September 2020 Newsletter |
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This year, the Chamber began it's monthly luncheons a little differently. Like many businesses, we went virtual!
Our speaker, Keith Young- CEO of Ocean Reef Medical Center, went into details about COVID-19.
Keith reviewed the symptoms of COVID-19, how it's transmitted and gave us an update on some of the statistics available.
His review of workplace management strategies, was important to our Chamber Members and he discussed workplace structure, operational safety, long term monitoring and vaccinations.
Chamber Members then went around the room giving us an update on what "business as usual" looks like during a pandemic.
We were impressed by how many businesses were able to make this new normal work for them.
Click below to register for our next virtual luncheon on October 7th.
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Special thank you to our September Luncheon sponsors: |
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Mark Your Calendars
Chamber Luncheons
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October 7th, Meet the Candidates-Political Panel
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November 4th, The Psychology of COVID
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December 2nd, Ocean Reef Update
Events
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October 27th, Chamber Kayak Cleanup
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November 18th, Annual Chamber Blood Drive
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November 19th, Paws in the Park: Welcome back Pawty
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May 6th, 9th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament
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Become a Luncheon Sponsor
Promote Your Business while Supporting Your Chamber!
For only $100, your logo will be placed in the luncheon invitation, and prominently displayed on the welcome screen at the luncheon. Have marketing material you want to distribute? We'll place it at every table for maximum exposure. You will also be given time during introductions to tell us about your business. Only three sponsors are allowed per luncheon.
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The Mental Health of the New Remote Workforce |
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By Tova Kreps, LCSW, President of Wellspring Counseling
In a recent Paycor survey of over 600 small to medium-sized business leaders, 47% of the leaders said that they had moved their employees from office to remote work during this Covid-19 crisis. 48% of those surveyed expect to continue to mix work-from-home and work-at-the-office arrangements in the future. This represents a significant shift in work and life styles which affects many of us.
How does working from home affect our mental health and our businesses? Like most things in life, it appears that there are perks and pitfalls to be managed in order to keep our mental health and productivity at its best. Consider a few issues:
1. Blurred work boundaries. Studies show that remote workers tend to log more hours than their office-based counterparts and experience a blurring of boundaries between their home and work lives. Encouraging employees to check in for regular work hours, and creating expectations to keep home interruptions to a minimum helps workers stay focused while on the clock. These boundaries also help workers feel free to stop work when it’s over, enhancing the quality of both work and family time.
2. Autonomy. The freedom from direct supervision helps some workers to be more productive than ever. These workers can focus with less distraction, be creative and are intrinsically motivated. For other workers, this is a pitfall. They need accountability or the energy of others to keep themselves engaged. It is important for both employers and workers to know their natural motivation styles and to create communication plans to establish the best arrangements for individual success.
3. Communication planning. Knowing that there are predictable times for email communications, zooms, project summaries, weekly planning, updates on progress and more all help workers to stay on task and lessen potential stressors.
4. Social connection. Work relationships may be more easily established in person, but are not impossible remotely. When working remotely, try to include a little socializing even when on zoom, like an open zoom "coffee break". Extroverts may need to be more proactive to prevent feeling isolated or disconnected. Introverts may need to be intentionally brought in so that they do not disconnect from the synergy of the whole. Occasional social gatherings for employees are helpful and mixing at-home with at-the-office schedules can buffer the isolation and keep team morale high.
5. Work spaces. It is important for at-home workers to create a pleasant environment that is conducive to work. The visual and practical aspects of desks, lights, plants, work tools, happy reminders and interruptions all affect the mental health of workers.
With a little intentional thought, we can keep our spirits and our productivity high even with new remote work-styles. With so many hours of our lives spent at work, we are worth this effort!
Sources
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Florida Keys Wild Bird Center |
As of September 1, 2020 the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center reopened the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary to the public. They are excited to take this step towards normalcy and to provide the Keys community an uplifting place to bring their families to learn about wildlife.
They are open sunrise-sunset. COVID safety protocols are in place, including social distancing and mandatory mask requirements. Their hospital remains open to admit injured birds. Visit their Facebook page @keyswildbird for more information on how to help "Keep Them Flying".
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Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder |
Supporting DPMMR empowers their team to be on the frontlines of marine mammal rescue. That is why they are more than excited to welcome you back to their headquarters in Key Largo. As always, they are committed to the health and safety of their guests, dolphins, and team and have implemented new cleaning protocols.
Click Here if you are interested in reserving one of their programs.
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*1 representative per company, 20 participants maximum. Must be a current Chamber Member. Click Here to reserve your spot today!
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3rd Annual Chamber Kayak Cleanup
Come network and help clean up the mangroves at Ocean Reef Club
When:
Tuesday, October 27th
10am-1pm
Where:
Buccaneer Island-Ocean Reef Club
Sandwiches, chips, and Gatorades/water will be provided afterwards for volunteers.
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MONROE COUNTY CARES ACT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS NOW CLOSED TO NEW APPLICATIONS |
The two Monroe County CARES Act Programs, the business assistance program and the rental and mortgage assistance program, have now closed to accepting applications for funding. Both programs were created with CARES Act funding to assist Monroe County residents and businesses who were negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The CARES Business Assistance Program consisted of a one-time fixed amount grant to qualifying Monroe County-based small businesses with up to 25 employees. The program application period opened on Sept. 4 with $1 million to allocate. More than 500 applications were received. The CARES Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program consisted of $838,000 to allocate and opened on Aug. 4. More than 250 applications were received.
For both programs, applications already received continue to be processed for funding allocations. Applications received exceed the funding available in the business assistance program, so grants will be made on a first-eligible first-served basis. Additional assistance funding may be made available at a later date.
