Dear Members,

We are in uncharted territory with the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) throughout Utah and the world.  As would be expected, our ChamberWest Executive Committee has directed staff to follow recommended precautions and closely monitor the impact to our business community.  There are a few cancellations, postponements, and new ways of doing business planned.   We are currently planning to have our staff work from home but for those needing a Certificate of Origin signed, please call in advance to make arrangements as we will work to accommodate your needs. 

On our website has valuable information with updated news and information directed towards business and community.  As we find or are made aware of anything that we believe will be helpful, we will add it to the website.  Just this week, I’m participating on conference calls or virtual roundtable discussions with the Utah State Chambers of Commerce, the US Chamber of Commerce and Representative Ben McAdams to talk about implications of the COVID-19 virus to business. 

We have news of SBA loans that are now available for businesses impacted financially by the virus with the online application accessible at www.sba.gov/disaster.  If you need assistance, the SBA Disaster Assistance customer service center can be reached at 1-800-659-2955.  The loans are available for up to $2 million dollars with differing requirements based on amount needed.  The terms are 3.75% interest for small businesses, 2.75% interest rate for non-profits, both with repayment terms available of up to 30 years. Loans may be used for payrolls, fixed debts, accounts payable, or other bills.  The SBA is committed to work with businesses to create a plan based on their ability to repay the loan.  Our city, county, state, and federal governments are all working hard to ensure safety for families and continuity for businesses. 

Access the summary of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (HR 6201), which passed the House late Friday night/Saturday morning and will be taken up by the Senate in the coming days.  Some of the key highlights include expanded unemployment insurance and mandatory paid sick and FMLA leave for businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
 
The Utah Department of Workforce Solutions is providing information and resources regarding employment, child care assistance and food assistance.
 
For our tourism members, the Utah Office of Tourism has put together a COVID-19 Tool Kit with the latest resources and messages affecting tourism.
 
We are very interested in hearing from you over the next few weeks so we can amplify your issues and concerns.  In order for us to effectively do this, we need to hear from you.  What are you experiencing during this time?  How are your employees being affected?  Do you have what you need to keep your doors open?
 
To date, we have cancelled the Women in Business Spring Conference as it draws between 150-200 people.  Anyone who has already registered can carry forward that registration to the Fall Business Conference scheduled on September 16^th.  We will incorporate some of the topics from the spring conference into the fall conference line up which will make this conference even more powerful for our community.  At least until the end of April, other meetings and events will be held via ZOOM, will be cancelled, or postponed.  We are working to find alternative dates for the April job fair as this is an event that will become even more critical as we work through the virus and the impact on our business community.  We’ll be hosting a Tourism Committee Meeting via ZOOM at the end of the month.  Our April Professional Development Session on April 23^rd will be held via ZOOM with the topic of Medical Cannabis in Your Workplace – Your obligations and Options.  Communications and connections will definitely be different. 

On a positive note, we recognize the need for connections during social distancing and that staying in contact will become even more important through electronic means.  To accomplish this continued connection, we have created an online group via Facebook Groups for virtual connections and conversations.  Look for the group named ChamberWest Business Connections and join us. In this group you can stay connected with us and other chamber members by sharing job postings, issues, best practices, hear or provide updates, and ask and answer questions. 

Further, we will be hosting Business Connections Online in place of Business Connections & Bowling/Axe Throwing.  This will be an online experience with businesses able to have important dialog on issues of interest.  Thank you for your understanding as we work with you with business perseverance and success in mind.  We appreciate the opportunity to serve you as your Chamber of Commerce.  Thank you!
Barbara
Barbara S. Riddle, CMP
President/CEO
801-540-6312
www.ChamberWest.com