THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY: |
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In this workshop, Prosper & Partners facilitators will help you frame and structure these workplace events as opportunities and enrichment to team morale and professional growth. We will share our personal experiences, models, and practical strategies for leading and listening through difficult situations.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
This Program, ID No. 549113 , has been approved for 2.00 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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PRO-BIZ & ANTI-BIZ CREEP INTO CAPITOL |
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A number of pieces of legislation being followed by the Tennessee Chamber were heard in committees last week, the cornerstone of which was a resolution to elevate Tennessee‘s Right-to-Work policy to the state constitution. The resolution passed in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and now moves forward to the Senate floor. Next week’s calendars look to be even more active, here is a roundup and recap:
Budget Hearings
The Department of Economic and Community Development presents their annual budget proposal to the Commerce and Labor Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. A number of Tennessee’s higher education institutions, including the University of Tennessee is scheduled to present budgets to the Senate Education Committee next Tuesday afternoon.
E-Verify Mandate
Legislation that is damaging to the Tennessee business community is scheduled to be heard by the House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Wednesday. HB801/SB902 lowers the state’s employee threshold for the e-verify mandate from 50 or more employees to six or more employees. The legislation also requires employers using contract labor to confirm legal citizenship status of contracted employees. The proposal would be especially harmful to small businesses in areas of the state that the specific issue of hiring undocumented citizens has not been detected.
Workers Compensation
On Wednesday evening, the House Banking and Consumer Subcommittee advanced two pieces of Chamber-supported legislation to improve the state's worker’s compensation exemption registry. HB386/SB1268 transfers the worker’s compensation exemption registry from the Tennessee Secretary of State to the Tennessee Bureau Workers Compensation. HB395/SB629 clarifies that if an employer uses subcontractors who have been removed from the registry and proper notice has not been given, the employer cannot be held liable. Both proposals will advance to the House Commerce Committee next week.
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The SBA opened a 14-day period February 24 during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) relief. Sole proprietors, independent contractors, and self-employed individuals will receive more financial support. New revised PPP calculation formula for these entities coming soon to Paycheck Protection Program (sba.gov)
PPP loan funds can be used for:
- Payroll Costs Including Benefits
- Mortgage Interest
- Rent
- Utilities
- Worker Protections Costs
- Certain Supplier Costs
- Expenses for Operations
Eligible Entities for Second Draw Loans:
- Small entities with no more than 300 employees
- Entities that demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross revenues between any comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020
(Please note that applications are submitted through a PPP lender)
PPP Forgiveness Update
Effective immediately, SBA will no longer deduct EIDL Advances from forgiveness payments remitted to PPP lenders.
New: For Borrowers with a PPP of $150,000 or Less, Streamlined Forgiveness Application Now Available-Form 3508S
Note: Borrowers should work with their PPP lenders on forgiveness.
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Believe it or not, people still use paper maps.
In fact, over 70 Chamber members have already signed up.
That's why the Blount County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be partnering with the award-winning marketing and cartographic team of Town Square Publications to produce our Community Street Map and Resource Guide. This publication will help you market your business directly to area business owners, new residents and visitors for the next 18-24 months. Over 10,000 copies will be distributed via the Chamber of Commerce and through 150+ high traffic distribution points.
Advertising your business and our community via this print and online publication is very economical, but space is limited. A Town Square Publications representative will be contacting you soon but please don’t hesitate to reach your representative by calling the sales and marketing team directly at (865) 221-8877 or email marketing@tspubs.com to review the details and options.
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The March 26 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.
This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Mindfulness at Work: Reducing Stress and Regaining Balance." Employing mindfulness at work can help increase effectiveness, decrease mistakes, and even enhance creativity. Learn mindfulness tools that help you destress, tune in and get the job done.
All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.
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NEED ASSISTANCE IN
HR, MARKETING OR ACCOUNTING?
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Have you experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, a decrease in business or a business closure as a result specifically due to COVID-19
Through the CARES Act the TSBDC has received funding to hire industry professionals to provide consulting at no cost for our clients. If you need assistance in the areas of accounting, marketing and human resources contact our center!
Let our consultants help navigate the complexities of business ownership during a Pandemic.
Additional advising services are offered in accounting, advertising, banking, employee relations, employee selection, finance, HR, IT, management, marketing, operations, public relations, sales training, sources of capital
With barriers brought on by COVID-19, we believe small businesses still need that human connection to help identify pools of opportunity. With the simple press of a button, you can find yourself meeting virtually with a consultant who wants to help you and your business succeed on every level.
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March 2 from 6-7 p.m.
March 9 from 10-11 a.m.
March 10 from 10 a.m.-noon
March 11 from 10 a.m.-noon
March 16 from 9-10 a.m.
March 23 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
March 25 from 10-11 a.m.
March 30 from 9-10:30 a.m.
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March 4 from noon-1 p.m.
March 11 from noon-1 p.m.
March 25 from noon-1 p.m.
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March 3 from 1:30-5 p.m.
This course gives you the human relations skills to thrive in any setting. Discover how to form closer, more rewarding relationships built on trust and respect.
March 5 from 9-11 a.m.
Are you curious about Dale Carnegie? Want to learn how we can help you grow in confidence, competence, and influence?
March 24 from 9-10:30 a.m.
How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication in your team without face-to-face interaction?
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March 4 from 8:30-11 a.m.
Minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and small businesses interested in working with local governments can meet virtually with representatives from 11 local government departments and five local nonprofits for the East Tennessee Purchasing Association’s (ETPA) Diversity Business Expo.
Attendees can meet representatives with small-dollar purchase authority who often make purchasing decisions that do not require formal bid processes, such as warehouse clerks, purchasing (P-card) holders and those who prepare purchase requisitions.
Participating departments include police, EMS, information technology, fleet, engineering, library, health department, schools, public works, agriculture and parks and recreation.
Registration is free for attendees and is required until March 1. REGISTER HERE
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March 17 from 9-noon
After completing this workshop, participants will be able to help make their organization a more supportive and engaging place to work by understanding the perceptual, institutional, and psychological processes that impact the ways people interact with each other. DESIGNED FOR: Employees across all departments within an organization.
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March 1-7
March 8-14
Save the Date
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BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US |
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If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.
And follow tourism updates here:
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Here's a great way to offer Member-to-Member deals using your chamber member account. Check the deals.
Members can post Coupons and Discounts to this page at no charge. Click Here
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Topping the Billboard Hot 100 this week in 1981 was the crossover hit "I Love a Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt. It held the top spot for two weeks, knocking off Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" before Parton's hit retook the top spot. |
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![Eddie Rabbit - I Love A Rainy Night - [Solid Gold Show]](https://web-extract.constantcontact.com/v1/thumbnail?url=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2MAC7mnyOKg/hqdefault.jpg)
