explores how other countries are managing this health and economic crisis.
Where do things stand in the world’s response to COVID-19? What lessons can we draw from the experiences of countries and companies that are farther along in the reopening process? What works…and what doesn’t?
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May 8 at noon
National Small Business Town Hall
presented by Inc. and U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Inc. Editor-at-Large Kimberly Weisul and the U.S. Chamber's Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Neil Bradley, will be joined by a panel of experts who can answer questions and offer insight to any small business trying to get through the Covid-19 pandemic.
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BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, GIVE BLOOD
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Appointments can be made
online
using the donate link.
Appointments can also be made by calling 865-524-3074.
MEDIC is allowing walk-in donors as well.
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REVIEW OUR BUSINESS RESOURCES
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Also take advantage of our member-to-member offers at the bottom of this email and
online
. There are a number of resources that you may find beneficial.
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
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If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.
And follow tourism updates here:
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