Yesterday the Senate by unanimous consent passed a bill moving the Paycheck Protection Program application deadline from June 30 to August 8. This legislation has now passed the House unanimously as well. Other than changing the deadline to apply for PPP, there were no other changes included with this bill.
July 2nd COVID-19 Toplines from Senator Merkley’s Office
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Coronavirus Website:
You can see the regularly updated information the Senator and his team are posting about COVID-19 by visiting his website.
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Operation: Main Street Economic Recovery Hub:
Senator Merkley’s COVID-19 economic recovery hub webpage includes regularly updated information he’s posting there for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
The Latest from Senator Merkley:
·Demanding action for the American people: Senator Merkley led 15 colleagues in the Senate in demanding Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell bring the House-passed HEROES Act to the Senate floor before recess, saying that failing to do so would be an abdication of our most basic responsibilities. The Senators emphasized that recent coronavirus developments and data only underscore the importance of a number of provisions in the HEROES Act that could have helped Americans in every corner of the nation in the seven weeks since it passed the House. They highlighted the need for things like support for hospitals and health providers, increased resources for testing and tracing to contain the virus, and assistance for Americans losing their jobs to keep insurance.
·Supporting small employers and workers: Senator Merkley joined colleagues in the Senate and House to introduce the Rebuilding Main Street Act—legislation to help small businesses, nonprofits, and workers weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support safe reopening. The bill would expand the existing work share program, which allows employers to share their payroll costs with the federal government, and provide grant help to cover other fixed costs such as rent and needs for reopening safely, including cleaning and protective equipment.
·Increasing the supply of testing equipment and PPE: Senator Merkley joined 24 of his Senate colleagues in introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 that would require President Trump to unlock the full authority and power of the Defense Production Act to scale up nationwide production of the testing supplies, personal protective equipment, and medical equipment needed at the local level to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
·Calling for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention: Senator Merkley and Wyden called for Senate leadership to include federal funding for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and housing programs in the next coronavirus relief package on June 27th, which marked the 25th anniversary of National HIV Testing Day.
New Funding Launched for Organizations With Ability to Serve Underserved Small Businesses Impacted by Pandemic
Today, Business Oregon launched the latest program the agency quickly stood up to serve businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency is using up to $3 million in federal CARES Act funding recently provided by the Oregon legislature to boost organizations that can serve traditionally underserved small businesses across the state.
The program is specifically targeted to serve businesses whose needs are unmet by existing resources and who face systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and small business success. These focus areas include minority- and women-owned businesses, and rural businesses. The program is aligned to focus on groups identified in Governor Brown’s Equity Framework in COVID-19 Response and Recovery.
The program will provide funding for organizations to provide high quality and effective technical assistance for their small business clients. Technical assistance refers to the education, resources, and guidance provided to entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them start, sustain, and grow businesses.
The most common types of technical assistance awardees are expected to provide for small businesses include, but are not limited to:
- Business plan review and assistance
- Access to capital, loan application support
- Mentoring / cohort business coaching
- Referrals / training
- Financial literacy / credit counseling
- Specialized help – accounting, legal, HR
- Business incubation – access to incubators, low-cost rental space, accelerators
- Technology services – web development, e-commerce
- Succession planning
- Recruitment and screening
This list is not exhaustive and applicants do not need to provide each of the services listed above to qualify as a technical service provider for this program. Business Oregon recognizes that applicants are best positioned to know what types of technical assistance are needed among the specific communities they support and this program is designed to allow them to help their clients respond and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The application period opens today, July 1, and applications will be accepted through July 17, 2020. Awards will be based on alignment with program goals, including demonstrated need and past experience providing similar services.
Application materials can be found linked here.
Funding offers will be contingent upon successful completion of the application process and negotiation between Business Oregon and funding recipients. All projects must be completed and grant funds must be expended by December 30, 2020. Unexpended funds will be returned to the U.S. Treasury in accordance with the CARES Act of 2020.
|
Face covering requirements apply to indoor public spaces beginning today
|
Our partners at OBI have synthesized the expectations for businesses below:
- Post clear signs at every entrance to your business stating that masks are required indoors.
- Post a staff member at each entrance telling customers that masks are required.
- If customers do not have a mask, provide one.
