The Daily Edition for Wednesday, April 8, 2020

To view this Daily Impact online, click here.

 

Welcome to your daily Impact newsletter!

As a valued member of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, we plan to stay in touch with you every afternoon, through emails like this one and on Facebook and Twitter, until the pandemic passes. We intend to provide you with the latest state and federal information, as well as highlighting the creativity and innovation that is occuring here in Maine during this unpredictable and rapidly changing time. To assist you in navigating the uncertainties ahead, we have created a diverse and comprehensive collection of web-based resources to help you take care of yourself and your family, your employees, your business, and your community. If there is anything you need, please reach out.

We are here to help in any way we can!

 

DOE Commissioner Pender Makin Issues Updated Recommendations and Guidance for Remainder of 2019-2020 School Year

According to the Maine DOE website, U.S. CDC guidance recommends an 8 to 20 week timeframe for avoiding large group/in-person instruction once there is evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, the Maine DOE has recommended, with the support of Governor Janet Mills, that school districts across Maine begin to plan to replace classroom/group instruction with remote/distance learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

 

Governor Mills Issues Executive Order to Expand Access to Health Care During COVID-19

On April 7, Governor Janet Mills signed an Executive Order to further expand access to health care for Maine people in the face of COVID-19. The Order takes additional steps to bolster the health care workforce, expand telehealth services, and temporarily alleviate certain licensing requirements, building upon the Governor's March 20 Executive Order.   "As the demands on our health care system grow, it is critical that we ensure Maine people have access to the health care services they need in the face of COVID-19," said Governor Mills. "This Executive Order allows nonresidents and retired Maine health care providers, such as respiratory therapists, to serve Maine people during the pandemic."   "This action also ensures that Mainers can access a broader range of health care services via telehealth, minimizing in-person visits to comply with physical distancing guidelines," said Department of Professional and Financial Regulation Commissioner Anne Head. Commissioner Head also noted that, the COVID-19 situation has made it difficult for licensees to complete some of the steps necessary for licensure, including continuing education. For compassionate and practical reasons, the order waives continuing education requirements for license renewals through March 20, 2021.   This Executive Order allows: * All health care providers licensed by the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR), such as psychologists, social workers, and physical therapists to provide their services via telehealth; have their license expiration dates extended until 30 days following the end of the declared state of emergency, if the license was scheduled for renewal during the state of emergency; and, not have to complete continuing education requirements for license renewals that occur through March 20, 2021. * In addition, certain health care providers licensed by OPOR, such as respiratory care therapists and pharmacists may receive a temporary license to provide health care in person or through telehealth, with no application fee, if currently licensed in another state; and, reactivate their Maine license immediately, with no application fee, if retired within the last three years.   The Governor's March 20 Executive Order applied only to licensed physicians, nurses and physician assistants. For more details including a complete description of the OPOR licensees covered under this order, please refer to the Executive Order.

 

REMINDER: FAME, SBA, and Maine Lenders Offer COVID-19 Relief Loan Programs

The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has partnered 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. As it has in the past, FAME is partnering with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide interim loan funding since, following approval from the SBA, additional documentation from the borrower may be required prior to full disbursement of the SBA loan. To allow access to those funds immediately, FAME will provide an interim loan to be paid-off with the SBA loan funds. Governor Janet Mills recently announced that the SBA has approved Maine's application for loans to help eligible businesses impacted by COVID-19. SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans will offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.️ To learn more about the process for accessing this lending, please visit the SBA website.   The FAME COVID-19 business response programs are outlined in greater detail at FAME's website and in general below: * COVID-19 Relief Consumer Loan Program * COVID-19 Relief Loan Insurance for Lenders * COVID-19 Relief Interim SBA Finance Loan Program * COVID-19 Relief Business Direct Loan Program * Commercial Loan Insurance Program * FAME Direct Loan   Funds for the above programs will be limited. FAME anticipates setting aside up to $10 million of its reserves for the loan insurance program and up to $5 million for the direct loan program. FAME estimates that the above programs could help to provide $15 million in economic support for approximately 300 small to mid-sized businesses in the state. FAME will make every effort to work with borrowers on special accommodations for their loans, especially during this challenging time.

