The Slice gives you all the news you can use. Each issue will include any COVID-19 updates, reopening information, legislative news, and other relevant items for our readers. Please let us know if you'd like to see anything in particular or have other feedback - just email marketing@vrlta.org.
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Governor Announces Revamped Rebuild VA Grant
VRLTA is pleased to announce that we have been working with the Governor’s office to implement changes to the structure of Governor Ralph Northam’s Rebuild VA economic recovery fund for businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19.
Thanks to our efforts, VRLTA succeeded in getting the Governor to make changes to the program which will make funds available to more businesses. Changes include:
- Increasing the maximum amount grant recipients can obtain; employers can now receive up to $100,000 in grant funding
- Allocating an additional $30 million to the fund, so a total of $100 million is now available to businesses
- Expanding access to more businesses; now, businesses that earned up to $10 million in 2019 may apply, and businesses with up to 250 employees may apply.
The deadline is December 31, 2020; however, if you're interested in applying, do so soon, as the dollars are expected to run out quickly.
You can find more on the program, including the application here.
We have gotten feedback from a few members about issues with the application...
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If you are still seeing a limit of $1.5MM in revenue or 50 employees, please clear your computer's cache by using CTRL+F5. The application is updated on the website, but your computer is 'remembering' the old application. Clear the cache to get the latest version of the application.
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If you have an issue because you previously applied and are now trying to apply with the same EIN (or if you have other related issues), please reach out to the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity at VSBFA.Online@sbsd.virginia.gov; they can help you with additional questions.
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Check Out VRLTA's New JOB BOARD!
VRLTA has just kicked off a brand new JOB BOARD, focused specifically on our industry!
What does this mean for you?
Employers can list hospitality and tourism jobs, and VRLTA members get unlimited listings for free through the end of the year (choose 30, 60 or 90 days - up to $100 value for each listing!). A 30-day listing for nonmembers is just $50. Job seekers can search jobs statewide and post their resume in the resume bank.
Let VRLTA help your business during this challenging time with a job board focused just on hospitality and tourism jobs. Take advantage of your membership and get free listings through the end of the year. There's no cost or risk to members - why not give it a try?
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Economic Development Updates
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Chesterfield County will open a third round of "Back in Business" grants on November 12. The program has made changes to enable the grants to be available to a broader segment of small businesses. Learn more here: https://chesterfieldbusiness.com/bib/
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Smithfield and Isle of Wight County are partnering on a new gift certificate program to encourage spending at local small businesses. Businesses must register to participate by 10/30/20. Shoppers can purchase certificates on November 10, and the dollar amount will be doubled (paid for by CARES Act funding). Businesses will be paid the full amount now, while shoppers have until November 2021 to redeem certificates. Learn more here.
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There is still time to register for the 2020 VA1 Tourism Summit!
The 2020 VA1 Tourism Summit is still on, although in a modified format. We'll gather for a one-day event in Richmond, but it will be jam-packed with amazing speakers and content focused on travel in the time of COVID-19; "back to business" strategies; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and more relevant and timely topics.
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Attend and learn more about...
- creating great digital content
- all the 'silver lining stories' that are happening in spite of COVID
- RebuildVA
- appealing to all kinds of visitors
- what meetings will look like going forward
- key opportunities you can capitalize on in the 'next normal'
- DRIVE 2.0
- the sports marketing outlook
- how outdoors is thriving
- business and tourism zones
- trends and predictions
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The event will follow all guidelines for safety and distancing, and adhere to current federal, state, and locally-mandated protocols. Visit this page to learn more about how we are keeping VA1 healthy and safe! We continue to monitor the situation and will adjust plans as necessary. Learn more at www.va1tourismsummit.org. We are working to finalize the schedule and speakers now.
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AHLA Offering New Enhanced Version of COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels
AHLA is proud to announce a new enhanced version of COVID-19 Precautions for Hotels, a hotel-specific online training course designed specifically for cleaning and safety during the pandemic. This valuable training tool was developed in partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and now includes a brand new module focused on de-escalation training for employees. The new de-escalation module offers all hotel employees guidance on how to reduce tensions and promote a safe environment while maintaining the spirit of hospitality throughout all interactions. The course is available for $5 for individual purchase, and can also be purchased at an enterprise level.
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ServSafe Classes Available Now
VRLTA's preferred ServSafe training partners are offering ServSafe training around the state - we currently are listing more than 30 classes in 10+ different localities (including some classes in Spanish), so there is bound to be a class to meet your needs. ORS and RVA Food Safety are also offering test proctoring. Click here to learn more and see the entire upcoming schedule. Partners' classes are filling quickly, so register today!
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Want to SAVE on Employee Insurance Programs?
It's that time of year! Did you know that VRLTA's UnitedHealthcare partnership can save you money, time, and headaches?
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VRLTA is part of a strategic alliance program with UnitedHealthcare to help provide access to more affordable health care solutions for the hospitality industry. Through UHC, members have access to exclusive discounts including: Up to a 5% discount on medical rates for fully insured groups with 51 or more full-time employees; an annual invoice credit of up to 5% on administrative fees for new self-funded medical products for groups with 100 or more full-time employees; and up to a 5% discount on specialty benefits (dental, vision, life, disability, accident and critical illness) for all-size fully insured groups.
In addition, UHC offers wellness programs and services designed to help improve employee health, productivity and retention. Contact your broker or learn more here.
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Diageo Will Donate $1 per Tweet or Instagram Post to the VRLTA Relief Fund!
You Post. Diageo Donates. Feel The Love. ❤ Post on Twitter or Instagram using #BackToMyBarVA & Diageo will donate $1 to Virginia service industry professionals.
Between 12:01 a.m. ET on 9/1/2020 and 11:59:59 p.m. (ET) on 12/31/2020, for each social media post that uses the hashtag #BackToMyBarVA, Diageo will donate $1 to the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association. Maximum donation of $5,000. Must be 21 or older.
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Highland Brewing is Supporting the Virginia Restaurant and Hospitality Relief Fund
We are pleased to announce that Highland Brewing is contributing a portion of sales of their Gaelic Ale to the VRLTA Restaurant and Hospitality Relief Fund!
Highland distributes in areas of the state such as Roanoke, Bristol, Martinsville, Salem, and Radford. Look for their products on the shelves and in restaurants starting in September and through the end of the year!
The Relief Fund has already distributed thousands of dollars to organizations around the state. To learn more about the recipient organizations, visit this page.
Thank you, Highland Brewing, for your support of restaurant and hospitality employees in Virginia!
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LetsGetChecked Home COVID-19 Testing Now Available
LetsGetChecked offers a comprehensive COVID-19 testing solution, integrating at-home sample collection, lab testing, delivery of results, and patient support.
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