- If the customer refuses the mask, ask if they have a medical condition that would make wearing a mask difficult.
- If the customer indicates a medical condition exists, ask no further questions and allow the customer to enter.
- If the customer has no medical condition and still refuses a mask, tell them they may not enter the facility.
In addition, the Governor extended hercoronavirus emergency orderto September 4th. Compliance with her new statewide mask order will determine whether she will need to follow the lead of other states and reinstate business closures.
|
06.29.2020 Email from OR State Chamber of Commerce:
Governor Brown Extends Face Coverings Requirement Statewide
Governor Brown announced today that Oregonians statewide will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, beginning this Wednesday July 1st. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting indoor public spaces. Face covering requirements are already mandated in eight counties.
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) will take the lead, along with other state and local agencies, in enforcing face covering requirements for all covered Oregon businesses.
6/28 - Email received from CCD. Please contact me at the Chamber (judyml@brookingsharborchamber.com) and I can forward the CCD/State of Oregon COVID-19 Emergency Business Grant Application to you.
CCD will begin accepting completed applications on Monday, June 29th, 2020.
Submit application package to: covid19grants@ccdbusiness.com
OR deliver to one of CCD Business Development Corporation offices:
Coos Bay Office Roseburg Office
540 Anderson Ave. 522 SE Washington Ave., Ste 111A
Coos Bay, OR 97420 Roseburg, OR 97470
Thank you.
Theresa Haga, Executive Director/Finance Manager
CCD Business Development Corporation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2020
Contact: Sara Hottman (Merkley) – 503-326-3386
Merkley, Colleagues Introduce Proposal to Help Small Employers and Workers Weather COVID-19 Economic Storm
Legislation enables employers to share payroll costs with the federal government
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI), and a number of House members, are introducing the Rebuilding Main Street Act—legislation to help small businesses, nonprofits, and workers weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support safe reopening.
The bill would expand the existing work share program, which allows employers to share their payroll costs with the federal government, and provide grant help to cover other fixed costs such as rent and needs for reopening safely, including cleaning and protective equipment. Instead of being faced with a binary choice whether to keep or lay off workers, the bill would allow employers to adjust workers’ hours with the government ensuring that workers’ incomes don’t suffer.
After 14 straight weeks in which more than one million workers filed for unemployment benefits, the legislation would help laid off workers safety return to their jobs at reduced hours while continuing to receive a pro-rated unemployment benefit to make up for their lost wages.
“Since the coronavirus hit, I’ve heard from business owners and workers in every corner of my state that our communities need more help to get through this precedent-shattering crisis,” said Senator Merkley. “The path to the other side for small businesses and working families isn't lining the pockets of the wealthiest and most powerful executives of huge corporations. We need to rebuild our economy from Main Street up. This urgently needed legislation provides a blueprint for small businesses and their employees to drive our recovery.”
Employers and workers across the country are reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic shutdown. While Congress worked to pass four bipartisan legislative packages, large segments of the workforce and business sectors have not benefitted from the economic relief programs. The Rebuilding Main Street Act encourages and expands work sharing—an existing program supported by the CARES Act that still has much untapped potential—and provides additional support for employers and employees struggling during this time.
This legislation is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including: AFL-CIO, Main Street Alliance, National Employment Law Project, Economic Policy Institute, National Women’s Law Center, Common Defense, Center for American Progress, American Sustainable Business Council, MomsRising, Communication Workers of America, United Steelworkers, and American Federation of Teachers.
“The Rebuilding Main St. Act solves the riddle of how to both preserve payrolls and businesses, and in so doing, it paves the way for a gradual, phased-in opening followed by a more robust recovery,” said Jared Bernstein, Senior Fellow, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
“The Rebuilding Main Street Act is a smart and flexible program that gives employers the flexibility they need to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, while keeping their workforces in place and ensuring their workers maintain their salaries and benefits. This is an approach to building resilience and creating the certainty that business owners and their employees need to pivot and sustain during these uncertain times,” said Amanda Ballantyne, Executive Director, Main Street Alliance.
In addition, this legislation is cosponsored by Representatives Gerald E. Connolly (D-VA-11), Joe Courtney (D-CT-2), Jesús G. “Chuy” García (D-IL-4), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Andy Levin (D-MI-9), Grace F. Napolitano (D-CA-32), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-At Large), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-8), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13).
