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Taking Care of Business
during the COVID-19 pandemic in Maine

A video message from Maine State Chamber of Commerce President, Dana Connors (3/17/2020)
The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine’s regional and local chambers of commerce are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation.  We recognize that information is plentiful and fast-changing, but not always accurate or well-organized.  ​With that in mind, we have developed this site to help you find answers to critical questions relating to this crisis and Maine businesses.  We are hopeful that this resource will assist you in taking care of you and your family, your employees, your business, and your community.  As always, we are here to answer your questions and to listen to your concerns.  Please, connect with us by emailing us now.
Caring for:
  • You and Your Family
  • Your Employees
  • Your Business
  • Your Community
ASK THE EXPERTS
​Ask your question now.
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Local resources from:
Your Chamber Family

THE LATEST NEWS (Updated November 4, 2020)

November 3, 2020 --
Maine Department of Labor Resources for Laid-Off Workers

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CLICK/TAP TO OPEN PDF
July 14, 2020 -- Webinar 11 - Understanding Communications: Messages that Connect during COVID times

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CLICK/TAP TO WATCH 
July 6, 2020 - Maine State Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dana Connors joined George Hale and Ric Tyler this morning on WVOM to discuss the Chamber's "This is ME Counting on You" campaign.

CLICK/TAP HERE TO LISTEN
June 25, 2020 - Samoset Resort GM, Connie Russell, joined Maine Travel Maven Hillary Nangle to discuss updates at the Samoset Resort.

June 16, 2020 - ​Maine State Chamber, Department of Labor outline WorkShare program as an alternative to COVID-19 layoffs

READ THE ARTICLE  HERE
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June 8, 2020 - The Maine State Chamber of Commerce's Commitment to Equality, Equity, and Opportunity for All

READ THE ARTICLE HERE
June 4, 2020 - Webinar 7 - How to support the new work from home model

WATCH THE RECORDING HERE
​

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May 22, 2020 - National Association of Manufacturers' (NAM) Manufacturing Leadership Council unveiled a new online information center today dedicated to COVID-19 operational resources.

Among the new resources, “New Operational Practices to Consider in the Time of COVID-19”  

May 20, 2020 - ​Maine State Chamber Launches ‘This is ME Counting on You’ Campaign Encouraging Mainers to Do Their Part to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

​Acting safely and responsibly “is the best way we can support one another, our communities, and Maine businesses so we reopen successfully, and economic recovery can begin.”

SEE THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

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May 14, 2020 - Dana Connors joined George Hale and Ric Tyler this morning (5/14/2020) to discuss the Maine Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives' (MACCE) business survey.

LISTEN TO THE RECORDING HERE
May 13, 2020 - More than 1,460 Maine Businesses Share Concerns, Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic and Mills Administration’s Reopening Plan

“Re-starting Maine’s Economy” survey finds significant economic impact, constructive feedback for reopening and recovery...

SEE THE ARTICLE HERE

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May 13, 2020 - Webinar 5: Recent State and Federal Tax Changes and How They Affect Your Business

Did you miss our webinar on State and Federal tax policy changes?  No worries!  We recorded it and it's available right here!

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE


May 10, 2020 - ​​Help the Maine State Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Maine Public, the Maine Department of Education, and Educate Maine have joined forces to create original, educational programming for grade school students in Grades 3 to 5. Dedicated teachers from across Maine have developed original video lessons, pulling content from their own lesson plans and sources to provide exceptional learning opportunities for Maine students.

SEE THE STORY HERE
May 8, 2020 - ​Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Comments on Governor Mills’ Rural Reopening Plan

"The Maine State Chamber of Commerce welcomes Governor Mills' announcement today that she is opening 12 counties for certain businesses earlier than her original reopening plan outlined..."

SEE THE STORY HERE
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May 6, 2020 - Governor Mills Convenes Expert Committee to Advise on State’s Economic Recovery

Business leaders, education officials, non-profits, labor and tribal representatives, economic development experts, and elected officials to shape economic recovery. 

Maine State Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Dana Connors appointed to committee.

SEE THE STORY HERE
May 6, 2020 - Did you miss today's presentation of Webinar 4 - Challenges for Manufacturing, International Trade, and Energy?  No worries; we recorded it and it's right here!

