Dear Members and Friends of the Chamber:
As we work to bring solutions to our members in the coming days, we encourage you to fill out this simple two-part survey. This survey will allow us to align our efforts more strategically in the development of solutions for your individual situation. We will collect input through Monday, March 30th at 5pm. Please take 2 minutes to share your direct needs. We appreciate your feedback.
We are constantly monitoring federal and state business resources, specifically legislative updates. A comprehensive list is available on our website here. I encourage you to review this daily as updates are made very frequently. Here is some recent news on the federal and state level:
Federal Updates
Last night, the U.S. Senate reached an agreement to pass a $2 trillion stimulus package to help combat the effects of COVID-19 (Families First Coronavirus Response Act). While the language of the bill has not yet been released, the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce is eager to see movement on the federal level to help stabilize the nation’s health system and economy. The FFCRA contains provisions around unemployment benefits, paid family leave, paid sick leave and a host of other resources. The U.S. Department of Labor published guidance explaining paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under this act, which is expected to take effect April 1. Some key facts are included below.
A friendly reminder, the Disaster Loan Program is now available to small businesses and nonprofits through the U.S. Small Business Administration. More information can be found here. You are also welcome to contact the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development’s Client Manager, Noah Postin, at npostin@galesburg.org, with application questions. As you can imagine, the process can be arduous and Noah is the expert to help you navigate.
State Updates
Yesterday, Governor Pritzker announced a new package of emergency assistance programs for small businesses in need of additional capital, totaling more than $90 million. Illinois businesses will be able to apply to these programs on the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website. “These funds will provide small businesses on the brink with much needed working capital to continue making payroll and paying other bills while our administration continues to advocate for additional resources from the federal government,” saysErin Guthrie, Director of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Three areas of relief are detailed: Illinois Hospitality Emergency Grant Program, Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, and Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. Read more about each of the relief opportunities here.
Moving Forward
In the coming days, we aim to maintain our movement forward as a united community. In this mission, we hope to inspire you to share our free, no strings attached membership opportunity to a neighboring business who needs connected to vital resources. Please send my contact details to your business friend and let them know your chamber is rooting for them! We are all in this together.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me anytime. We are working for our community and we are here for you.
Sincerely,
Pam
***Report Courtesy of the Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce***
