Greetings from the Ashland Chamber and Travel Ashland,
As we reach out with an update for this week, we first want to take a moment to acknowledge the occurrences in our world. We have posted this message on our social channels and wanted to share it with you:
We are here. We are listening.
We absolutely and unequivocally abhor hatred and acts of violence and, in particular, the recent murder of George Floyd as well as numerous cases of racial injustices in our country and world.
We want to ask all to please show kindness and love to one another and unite during this time to support our black community as we listen and learn to make our town a welcome place for all.
Business updates:
In regards to the COVID-19 crisis, we have now entered Phase 2 in Jackson County along with other counties around the state.
New Governor’s Executive Order
: an updated executive order spelling out how the new Phase 2 rules relate to prior guidance is now available:
In particular, new language on travel guidance and modified return to
work language, see page 16
PPP Loan Extension:
Legislation modifying the Paycheck Protection Program passed the US Senate yesterday afternoon. This is the PPP legislation the House passed last week and it now goes to the President for his signature. Senator Merkley supports this legislation and the flexibility it will give to PPP recipients. Key changes include:
- The percentage of the PPP loan that needs to be spent on payroll drops from 75% to 60% (allowing businesses and nonprofits to spend more funds on rent/mortgage and utilities if needed).
- PPP funds can be spent over 24 weeks, or until December 31, 2020, whichever is earlier. PPP is currently limited to eight weeks.
- Changes safe harbor period for rehires from June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
For PPP recipients that do not have their loan forgiven, the length of the loan changes from two years to five years.
Two articles related to the PPP update:
Virtual 4th of July -
Plans are coming together for the virtual 4th of July Celebration this year beginning with a call out we will start next week:
- Share your favorite 4th of July memories with the Ashland Chamber this year. From historic tradition to memorable moments, we are asking our beloved community and businesses of Ashland to celebrate their civic pride virtually this year by sharing their favorite images of 4th of July memories. Share your favorite 4th of July image with a caption to danaw@ashlandchamber.com You might just find yourself featured in a storefront or on the ashlandchamber.com site. It has been our honor to create the magical celebration for over 100 years and one day we will be able to return to the traditional celebration however this year, we ask you to engage in our fun project of celebrating Ashland's 4th of July memories.
Social Media Updates
:
The Ashland Chamber and Travel Ashland are excited to be adding new tools to our social media tool kit. We are excited to unveil these new plans next week!
Summer Event Series and ODOT Update
The proposal to close the main street through downtown to accommodate our
Summer Event Series
has been submitted to ODOT by the City of Ashland. We expect feedback early next week on their decision and any conditions they may require. The City Council will receive that information for decision at their next meeting on June 16
th
. Additionally, now that we have moved into
Phase Two
, we are seeking clarification of what we will need to comply with for these events as required by the
Governor’s guidelines
that allows for social distancing and crowd size.
Ashland Chamber's
outreach for participation
in the Summer Series is beginning next week for businesses to engage in the 12 week series.
Content, messaging
and
themes
will be released thereafter with a strategic PR, media and social campaign to follow.
Following our virtual 4th of July Weekend celebration, the series spans through
the end of September
, themes include: In Full Bloom, What a Wonderful World, Convergence Weekend, Family Celebration, Wellness, from Grape to Glass, Art at the Heart, Music, Fall Sidewalk Sale, Fall Harvest and Welcoming back SOU Raiders.
Thank you,
The Ashland Chamber & Travel Ashland Staff