A fact sheet on the Rebuilding Main Street Act is available here and bill text is available here.
6/24/20 Email received"
Dear Economic Development Partners.
CCD Business Development Corporation was successful in receiving funds from the State of Oregon COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance Program. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to small businesses adversely affected by economic conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic that have not received federal emergency assistance under the federal CARES Act or other federal programs to date.
The funds will be disbursed to eligible small businesses located in Coos, Curry or Douglas Counties in the form of grants.
The funds are intended to be equally accessible to all businesses including the historically disadvantaged population groups (Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Women Owned Businesses.)
Below is the program information sheet. Please feel free to share…
CCD will begin accepting applications on Monday, June 29th, 2020.
If requested, the grant application is accessible in multiple languages.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I appreciate your time.
Thank you.
Theresa Haga, Executive Director/Finance Manager
CCD Business Development Corporation
OR State Chamber Advocacy Update:
Special Session begins tomorrow, June 24th |
|
Tomorrow, the Oregon legislature will convene in a special session to address various policy issues including policing reforms, COVID-response, and a laundry list of other items which will include some bills that failed during the 2020 short session.
The list of ancillary bills under consideration changes by the hour - we do not yet have a clear sense of what all of those issues will be as discussions about the total slate of bills are happening out of public view.
We do know, however, the core grouping of bills that will be considered. You can see them here. We will reiterate that this special session is not focused on the state budget (which is currently $1.8 billion in deficit). There will be a follow-up special session later this summer that will include some painful budget decisions. It is likely that legislators will want to see if any additional revenue materializes - either through federal legislation or increased state revenues - before making those decisions.
The special session tomorrow will pose unique challenges that threaten to derail it altogether. First, the logistics of the session - social distancing, a capitol building closed to the public, and limits on the number of people in closed spaces will test the limits of how the legislature can conduct its business in a timely way. Second, the politics of the session are challenging as there appears to be little agreement on which bills to pass coupled with an ever-expanding list of bills being sought by legislators. In short, there doesn't appear to be a plan.
|
Email 6/12/20 from Sen. Merkley's office:
As a reminder, our office will be sending Top Lines out on a less frequent/as-needed basis from this point forward.
June 12th COVID-19 Toplines from Senator Merkley’s Office
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Coronavirus Website:
You can see the regularly updated information the Senator and his team are posting about COVID-19 by visiting his website.
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Operation: Main Street Economic Recovery Hub:
Senator Merkley’s COVID-19 economic recovery hub webpage includes regularly updated information he’s posting there for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
The Latest from Senator Merkley:
·Addressing possible foreign exploitation of U.S. domestic divisions: Senator Merkley joined with his Republican colleague, Senator Todd Young, to request a briefing from the U.S. Director of National Intelligence on information about the U.S. intelligence community’s efforts to monitor and combat foreign interference aimed to exploit divisions within the US, particularly as the 2020 general election approaches. In recent months, foreign governments have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, protests around the death of George Floyd, to spread disinformation, sow division, and potentially infiltrate grassroots movements in the U.S. This foreign interference poses numerous threats to American democracy and freedom around the world
·Supporting higher education students and institutions: Senator Merkley led a group of 31 senators in urging Senate leadership to include $47 billion in financial support for students and institutions of higher learning in the upcoming coronavirus relief package.
·Supporting digital news outlets: Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden urged Senate leadership to include support for digital-native news outlets in future COVID-19 response legislation. During this pandemic, these outlets have provided information to Americans on health and safety measures and reopening protocols in communities across the country. Digital-native outlets rely primarily on advertising revenue, yet the pandemic has caused a severe drop in this revenue, threatening thousands of jobs and jeopardizing the future of these news outlets.
·Advocating for Oregonians experiencing homelessness: Senator Merkley announced more than $68 million in federal homeless assistance funding headed to Oregon to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus outbreaks among individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness in Oregon. This is the second allotment of the funding allocated to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Emergency Solutions Grants by the CARES Act Congress passed in March.
