Nov 17, 2020
GOVERNOR’S SMALL BUSINESS WEBINAR SERIES
This webinar will provide Texas small business owners with an update on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. There have been many changes made to the PPP loan terms and the calculation of the value of forgiveness. This webinar will provide information on how to estimate the value of the potential forgiveness of your loan. The event also includes a live Q&A session with our expert panel from the most important support organizations, including Small Business Development Centers and the Texas Workforce Commission. The event will provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with:
  • an update on recent changes to the PPP
  • steps to take to ensure maximum forgiveness
  • expert advice on workforce related questions
  • guidance on available resources, at the state and federal levels
information on both financial and non-financial support
CITY SALES TAX UP; CUTS TO BUDGET MAY LOOM
The city of Abilene's sales tax rebate for November is 6.53% higher than last year's figures, and the same amount above its projected amount budgeted for the current fiscal year, according to numbers released Thursday.

But the vast majority of the increase is from prior periods, city manager Robert Hanna said.

And, the Abilene City Council may need to ultimately cut the city's budget to offset anticipated lost revenue from a federally-mandated tax exemption of Internet access charges, Hanna said Thursday.

Abilene most recently took in $4.61 million in sales tax, those figures representing September sales.

Broken down, that is roughly $3.46 million for the city's general fund and $1.15 million for economic development.

That sounds good for the city.

'Up is up, and we're happy to receive it,' Hanna said.
BUSINESS COMMUNITY COMBATING COVID-19
Last week your Chamber Chair, Marshall Morris, sat down with Hendrick Health President and CEO Brad Holland to discuss challenges we are facing as a business community due to the impact of COVID-19.

In the interview, Holland provided insight into the current situation at Hendrick Health and clarified the Governor’s 15 percent capacity order. A large takeaway from the interview was learning that the number of beds available in our statistical area (TSA D) doesn’t necessarily mean those beds are capable of the care needed to treat patients with the virus or, that the current number of total beds available is reflective of the stretched resources of our local hospitals.

The trickle-down effects on the ICU beds remaining at capacity means surgeries such as bypass, open heart or brain could be deemed elective or required to be rescheduled. While Holland stated he wasn’t sure most would consider those elective, that’s what has to be done in order to treat the current level of COVID patients.

Holland assured Morris that the hospital was prepared for the current surge and that they have overflow strategies in place but hopes that those won’t be needed.
WHAT WE'RE READING

10 Inspiring Business Books to Read Right Now

We could all use a little inspiration in these uncertain times. To help motivate you and keep your company thriving, here are 10 business books to read right now.


4 Ways to Rebuild Customer Loyalty After COVID-19

Businesses that shut down during COVID-19 may have lost some momentum in their customer relationships. Here's how to encourage your customers to re-engage
You don't want to miss these upcoming event for
your business.

NOV 17 HOSPITALITY NOW: BEST PRACTICES Discover how three dynamic hospitality leaders adapted to the challenges of COVID-19 –going beyond “survival mode” to rethink and reinvent the luxury service experience. Join us to hear about the creative modifications they’ve made and how you can apply their ideas to your hotel, restaurant, or spa. Hosted by Jeff Wielgopolan | Senior Vice President, Learning & Development, Forbes Travel Guide. Noon ET (New York) / 9 a.m. PT (Los Angeles) / 5 p.m. GMT. Register here.

NOV 17-19 CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP CONFERENCE: BUSINESS SOLVES
A virtual event —held in conjunction with the 21st annual Citizens Awards—about confronting the extraordinary economic and health challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the call for inclusion and equity that has swept our communities and workplaces into a new era, all while trying to build a more sustainable world. Discussions will focus on how business will lead through our recovery and chart a resilient path forward, working hand in hand with cross-sector partners to help our communities emerge stronger. Featured speakers will include Blackrock CEO Larry Fink, Khan Academy founder & CEO Sal Khan, Ad Council President & CEO Lisa Sherman, and more. Register here.

NOV 18 BLUEPRINT: MAXIMIZING YOUR ONLINE SALES Jeanette Mulvey, Content Director at CO—, will welcome experts and small business owners alike to discuss ways to transition from in-person to virtual sales. We hope you'll join this audience-driven discussion designed specifically for the small business community, and hosted in partnership with Chase for Business. Register here.

NOV 19 TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR EMPLOYERS PRESENTS LUNCHTIME LIVE!
Topics Include: Labor Market Update, TWC’s Shared Work Program, Managing Remote Employees, Payroll Tax 101. Register here.

NOV 20 ENERGY AND ECONOMY CONFERENCE The Federal Reserve Banks of Dallas and Kansas City will host their fifth joint energy conference on November 20 virtually. Leading energy experts will join Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan and Kansas City Fed President Esther George in conversation about the state of the energy sector, the outlook for global oil and gas markets, opportunities and risks of the global energy transition, challenges in energy finance, and the changing U.S. energy landscape. Register here.

DEC 3 TEXAS CONFERENCE FOR EMPLOYERS PRESENTS LUNCHTIME LIVE!
Topics Include: Workers’ Compensation, Civil Rights in the Workplace, Office of Economic Dev., Employer Commissioner. Register here.