 

Join us Tomorrow for a Tele-Town Hall With Congressman Jared Golden

This week, Congressman Jared Golden is holding two listening sessions by phone for Maine small businesses. The congressman wants to hear from small businesses about their challenges during the coronavirus crisis and what resources they will need going forward.   SBA Administrator Amy Bassett, Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, and representatives of the state's credit unions and banks will be joining Congressman Golden to answer questions and offer guidance about the programs and resources available to help small businesses stay afloat during this crisis.   The listening sessions will take place at 6:30 p.m. this and Thursday, April 9. If you would like to participate, please register online at golden.house.gov/live and call 855-962-1151 when the event starts. In the meantime, take a look at our Small Business Resource Page for more information on the small business loans, grants, and other federal programs available during these challenging times.

 

Megan Diver: We All Deserve To Be Counted

The Times Record recently published this opinion letter from Megan Diver, Senior Government Affairs Specialist for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:   On behalf of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Maine's business community appreciated Maine Children's Alliance board member Michael Cormier's recent column encouraging all Mainers to complete the U.S. Census. Every one of us needs to be counted to accurately determine the amount of funding Maine receives each year from the federal government for a variety of critical state investments that contribute to a strong economy.   U.S. Census data helps determine where $1.5 trillion in federal resources are distributed every year. One critical investment area the Census determines federal funding for is education. This includes cradle-to-career funding to support high-quality preschool programs, child-care, children's health insurance, nutrition, high school workforce development and more.The education programs federal funding supports benefit Maine kids, families, communities across Maine and Maine's economy. The programs help Maine's youngest learners develop the cognitive and social-emotional skills they need to get a strong start in school. They help keep kids healthy. They help prepare kids for post-secondary education, whether that is college or another credential of value. Altogether, they help kids reach their fullest potential and ultimately power Maine businesses and Maine's economy by strengthening Maine's workforce.   These are uncertain times with the COVID-19 global pandemic impacting every one of us. The U.S. Census Bureau has extended or delayed some operations, but they are still moving forward to complete the census this year, as required by the U.S. Constitution.   Thankfully, it is easier than ever to get counted. In light of social distancing and stay-at-home precautions now in place, we can complete the short questionnaire online, by phone or by mail. It takes just a few minutes to do. And it is so important that as many Maine households as possible make the effort.   We all deserve to be counted, we need to be counted, and Maine's kids, families, communities and our economy are counting on each of us to complete the U.S. Census. Each has a part in making sure Maine receives our fair share of federal funding for important needs right here in our state.

Cianbro-Irby, NCI and Sargent Electric Awarded $300 Million in Contracts to Build and Upgrade Transmission and Provide Land Clearing for the New England Clean Energy Connect

Project will create more than 1,600 direct jobs annually during construction with preference for Maine workers   The New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) today announced it has awarded more than $300 million in contracts to Maine-based Cianbro in a joint venture with Irby Construction, Sargent Electric, and Northern Clearing, Inc. (NCI) to build and upgrade transmission and provide land clearing for the project. Sargent Electric and NCI have significant employee presence in Maine and are IBEW Local 104 contractors. The companies will subcontract work to other Maine-based suppliers, contractors and consultants with preference for hiring Maine workers when possible. "The clean energy corridor will bring jobs and significant economic benefits to Maine," said Thorn Dickinson, President & CEO of NECEC LLC Transmission. "In addition to the 1,600 jobs that will be created annually during construction, the project will indirectly support employment in local businesses in towns from Jackman to Lewiston. The clean energy corridor is projected to inject more than $570 million into Maine"s economy and these contracts represent $300 million that is going to Maine companies to deliver high quality jobs for Mainers."   Cianbro, Maine's largest general contractor, in a joint venture with transmission construction company Irby Construction, will construct the new, high voltage DC transmission line that will run 145 miles from the Canadian border to a substation in Lewiston, Maine. Sargent Electric will perform transmission line upgrades required for the project, specifically on a segment from Wiscasset to Windsor and others in the Lewiston-Auburn area. NCI will provide all clearing and access road improvement work.   "This is a significant contract for our company and our state. We are eager to put Maine people to work on this important project that brings both clean energy and economic benefits to the State," said Andi Vigue, President and CEO at Cianbro.   Cianbro-Irby teamed up similarly to construct the $1.4 billion Maine Power Reliability Project which was completed in 2015 on time and under budget. As part of this contract, they expect to hire 260 employees.   To date, the NECEC has received permits from a number of State agencies and additional permits required to begin construction are expected in the second quarter of 2020. Construction is expected to be completed in 2022.