WATCH WEBINAR 4 HERE
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April 28, 2020 - Governor Mills Announces 4-Stage Plan to Restart Maine’s Economy – Stage 1 Begins May 1st

This afternoon, Governor Janet Mills presented her Administration’s plan to gradually and safely restart Maine’s economy. The plan, which comes as the State appears to be successfully flattening the curve, establishes four gradual stages of reopening, the first of which begins May 1st. 

SEE THE STORY HERE
April 23, 2020 - Governor Mills Outlines Vision for a Gradual, Safe Reopening of Maine’s Economy

Science, public health, and collaboration will drive Maine’s phased-in approach to reopening the economy when the time is right.

SEE THE STORY HERE
April 23, 2020 - In case you missed it:  This week's episode features a discussion with Maine Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Kimberly Smith

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE HERE
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April 22, 2020 - Webinar 2 - The Intersection of Workers' Comp and COVID-19

VIEW IT HERE
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April 16, 2020 - and Associated General Contractors (AGC) Maine CEO Matt Marks joined Dana Connors on today's "Bottom Line" podcast.

April 15, 2020  - Webinar 1 - Navigating the Legal and Financial issues during COVID-19 pandemic:  Presented Exclusively for Maine’s Construction Industry

VIEW IT HERE
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April 15, 2020 - Congressman Jared Golden held Small Business Listening Sessions on Wed., April 8, 2020. Listen to the replay below.


April 9, 2020 - With Many Helping Hands, Good Things Are Happening

Businesses of all kinds are stepping up to help one another and our fellow Mainers during the pandemic. Whether it is donating food, innovating COVID-19 test kits, making medical gear or hand sanitizer, training workers in needed fields, or making sure kids have access to the internet to do their school work, Maine businesses are making extraordinary contributions in this crisis.

VIEW WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE
​
April 7, 2020 - ​Webinar: What Every Employer Needs to Know During COVID-19

Katy Rand, Partner at Pierce Atwood and Peter Gore, Executive Vice President at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce offered a webinar that covered all issues for employers during the COVID-19.  The webinar occurred on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM. | View it here...
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April 4, 2020 - A Guide to understanding Small Business loans available through the CAREs Act

This one-pager offers a thumbnail sketch of Economic Injury Disaster Loans AND the Paycheck Protection Program. | Read it here...
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April 3, 2020 - Paycheck Protection Program Borrower Application Form

Download the Borrower application form here.

April 3, 2020 - Paycheck Protection Program - Lender Application Form 

Download the Lender application form here.
April 2, 2020 - A Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19. | Read it here...
April 2, 2020 - A Guide to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

​The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters. | Read it here...
April 2, 2020 - UPDATED: Small Business Guide and Checklist for the Paycheck Protection Program

On Friday, March 27, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. As part of the $2.2 trillion stimulus funds included in the CARES Act, $350 billion is allocated to help small businesses. Known as the “Paycheck Protection Program,” small businesses that maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for 100% federally guaranteed emergency loans. These loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward | Read it here...

March 31, 2020 - ​Governor Mills Issues Stay Healthy at Home Mandate

Governor Janet Mills today issued a series of substantial new mandates to protect public health and safety in the face of COVID-19, including a Stay Healthy at Home directive that requires people living in Maine to stay at home at all times unless for an essential job or an essential personal reason, such as obtaining food, medicine, health care, or other necessary purposes... | Read more here
March 31, 2020 - Dana Connors discusses "Payroll Protection Program" on WVOM.

Dana Connors joined Ric Tyler on the George Hale Ric Tyler Show this morning to talk about the application process for the “Paycheck Protection Program.” The Paycheck Protection Program is a provision that, with the leadership of Senator Susan Collins, became part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act that was enacted last week. It is an important tool for saving small businesses and the jobs of their employees.
March 30, 2020 6:20 AM - Dana Connors joined Matt Gagnon on WGAN this morning to discuss the CARE Act that was recently signed into law.

CARE Act is the $2.2 trillion federal financial assistance package that will bring much-needed resources to employees and employers nationwide during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis.
March 29, 2020 12:00 PM - Understanding Stimulus Packages

On March 26, 2020, U.S. Chamber Foundation education and workforce leadership partnered with U.S. Chamber employment and small business policy leadership to discuss the implications of recently passed COVID-19 stimulus legislation on the workplace, small business, early childhood education, and K-12 education. 

