REOPENING CONTINUES FOR OUR REGION!
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed  Executive Orders 2020-114  and  2020-115 Friday June 6, 2020 to further reopen northern Michigan’s economic sectors under the MI Safe Start Plan.

Starting on June 10 , Regions 6 and 8 — which include much of northern Michigan and all of the Upper Peninsula — will advance to Phase 5 of the Governor’s  MI Safe Start Plan .

Phase 5 allows the reopening of the following industries:

  • Salons, Movie Theaters, and Gyms

These are subject to safety protocols and procedures designed to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

On June 15 , personal services including hair, massages, and nails will reopen statewide. Work that can be performed remotely (i.e., without the worker leaving his or her home or place of residence) should be performed remotely.

Though the remaining regions, 1 through 5 and 7, will remain in Phase 4 under today’s executive orders, the Governor has said she expects the entire state will advance to Phase 5 in the coming weeks.

Under Phase 5, indoor social gatherings and organized events of up to 50 people are permissible. Outdoor social gatherings and organized events are also allowed if people maintain six feet of distance from one another and the gathering consists of no more than 250 people. In addition, outdoor performance and sporting venues will be open with a larger capacity limit of 500, which will allow for some outdoor graduation ceremonies.

Businesses must adhere to the safety precautions outlined in Executive Order 2020-114. The order contains new workplace safeguards for gyms, in-home services, hair salons, and entertainment venues.

Following these safeguards will ensure that workers and patrons alike remain protected as the state moves to reopen and prevent a second wave.

Additional Resources
ALLIANCE APPLAUDS REGION’S BUSINESSES IN SETTING REOPENING

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance recognized the efforts of northern Michigan’s business owners, workforce, and community members to stay safe to stay open as Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the June 10 move of regions 6 and 8 to Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan and the reopening of all businesses. The expanded reopening recognizes the efforts made by businesses and their customers to set an example for the state since the May 22 reopening of restaurants, bars, and retailers with capacity limits and other safety precautions.

PPP FLEXIBILITY ACT

The federal Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act was signed into law. The Flexibility Act modifies several provisions of the PPP loan program, including extending the covered period for qualifying expenditures to 24 weeks and reducing the required minimum percentage of payroll costs that may be included for forgiveness from 75% to 60%.

LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO INCENTIVIZE THE RETURN TO WORK
Legislation was introduced in Congress earlier this week to addresses many of the key concerns raised by the employer community as it relates to expanded unemployment insurance (UI) benefits authorized under the federal CARES Act.

Under the CARES Act, Congress provided $600 per week in supplemental UI benefits. These benefits are available in addition to regular state UI benefits and were offered to provide economic relief for workers who lost their jobs or have been unable to work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perspectives on the value of your investment in the Chamber of Commerce.
The Acuitas firm has decades of combined experience in advancing policy objectives in Lansing along with being the lobbying firm for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. 

They recognize the value of business trade organizations to accomplish important objectives. 

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