New resource in attached list of helpful links is OHA’s funding opportunities for community-based organizations focused on community engagement, education, and outreach; contact tracing; and social services and wraparound services
Press Release from John Bacon, SBDC:
Recovery Help Available from the Southwestern Oregon Community College Small Business Development Center
COOS BAY, Ore—Assistance is available for small businesses working on recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic through the Small Business Development Center at Southwestern Oregon Community College. This assistance includes confidential advising available at no-cost to business owners, online trainings and connections with experts and resources from around the region and the state.
“Our team is dedicated to helping businesses through the pandemic, recovery and beyond,” said John Bacon, director of the Southwestern Small Business Development Center. “We have helped many small businesses navigate the various state and federal resources, finding the best solutions and helping them find long-term success.”
All advising at the Small Business Development Center is available at no-cost to business owners and is confidential. Advising is paid for by the Small Business Administration and the State of Oregon with the goal of helping businesses gain the resources and knowledge to thrive. Online classes are also available to help business owners hone specific skills to run their businesses successfully. The Small Business Development Center also offers advising and classes in Spanish.
“Talking with John from the SBDC cleared up some important details to help us pivot and thrive. He was very helpful helping us figure out the EIDL and PPP programs and most recently helping direct me to new hire opportunities and resources,” said Kevin Shaw of Coastal Mist Fine Chocolates and Desserts. “In a nutshell, the SBDC has been a treasure trove of information vital to our business’s survival and we are very grateful for John’s knowledge and help!”
To learn more about SBDC services or make an appointment, visit https://bizcenter.org/centers/southwestern-sbdc/or call 541-888-7001.
6/11/20 - Email received from Shaun Gibbs, E.D., SCDC:
|
Business Oregon Announces Second Round of Matching Grants from the Oregon Small Business Relief Fund
Salem, OR — Today, Business Oregon announced the recipients of $5 million in grant funding through its Emergency Business Assistance Grant Fund, created by Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Legislature to assist small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Fund has a total of $10 million available, allocated through three rounds of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for different types of applicants. This is the second of the three rounds.
This round solicited proposals from Economic Development Districts (EDDs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These organizations are intermediaries that will in turn issue grants to local small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, among other parameters. The program also encourages efforts to provide access to sole proprietors and historically disadvantaged business owners.
Business Oregon funded each of the 12 applications received. The applicants requested a total of $7.5 million, but only $5 million is available in this round. Awards were allocated to achieve a good geographic distribution of funding for small businesses across the state. Final amounts to each will be announced shortly as contracts are finalized with each recipient, but the median award will be approximately $300,000.
|
Applicant
|
City
|
Region
|
|
Central Oregon Inter-governmental Council
|
Bend
|
Central
|
|
Mid-Columbia EDD
|
The Dalles
|
Central
|
|
Coos, Curry Douglas EDD
|
Coos Bay
|
Coastal
|
|
Columbia Pacific EDD
|
Columbia City
|
Coastal
|
|
Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corp.
|
Pendleton
|
Eastern
|
|
Northeast Oregon EDD
|
Enterprise
|
Eastern
|
|
Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO)
|
Portland
|
Metro
|
|
South Central Oregon EDD
|
Klamath Falls
|
Southern
|
|
Community Lending Works
|
Springfield
|
Valley
|
|
Mid-Willamette Valley COG
|
Salem
|
Valley
|
|
Affiliated Tribes of NW Indians
|
Dallas
|
Statewide
|
|
Credit Union Collaborative
|
Statewide
|
Statewide
|
CU: Credit Union, EDD: Economic Development District, COG: Council of Governments
The Credit Union Collaborative consists of four credit unions: Central Willamette CU, Consolidated Community CU, Point West CU and Trailhead CU
To fill gaps not reached by other programs, the awardees will direct these funds to businesses that have not received federal CARES Act funding, including the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, or other federal programs for emergency pandemic funding. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses, including helping to reopen in line with state guidance.
A full description of the program details and application requirements areon our website. Proposals for the final third round of funding will be solicited later in June.
Media Contact:Nathan Buehler, 503-689-3559.
|
|
|
|
Updates from Alex Campbell at Regional Solutions:
- NTIA’s BroadbandUSA Practical Broadband Conversations Webinar
Topic: Utilizing Federal Data to Measure the Digital Divide
Wednesday, June 17, 2020; 2 to 3:00 p.m. ET
Please pre-register for the webinar using this registration link. [See also their webinar archives]
Erin Reynolds, City Manager of Florence, passed the following along for tourism based entities looking for some food for thought about marketing:
- Travel Lane County’s COVID-19 Instilling Confidence in Travel Campaign.