March 27, 2020  - Maine State Chamber of Commerce Statement on Federal COVID-19 Stimulus Package

 “The Maine State Chamber of Commerce greatly appreciates the work Maine’s federal delegation, U.S. Congress and the White House have done to craft the bipartisan, $2 trillion CARE Act stimulus package... | Read more here...
March 25, 2020 - Video Update from Dana Connors
March 25, 2020 - Maine Department of Economic and Community Development FAQ Regarding essential/non-essential businesses
​

Maine DECD has prepared an FAQ that offers answers to frequently asked questions about the Governor's Executive Order Number 19 | March 25, 2020 | Read it here...
March 25, 2020 - Maine Department of Labor FAQ for Unemployment Insurance
​

Maine Department of Labor has published a list of answers to frequently asked question (FAQ) | March 25, 2020 | Read it here...

March 25, 2020 - Keep American Workers Paid and Employed Act
​

This is a one-pager that describes the Keep American Workers Paid and Employed Act that was sponsored by Senator Susan Collins, Senator Marco Rubio, Senator Ben Cardin, and Senator Jeanne Shaheen. | Read it here...
March 24, 2020 - Maine State Chamber of Commerce Statement on Governor Mills’ Executive Order

“The Maine State Chamber of Commerce appreciates Governor Mills’ leadership on COVID-19 and that the number one priority at this time is safeguarding the public’s health,” said Dana Connors, president of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce... | Read it here...
March 23, 2020 - Maine credit union offers to defer loans to its members
​

The company says the optional 3-month program will be offered to members regardless if they have been directly impacted by the virus or not. | Read it here..
March 22, 2020 - The Latest Information from
Maine Department of Economic & Community Development
Updated 

​
Information about aid for individuals and employees and state and federal aid for small business owners | Read it here...
March 22, 2020 - COVID-19 Update from the Chamber

​
To follow is a summary of financial assistance available for Maine’s small businesses from state and federal resources.  Whether you are looking for immediate assistance or are uncertain about the financial future of your business, we encourage you to connect with your financial institution ASAP.  Start the conversation now.
|  Read it here...

March 24, 2020 - SPECIAL NEWS ALERT: Governor Mills Orders Further Steps to Protect Public Health

Governor also urges large essential businesses to limit in-store customers, enhance curbside pick-up and delivery services, and implement physical distancing measures to protect customer and employee health | Read it here...
March 20, 2020 - Video Update from Dana Connors
FAME Partners with SBA, ME Lenders on COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs
​

​The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) is partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and local Maine lenders to offer special, limited-time loans and loan insurance to eligible Maine businesses affected by COVID-19. | March 19, 2019| Read it here...
Dana Connors Joined Ric Tyler & Lee Speronis on WVOM's GHRT Show this morning (3/19/2020 08:30 AM)

State, regional and local chambers of commerce continue efforts to support Maine businesses during COVID-19 pandemic
​

Chambers are working together to advocate for businesses, sharing resources available to businesses, and promoting ideas to help small businesses | March 18, 2020 | Read it here...

March 18, 2020 Update from Dana Connors
NewsCenterMaine: Gov. Mills' emergency COVID-19 response bills pass through Legislature​
​

The bills passed include an emergency unemployment bill and $11 million in State funding for COVID-19 response; Mills will sign the bills tomorrow... [More]
Initial Statement from the Maine State Chamber Regarding COVID-19

From Maine State Chamber President, Dana Connors | March 13, 2020 | Read it here...
Copyright Maine State Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved.
 128 State Street | Suite 101 | Augusta, ME 04330-5630
 Phone: (207) 623-4568
For media inquiries, please contact Katie Clark (207) 233-2230
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
    • Connect with Us
    • Affiliates & Partners
    • Meet the Team
    • Our Board
    • Local Chambers of Commerce
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Member Companies
    • Member Search
  • Public Policy
    • Public Policy Committees
    • Grassroot Resources
    • Find Your Legislator >
      • Representatives
      • Senators
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • Annual Meeting and Dinner
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Day at the Statehouse
    • Board Meetings & Board Events
    • DC Fly-In
    • Legislative Strictly Social
    • Regional Breakfasts
    • Scramble for Scholars
    • Webinars by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce
  • Initiatives
    • Education Foundation
    • Keep Maine Competitive
    • Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)
    • Senior Leaders of Tomorrow Development Program
  • Newsroom
    • Impact Newsletter
    • The Bottom Line
    • The Maine Take
    • Making Maine Work
    • MERI Roll Call
    • OneVoice Maine Magazine
    • Policy Brief Series with Educate Maine
    • Press Kit
    • External Social Media Policy
  • Member Login