Tuesday, September 29, 2020 |
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COVID-19 Response Update | New Businesses | Employment Trends | Sales Tax Update | Special Updates |
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The October 2020 edition of the monthly newsletter contains important information and resources related to COVID-19 that may be helpful to our entire business community, not just current subscribers. If you received this email, and are not already subscribed to our monthly ED Newsletter, but would like to receive our newsletter, please sign-up here.
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Greetings Thousand Oaks Business Community, |
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Ventura County remains under Tier 1 (the most restrictive tier) of the State's COVID-19 Tier System. However, some easing of restrictions for certain activities went into effect on September 22nd. Summary highlights include:
County officials have reported our County COVID-19 metrics appear to be trending in the right direction. If trends continue in this direction, we could reach the State's Tier 2 soon, meaning fewer restrictions. City staff continue to be in close communication with the County to prepare for this transition.
On September 23rd, Governor Newsom signed a new executive order (N-80-20) extending authorization for local governments to halt evictions for commercial renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through March 31, 2021. (See Press Release and text here.) The City continues to restrict such evictions under Resolution 2020-016.
In addition, the City continues to assist our local businesses through our Temporary Outdoor Expansion permit process. Since launched, more than 50 businesses have been issued these temporary permits. If you are interested in obtaining one of these permits for dining or other commercial activity, please visit the City’s Road to Reopening page.
Lastly, please consider visiting some of the following local business resources to see the ways they are supporting businesses like yours.
Kind Regards,
Haider Alawami
Economic Development Manager
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Note: The following new businesses have received final approvals from the City to open for business. However, due to the current COVID-19 health emergency, some may not yet be open to the public at this time.
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Premier Workplaces
P remier Workplaces, specializing in leasing private and virtual offices and meeting rooms, has opened at 2829 Townsgate Road. (link)
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Farmers Insurance
Open for business as Gate One, 2625 Townsgate Road. (link)
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Bitcoin Advisers
Bitcoin Advizers is now open at Gate One, 2625 Townsgate Road. (link)
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PennyMac
PennyMac has competed an office expansion at 112 Lakeview Canyon Road. (link)
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Note: As expected, the economic impacts of COVID-19, including lay-offs and furloughs, continue to have a significant impact on unemployment rates. |
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According to the California Employment Development Department, the preliminary Thousand Oaks August 2020 unemployment
rate is 8.7% (down slightly from a revised 10.9% in July 2020). The City has a total of 62,400 in the labor force with 56,900 who are employed.
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The California Labor Market report shows Ventura County’s August 2020 unemployment rate at 9.1% (down from a revised 11.4% in July 2020).
A total of 4,900 non-farm jobs were added in August 2020, however, a total of 1,200 jobs were lost; amounting to a net gain of 3,700 jobs. Job gains consisted of: 2,900 in government; 800 in professional and business services; 700 in trade, transportation and utilities; 300 in construction; and 200 in financial activities. Job losses consisted of: 700 in educational and health services; 300 in leisure and hospitality; 100 in information; and 100 in manufacturing.
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Chamber of Commerce 2nd Round of Small Business Relief Fund grants |
Our partners at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce are currently conducting its second round of Small Business Relief Fund grants, offering up to $2,500 for eligible local businesses. Application deadline is October 23, 2020. Learn more here.
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Virtual Townhall Small Business Resources & Fire Preparedness |
Join the Chamber, Assembly member Jacqui Irwin, and California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, for a virtual town hall focusing on small business and wildfire-related issues on Wednesday, September 30th @ 1:30pm. Register here.
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Economic Development Collaborative "Creative Solutions for Commercial Landlords & Tenants During COVID 19" |
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U.S. Small Business Administration "Wildfire Checklist" |
The U.S. Small Business Administration has developed a Wildfire Preparedness checklist for small businesses. Check it out and consider ways your business might better prepare for fires that effect the workplace. SBA Fire Preparedness Checklist.
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2020 Census Deadline is here! |
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Wednesday, September 30th, is the deadline for completing the 2020 Census. The Census has tremendous implications for local economies. The business community are among the greatest beneficiaries of Census data, using it to make informed decisions about where to locate, add jobs, expand, as well as offer competitive salaries and wages. Federal and state government uses the data to inform the allocation of billions of dollars to local communities to fund schools, libraries, emergency response, roads and bridges, hospitals, and more. Complete the Census here.
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The General Plan Advisory Committee's next virtual meeting scheduled for October 22nd at 6pm. The topic of discussion will be arts & culture as it relates to the General Plan. Check out the website at toaks2045.org for more information about how to participate!
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Thousand Oaks Police Department Business Watch Program |
The Thousand Oaks Police Department recently launched the "Business Watch Program" to provide crime prevention education and services to our local business community. Participating business will have access to the latest information on effective crime prevention techniques and other local resources.
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[CITY OF THOUSAND OAKS] [2100 E. THOUSAND OAKS BLVD 91362] [www.toaks.org]
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