6/5/20 Email from Summer Matteson, Econ. Dev. Curry County
Curry County has been approved to move forward into Phase 2 (press release attached). As we move in that direction, here is some information you may find helpful.
Phase 2 guidance is now on-line: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
Venues & Event Operators Guidance: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351D.pdf
Gatherings / General Guidance: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351G.pdf [cap for venues is 250]
Baseline guidance for zoos/museums/gardens is up as well: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351H.pdf
Other Phase 2 guidance:
County Guidance for Entering Phase 2
Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment Facilities Guidance
Restaurants & Bars Guidance
Swimming Pools, Spas, & Sports Courts Guidance
Recreational Sport Guidance
6/4/20 Email from Shawn Gibbs at SCDC:
Missing Phase 2 guidance is now on-line: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19
Venues & Event Operators Guidance: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351D.pdf
Gatherings / General Guidance: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351G.pdf [cap for venues is 250]
Baseline guidance for zoos/museums/gardens is up as well: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2351H.pdf
New exec order is not up yet, but will include updated travel guidance for Phase 2.
Other Phase 2 guidance:
County Guidance for Entering Phase 2
Indoor & Outdoor Entertainment Facilities Guidance
Restaurants & Bars Guidance
Swimming Pools, Spas, & Sports Courts Guidance
Recreational Sport Guidance
6/4/20 Email received from OR State Chamber:
|
Guidance for PHASE 2 Re-opening Announced
Governor continues with regional approach
|
At a press conference yesterday, Governor Brown announced details for Phase 2 reopening.There are 31 counties that can apply now to enter Phase 2 this Friday, June 5.
Counties that enter Phase 2 will be able to continue with the reopening process, following updated health and safety guidance:
- Gathering limits will be raised to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.
- Indoor and outdoor venues, including theaters and churches, with 6 feet of physical distancing and other measures in place, can reach a COVID-19 occupancy limit of up to 250.
Reopening Guidance - Venue and Event Operators
Reopening Guidance - Gatherings
- Offices can begin reopening and employees can return to workplaces with physical distancing and other measures in place, though remote work is still strongly recommended whenever possible.
- Increased travel will be allowed throughout Oregon, though staying local is still recommended to prevent overloading county health systems.
- Restaurants and bars will have curfews extended to midnight.
- Pools and sports courts will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.
- Indoor and outdoor activities such as bowling, batting cages, and mini golf, will be allowed to reopen under new guidance.
- Recreational sports can resume in a limited form, under strict physical distancing guidance.
More information on reopening guidelines and county status for the phases can be found at coronavirus.oregon.gov
|
|
Senate approves Paycheck Protection Program reform bill
|
|
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senatepassed the Paycheck Protection Program reform bill, clearing it for President Trump's signature. The bill was passed the in the House last week.
The bill makes the following changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP):
- Extends the loan term from 8 weeks to 24 weeks
- Lowers the percentage of loan proceeds that must be used on payroll from 75% to 60%, and
- Extends the PPP from June 30th to Dec. 31, 2020.
Read the full story
|
5/30 Email from Shaun Gibbs, SCDC
Below are combined updates for this week from RST. Also, if you have businesses in your areas that are still looking for help and resources, we put together a regional directory for points of contact here - https://www.scdcinc.org/organizational-directory.html the majority are being sent towards the SBDC, however, if businesses have general questions any of the partners in the region can help.
Oregon DMV’s will be re-opening by appointment: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORDOT/bulletins/28dde9d
Governor Kate Brown has directed approximately 1 million KN95 masks and 5,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for farmworkers and agricultural producers. This critical PPE is available at no cost to the agricultural community to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Distribution takes place in various counties starting this week. Learn more.
The Health Resources and Services Administration is providing grants to promote rural tele-emergency services with an emphasis on tele-stroke, tele-behavioral health and tele-emergency medical services. The application deadline is June 15. Apply here.