 

Governor Mills Signs Executive Order Allowing Remote Notarizations

To reduce in-person contact and promote physical distancing in response to COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills today signed an Executive Order allowing remote notarization. The Order, which takes effect immediately, temporarily suspends the provisions of Maine law that require the physical presence of a notary or witness with certain exceptions. The Order will allow Maine people, especially those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, to conduct important business that requires sworn statements or affidavits with minimal in-person interaction.   "Permitting remote notarizations will allow Maine people to conduct important business while minimizing in-person interactions, thereby protecting their health," said Governor Mills.   Under the Governor's Executive Order, the provisions of Maine Law that require the physical presence of a notary or witness are temporarily suspended with the exceptions of solemnizing marriages; administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office; and absentee ballots in state and local elections.   The Order also establishes parameters to conduct remote notarization services in order to safeguard the integrity of transactions and the important personal interests served by them. For example, the notary and signatory must be located physically within the State of Maine and complete the act of notarization or witnessing via two-way audio and video communication to allow for direct interaction in real time. Specific standards are built into the Order in an effort to continue access to services through remote means while still protecting the reliability of the acknowledgement.

 

Pay It Forward Maine Grows Stronger

The Portland Regional Chamber and its initial partners - the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the Retail Association of Maine - set out to create a website containing an ever-growing library of ideas, tools, and resources for Mainers to come together during this pandemic, to lift each other up, to pay it forward for Maine.   In just three weeks since its launching, and Pay It Forward Maine has grown to include 75 community partners, been featured on multiple media outlets and websites - including Governor Mills' "Maine Helps" resource page - and has been shared via hundreds of inspirational social posts showing what we all know to be true - we are stronger together!   There is no doubt that the road ahead is long, but we plan on continuing to add useful materials to the Pay It Forward Maine website for as long as it takes to get us all back on our feet again. Because that's what Mainers do! If your business has continued to serve the community despite the challenges, let us know! Please also reach out to the Portland Regional Chamber directly to not only share how Pay It Forward Maine has positively affected YOUR business but with any ideas or suggestions you have - this is a collaborative movement and your input allows us to grow in ways that positively benefit the community.

 

We Want to Hear From You!

In this extraordinary time, we are looking for ways to creatively communicate. For now, face-to-face, in-person meetings have been put on hold. Instead, we are seeing and meeting with each other virtually or over the phone. However, the most powerful way for us to communicate - the written word - remains always available. And we want you to share your words with us and with the rest of the business community.   Starting next week, we are offering blog space in our Daily Impact for our members to tell their story.   We want to hear from you - what challenges you face and how you've overcome them. What you and your employees are thinking and doing in this dramatically different world in which we continue to operate. Tell us about what innovations your company or employees might be doing. How you may have retooled or adapted your company to meet your customers' needs. Basically, we want to hear about what you are doing, how you are doing it, and what it has meant to your business and your employees in the current COVID-19 environment in your own plain-spoken words.   Each blog entry should be 300 to 500 words. We truly hope you consider this offer to join us in create a written history of the business community's resilience and innovation during this extraordinary timeframe in our country and in our state.   Please submit your entries to blog@mainechamber.org. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing mellis@mainechamber.org or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109.

 

Don't Forget to Listen to Tomorrow's Edition of The Bottom Line
	Amy K. Bassett, district director of SBA's Maine district office, is this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast broadcasting live at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2020. She will join The Bottom Line co-hosts Dana Connors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and John Williams of Williams Broadcasting to discuss the latest developments and challenges businesses are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and accessing the programs available to businesses and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic through the federal rescue package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
To listen live, visit www.williamsbroadcasting.net scroll down to "Listen Online," or catch up with the archived shows.

 

U.S. Chamber Hosts Third Virtual National Small Business Town Hall

As the economic pause caused by coronavirus endures, businesses are racing to understand and access the $350 billion in loans provided by the CARES Act to help impacted small businesses. Emergency loans are newly available to sole proprietors, and new guidance accompanies this relief. Estimates indicate the total amount of aid isn't enough to address current needs, and Congress is considering extending more funds to small businesses.   This Friday, April 10 at noon ET, Inc. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up for a third virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners and sole proprietors alike navigate the programs that are available to them. Inc. Editor-At-Large Kimberly Weisul will moderate a discussion with the U.S. Chamber's Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley to lay out the new guidance for sole proprietors, address the steps all impacted businesses should take to tap into available resources, and discuss the potential for more aid in the future.   A panel of business experts will join them to questions from business owners of all sizes, and to offer counsel to anyone attempting to access the loans the CARES Act provides. Please note that space is limited and advance registration is required. Can't make it live? The recorded event will be available afterward on GrowWithCO.com.

 

 

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