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THE LATEST NEWS (Updated November 4, 2020)
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November 3, 2020 --
Maine Department of Labor Resources for Laid-Off Workers 
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July 14, 2020 -- Webinar 11 - Understanding Communications: Messages that Connect during COVID times
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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.
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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” |
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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 |
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 |
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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 16, 2020 - and Associated General Contractors (AGC) Maine CEO Matt Marks joined Dana Connors on today's "Bottom Line" podcast.
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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.
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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. |
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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... |
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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. |
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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... |
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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... |
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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)
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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
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Initial Statement from the Maine State Chamber Regarding COVID-19
From Maine State Chamber President, Dana Connors | March 13, 2020 | Read it here... |