Oregon’s new Supply Connector portal for acquiring Personal Protective Equipment is now operational. The portal will allow PPE suppliers and distributors to connect directly with companies needing those products. The database is accessible nationwide and may be searched directly for opportunities in Oregon.
The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association has developed checklists providing safety strategies and protocols for restaurants and lodging properties. The checklists are available on ORLA's website.
An FAQ for Fitness-Related organization reopening guidelines is now posted: https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2390d.pdf
Governor Kate Brown announces Phase 1 approval for Washington County: Governor Kate Brown announced Thursday that Washington County can begin entering Phase I of reopening on Monday, June 1 under her framework for building a safe and strong Oregon. Read the news release.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department today released a list of state park campgrounds that are scheduled to open with limited services within the coming days. Some services will be curtailed, and most cabin and yurt camping remains closed. Group camping remains closed across the state. Read more.
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that it is setting aside $10 billion of Round 2 funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to be lent exclusively by Community Development Financial Institutions. Learn more.
Governor Kate Brown announces $30 Million investment to protect agricultural workers and secure Oregon’s food supply chain: Governor Kate Brown today announced a $30 million investment to secure Oregon's food supply chain and protect essential agricultural workers. The Governor's Office worked with state agencies, farmers, and farmworker advocates to develop a funding proposal to deploy rapid support and resources to Oregon's agricultural producers to meet harvest demands and to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Read more.
State issues emergency orders for most common types of insurance: The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services’ Division of Financial Regulation issued emergency orders for property and casualty, long-term care, and life and disability insurance. The orders mean that the most common insurance policies, such as auto, home, term and whole life, and long-term care have minimum grace periods to pay premiums and protect consumers by mandating how long claims must be paid. Read the news release.
The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis looks at recently released county-level unemployment data caused by COVID-19 and explains why the severity of job losses across the state is not uniform. Read the blog post.
5/22 Email from Summer Matteson, Econ. Dev., Curry County
Resources
·Business Oregon is offering new resources to help small businesses with PPE (personal protective equipment) issues.
Reminder, outside of health care & personal services, there are generally no PPE requirements or suggestions above/beyond face coverings (cloth face covering or face shield) in any of the sector guidance.
The Oregon PPE Network (OPEN) & Supply Connector are just launching … and Business Oregon has a site dedicated to the topic here: https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/#reopen
·May 20 Oregon revenue forecast here: https://www.oregon.gov/das/OEA/Pages/forecastecorev.aspx
·The Governor’s COVID-19 website now has links to the temporary rule for agricultural operations and suggested guidance for the construction sector, both from OSHA: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19/
·ORLA Provides Safety Checklists for Restaurant and Lodging Operations: Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association (ORLA) launched checklists on Monday, providing safety strategies and protocols for restaurants and lodging properties. The checklists are available on ORLA's website.
Funding opportunities
CDBG funds available for application (these were existing CDBG funds, NOT new CARES Act CBG funds): $1.75M for COVID-19 response assistance and $2M for small business/micro-enterprise assistance. All program funds are available on a first-come first-serve basis. Eligible applications will be accepted until all the allocated funding has been exhausted.
·Small Business and Micro-enterprise Assistance
Accessible to non-entitlement communities
Business Oregon will begin accepting applications on May 26, 2020.
View the NOFA and application details on Business Oregon’s website
·Emergency COVID-19 Response Assistance
Assistance for medical supplies manufacturing, facilities improvements in response to infectious disease, and increase public services in assisting the communities in responding to the risk of COVID-19. Similarly, these funds will be available for non-entitlement communities only. View program information, pre-application, and application details.
Here is info for grants for veterans up to $5,000. Apply to American-Made Heroes‘ COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, LINK (Our department is applying and will share if we receive the funding):
https://american-madeheroes.com/covid-19-veteran-relief-grant.php?utm_source=social&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=americanmadeheroes&ref=adv&fbclid=IwAR2T2T4dfG660JtuzMXhcRv8wINnFGzAdT0wyJvDPKSZJ1k0ACuUWMp1S-A
Not new, but good information for a re-visit
·Information from the US Economic Development Administration about COVID-19 related funding opportunities
·FDIC’s webinar about Consumer Protection for Native Americans in the Age of COVID-19 on May 28th
·Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention Grants application (due May 22nd)
·Senator Merkley’s COVID-19 economic recovery hub webpage includes regularly updated information he’s posting there for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
May 20th COVID-19 Toplines from Senator Merkley’s Office
The Latest from Senator Merkley:
·Standing up for students: Senator Merkley joined a bipartisan groupof 27 Senators, is urging Senate leadership to include robust funding for America’s schools, educators, and students in the next round of coronavirus relief funding.