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Very Important:
Nothing in Monroe County will change until the County clarifies their rules.
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Phase 3 Re-Opening of Florida Businesses
Restaurants and Hotels Permitted to Operate at 100% Capacity.
Local municipalities must allow at least 50% operational capacity
Today, September 25th, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state will move to Phase 3 of his “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan” for Re-Opening Florida, including allowing restaurants to operate at full capacity, effective immediately.
There will no longer be operational limitations enforced by the State of Florida. He further explained that his Executive Order, coming out later today, will prohibit local municipalities from restricting the re-opening of businesses. They must be allowed to operate at least at 50% capacity, regardless of local rule.
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Florida SBDC Network Encourages Small Businesses Apply for Bridge Loan, Complete Disaster Assessment
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Florida SBDC Network Headquarters (Pensacola, Fla.) - The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, encourages small businesses in Northwest Florida impacted by Hurricane Sally to apply for assistance through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program . The program, activated by Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, provides a source of expedient capital to help small businesses physically or economically impacted by the storm.
“Small businesses suffered devastating losses from the storm,” said Dr. Cheryl Kirby, Chief Operating Officer of the Florida SBDC Network. “These losses are further compounded by the hardships businesses are suffering due to COVID-19. We want business owners to know we are here to help them through the recovery process.”
"We want to do all we can to help the families, businesses, and communities affected by Hurricane Sally recover quickly and be resilient for the future,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Hurricane Sally has brought destructive coastal area flooding to Northwest Florida, and DEO will continue to work with these businesses and communities during the recovery process.”
“We are ready to assist the Governor and state of Florida to deliver this vital assistance to the small business community we serve, as we have 24 times since 1992,” said Florida First Capital Finance Corporation President and CEO, Todd Kocourek.
Eligible businesses with two to 100 employees in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties can apply for a bridge loan up to $50,000 or, in special cases, $100,000 if warranted by the needs of the business.
While the bridge loan is a source of expedient funds, it is not designed to be the primary source of assistance for impacted businesses. As part of the eligibility process, businesses must indicate pursuit of other sources, including insurance claims and federal disaster aid.
Federal assistance is available to eligible small businesses in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties through the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Interest rates are as low as three percent and the SBA customizes loan amounts and terms up to a maximum of 30 years for each applicant. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $2 million.
The Florida SBDC Network encourages small businesses impacted by the storm to complete the state’s Business Damage Assessment Survey. The survey, administered by DEO, is not an application for disaster assistance, but rather assists state and federal officials in determining the extent of damage and need for state and federal disaster assistance.
Statewide with more than 40 locations from Pensacola to Key West, the Florida SBDC Network is a public-private partnership that leverages the resources of higher education and economic development to serve the needs of aspiring and existing small businesses. The mission of the Florida SBDC Network and SBDCs nationally is to provide the strategies, resources, and expertise to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Florida SBDC business consultants, many of whom are Disaster Recovery Institute (DRI) Certified Business Continuity Professionals, are available to assist small businesses as they prepare disaster loan applications and with other post-disaster challenges at no-cost.
The application period for the bridge loan program runs through November 14, or until the $5 million in funds are expended. For more information, and to apply, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.
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Promote Your Next Event, Post Job Openings and Share Member Deals |
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The Ocean Reef Chamber of Commerce is happy to:
Complimentary (on our website):
-Post job openings
-Share member to member specials
-Post current coupons being offered
Minimal fee:
-Send e-blast to our contact list on your behalf
-Post flyers on our social networks
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Looking for a Job?
These Chamber Members are Hiring
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Schedule: Full Time
Key Largo, FL, USA
The Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA), located in North Key Largo, FL, has a Full-Time position available for a Community Patrol Officer (CPO) who will report directly to the Community Patrol Officer Lead. The CPO performs general security services to all locations in the Ocean Reef Community, including vehicle, foot patrol, traffic control, crime control, investigations, Emergency Medical Services backup and public assistance.
Schedule: Full Time
Key Largo, FL, USA
The Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA), located in North Key Largo, FL, has a Full-Time position available for a Communications Officer/Dispatcher who will report directly to the Communications Supervisor. The Communications Officer/Dispatcher will maintain the communication lines within the Public Safety Department and convey information to and from the public, other community agencies, outside law enforcement, and public service agencies.
Schedule: Full Time
Key Largo, FL, USA
The Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA), located in North Key Largo, FL, has a Full-Time position available for an Information Technology (IT) Systems Administrator who will report directly to the Director of IT. The IT Systems Administrator will maintain, upgrade, and provide support for software, hardware, and networks. The IT Systems Administrator must be able to diagnose and resolve problems quickly and must be available to respond (both remotely and onsite, as applicable) to helpdesk requests after hours. The IT Systems Administrator must be able to easily communicate technical concerns and solutions to many different people with varying degrees of technical knowledge, as well as work with individuals in all departments to help solve their technical issues.
Schedule: Part Time
Key Largo, FL, USA
VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER The Ocean Reef Volunteer Fire Department (ORVFD), located in North Key Largo, FL, has Volunteer Firefighter positions available. Selected candidates must be ready to promptly respond to emergency situations involving fire, perform fire suppression techniques, and provide emergency medical services. This position requires a responsible individual who can perform job duties in an accurate manner in order to ensure the protection of life and property of the citizens of the Ocean Reef Community.
Schedule: Part Time
Key Largo, FL, USA
ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT (PART TIME) The Ocean Reef Community Association (ORCA), located in North Key Largo, FL, has a Part-Time Animal Care Assistant position available at the Grayvik Animal Care Center. The Grayvik Animal Care Center provides a full range of veterinary and pet grooming services to the Ocean Reef Community and is home of the ORCAT Trap-Neuter-Release program for cats.
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