·Protecting America’s farmworkers: Senator Merkley is leading a group of fellow senators in urging Senate leadership to establish and enforce adequate protections for America’s farmworkers—whose essential work enables families across America to keep food on the table during the coronavirus crisis. The letter comes as reports highlight farmworkers’ critical need for additional health and safety safeguards to protect themselves, their families, other workers, and the stability of the food supply amid the pandemic.
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Coronavirus Website:
You can see the regularly updated information the Senator and his team are posting about COVID-19 by visiting his website.
Helpful Resources from Senator Merkley’s Operation: Main Street Economic Recovery Hub:
Senator Merkley’s COVID-19 economic recovery hub webpage includes regularly updated information he’s posting there for small businesses and non-profit organizations.
No updates in today’s running list of resources but please feel free to share the following funding opportunities with people in your region who may be interested:
·Information from the US Economic Development Administration about COVID-19 related funding opportunities
·FDIC’s webinar about Consumer Protection for Native Americans in the Age of COVID-19 on May 28th
·Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s COVID-19 Emergency Response for Suicide Prevention Grants application (due May 22nd)
5/20/20 HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS - SURVEY:
Oregon State Chamber memo: We are continuing to collect feedback from businesses regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.
OSCC has the opportunity to present this information to the House Economic Development Committee next week. Feedback from local businesses is both timely and critical.
The Governor and state legislature needs to hear from impacted businesses today to secure the support they need to reopen and recover! Please take the survey below and share this link to the survey with local businesses in your community:https://conta.cc/3bMO2nb
|
Stories are being collected as part of an "...In Their Own Words" effort by the Oregon State Chamber of Commerce to collect unfiltered and real feedback from local businesses to help policymakers both understand what's happening to local businesses and adopt policies that hit the mark in helping with recovery.
|
5/14/20 - Email received from Merkley Press Office:
Good afternoon: I wanted to update you on Sen. Merkley’s efforts to get desperately needed relief to small businesses in Oregon.
Sen. Merkley today detailed new legislation that would expand the existing work share program, allowing employers to share their payroll costs with the federal government while receiving grants to help cover other fixed costs, like rent, and needs for reopening safely, like cleaning and protective equipment. This bill is based on feedback Sen. Merkley has heard from you and other small businesses across the state—so thank you for connecting with our office.
Click here for a link to the press release and a Facebook message from Sen. Merkley.
Thanks!
###
From: Merkley, Merkley Press Office (Merkley)
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2020 3:35 PM
To: Merkley, Merkley Press Office (Merkley) <MerkleyPressOffice@merkley.senate.gov>
Subject: Merkley, Colleagues Announce New Work Share Proposal to Help Employers and Workers Weather the Storm
News Release . . .
United States Senate
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2020
Contact: Sara Hottman (Merkley) – 503-326-3386
Merkley, Colleagues Announce New Work Share Proposal to Help Employers and Workers Weather the Storm
Unemployment numbers out today show nearly 36.5 million Americans have filed for unemployment since early march
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), today announced new legislation to help small businesses, nonprofits, and workers weather the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and support a safe reopening.
On a press conference call,the senators laid out the details of their proposal, the Rebuilding Main Street Act, which would expand the existing work share program to allow employers to share their payroll costs with the federal government, while receiving grant help to cover other fixed costs like rent and needs for reopening safely like cleaning and protective equipment.
Employers and workers across the country are reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic shutdown. While Congress worked to pass four bipartisan legislative packages, large segments of the workforce and business sectors have not benefitted from the economic relief programs.
“Throughout this pandemic, I’ve been in frequent touch with small business owners and workers in every corner of Oregon, and what I’ve heard time and time again is the need for flexibility and financial support as they work to re-open their business,” said Merkley. “Any effort to rebuild our economy must happen from Main Street up, not Wall Street down.”
The senators’ proposalencourages and expandswork sharing—an existing program supported by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that helps participating employers avoid layoffs by instead reducing the hours of their employees. The plan allows employers to scale their workers’ hours down—or up—with unemployment insurance funded by the federal government making up the difference. Instead of turning unemployment insurance on or off, it acts like a dimmer for businesses willing and able to keep employees on, just not at full time or salary.
In return, those businesses receive a grant for some of the costs of weathering this crisis and reopening once it’s safe to do so.
For a full summary of the Rebuilding Main Street Act, click here.
###
5/8/20 Email from Curry County Econ. Dev.
The President signed a new Executive Order promoting American seafood competitiveness and economic growth. This Executive Order will propel the United States forward as a seafood superpower by strengthening the American economy; improving the competitiveness of American industry; ensuring food security; providing environmentally safe and sustainable seafood; supporting American workers; and ensuring coordinated and transparent federal actions.
Specifically, the Executive Order calls for the expansion of sustainable U.S. seafood production through:
*More efficient and predictable aquaculture permitting
*Cutting-edge research and development
*Regulatory reform to maximize commercial fishing
*Enforcement of common-sense restrictions on seafood imports that do not meet American standards
Final sector guidance documents
Guidelines Regarding Face Covering Use in Public:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2288K.pdf
Phase One Reopening Guidance for the Public:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342D.pdf
Sector Guidance: RETAIL:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342A.pdf
Sector Guidance: RESTAURANTS/BARS/BREWERIES/TASTING ROOMS/DISTILLERIES:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342B.pdf
Sector Guidance: OUTDOOR RECREATION:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342E.pdf
Sector Guidance: PERSONAL SERVICES:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342F.pdf
General Guidance for Employers:
https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le2342C.pdf
The Governor’s Office, in cooperation with local Chambers of Commerce, is offering a series of webinars to help small business owners understand the guidelines for the first phase (Phase 1) of re-opening businesses despite the continued risk of COVID-19 transmission.
(The written version of the information that we will review is available on the OHA website at: https://govstatus.egov.com/OR-OHA-COVID-19. Look for “OHA Guidance and Rules” beneath Governor’s Orders and OHA Guidance about half-way down the page.)
Each webinar will include:
¨A review of the time-line (it is likely that counties in Southern Oregon will be entering Phase 1 on May 15)
¨A review of general business guidelines
¨A review of guidance for your specific industry sector
¨An opportunity to ask questions (and perhaps get answers!)
The webinars will be offered on Tuesday, May 12th.
9 AM: Re-Opening Retail
10 AM: Re-Opening Restaurants/Bars/Tasting Rooms
11 AM: Re-Opening Personal Services Businesses (hair and nail salons, massage, tattoo parlors, etc.)
Webinar access information:
Topic: Re-Opening Retail
Time: May 12, 2020 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/91667563867
Meeting ID: 916 6756 3867
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,91667563867# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,91667563867# US (Tacoma)
Topic: Re-Opening Restaurants/Bars/Tasting Rooms
Time: May 12, 2020 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/92473826007
Meeting ID: 924 7382 6007
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,92473826007# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,92473826007# US (Houston)
Topic: Re-Opening Personal Services
Time: May 12, 2020 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/97293015975
Meeting ID: 972 9301 5975
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,97293015975# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,97293015975# US (Houston)
If you are unable to attend the webinar, please let us know and we will share the information with you.
* The Business Oregon Small Business Navigator is updated daily, with many resources open to nonprofits.
* Travel Oregon has established a COVID-19 Emergency Response Grant Program. It has a short opening window to apply – May 11-15th. The fund is $800,000 and specifically targets rural/small businesses and those who have NOT received funds from EIDL or PPP. Details can be found here: https://industry.traveloregon.com/opportunities/grants/covid-19-emergency-response-grant-program/ Need assistance with the application process? We can help!
Many of the events in town are being Cancelled or Rescheduled. We are making every attempt to update the Event Calendar, but we are not always made aware when an event is Cancelled or Rescheduled. Thank you for all your patience.
The downloadable map feature that you will find in the lower left corner does support ZOOM feature for enhance viewing both on desk top and mobile devices.
RELOCATION/VISITOR PACKAGE-CLICK PHOTO BELOW