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The Daily Edition for Wednesday, April 15, 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.

Do you have a question? ASK THE EXPERTS.

We are here to help in any way we can!

 

 

Mills, Two New England Governors Working Together to Figure Out When to Reopen Their States' Economies

During yesterday's daily CDC briefing, Governor Janet Mills said she's working closely with the governors of New Hampshire and Vermont to monitor outbreaks of COVID-19 and determine the best time to reopen their respective economies. While it's still too soon to say when the slow return to normalcy might begin, Governor Mills indicated that the governors will make those decisions, not the President. She did make it clear that Maine and its neighbors will make their own determinations about when it's safe to lift restrictions and that those decisions will be based on science, medical evidence, and public health and safety criteria.

 

Maine Public noted that Mills, a Democrat, said she's working with New Hampshire's Governor Chris Sununu and Vermont's Governor Phil Scott, both Republicans, to determine how and when the three New England states might reopen their economies. Mills says collaborating with New Hampshire and Vermont made more sense than joining a widely publicized consortium led by New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo. She says the three states share many similarities, including rural economies, cultural norms and demographics. COVID-19 data show the three states have been comparably affected by the disease: Maine hit 734 confirmed cases Tuesday; New Hampshire has 748 current cases; and, Vermont has 752. All three states have experienced roughly the same number of fatalities.

 

As Maine Small Businesses Face Delays for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Collins, King Urge SBA to Speed Up Funding, Provide "Clear, Concise, and Accurate Guidance" on Eligibility

Under the CARES Act, small businesses were told they would receive an advance of up to $10,000 in emergency loans within three days of making the request

 

Today, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King pressed the administration to speedily release funds from the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Grant Program, which was established in the CARES Act to make sure small businesses facing immediate needs could quickly access the direct financial support they need to survive. In a letter to Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Jovita Carranza, Senators Collins and King raise their concerns that despite the law's intent to provide funds within three days of the business' request, many small businesses in Maine and across the country are still waiting after a week or more to receive this vital support. To remedy the situation, the senators request that the SBA provide "clear, concise, and accurate guidance" and release EIDL funds swiftly to businesses.

 

"The coronavirus epidemic has created extraordinary hardship for small businesses and their employees in every part of our Nation," wrote Senators Collins and King. "When Congress voted to establish the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan Grant program, we did so because small businesses require direct financial support today. We ask that the SBA release emergency EIDL grants to businesses promptly and also issue clear, concise, and accurate guidance on the EIDL program immediately. The EIDL program, similar to the PPP, is under tremendous financial strain due to overwhelming demand, and we urge the Administration to request additional funding for EIDLs in addition to the request it has made for the PPP."

 

"We also ask that the SBA release emergency EIDL grants to businesses promptly and issue clear, concise, and accurate guidance on the EIDL program immediately. Doing so will ensure that small businesses speedily access EIDL and emergency EIDL grant resources, as Congress intended."

 

To reserve your banner ad
in the Daily Impact,
please contact
Melody Rousseau
by emailing
[email protected],
or by calling
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Coronavirus Begins to Hit Maine Workers' Compensation System

The Portland Press Herald recently reported that the state workers' compensation system has begun to receive its first claims for workplace-related exposure to coronavirus. Workplace safety experts say they also expect to soon see other claims that are related to the pandemic: Injuries suffered at home by Mainers who are working remotely without the benefit of ergonomically-designed workstations.

 

"Spare bedrooms, basements and kitchen counters are newly transformed into eight-hour work spaces that often are not appropriately engineered for comfort or safety," said Tony Payne, senior vice president for external affairs at MEMIC, the Portland-based workers' compensation insurer. He said the company's prevention team is working with employers to help them protect home workers, providing guidance and suggestions.

 

Jeff Eddinger, a senior division executive for regulatory business management with the National Center for Compensation Insurance, a nationwide industry association for compensation insurers based in Florida, said insurers nationwide are anticipating a wave of COVID-19 related claims. "It's safe to say there is going to be an impact, there will be claims due to this disease," Eddinger said. But he pointed out that claims overall were declining, because many workplaces have closed or scaled back operations, and he said the workers' compensation system in the U.S. was healthy enough that it should be able to respond to COVID-19 related claims.

 

Employers seem to be aware of the issues switching to a home-based work space can entail, said Christine Dube, a physical therapist who works on injury prevention in the workplace with a number of Maine companies. Some employers, for example, are encouraging workers to bring their chairs home from their offices. But Dube also advises workers to take care of themselves by making sure their home work space is comfortable and safe.

 

John Rohde, executive director of the Maine Workers Compensation Board, believes the state is well-positioned to handle and process claims related to COVID-19 - although like most other state agencies the board is currently conducting most of its work remotely with video and telephone conferences. Rohde said it was important for workers to report suspected workplace injuries or exposures to contagious diseases, like COVID-19, quickly and for employers to quickly notify insurers or their self-insurance departments. He said the sooner an exposure or injury can be investigated the more quickly preventive measures can be put in place to protect others.

 

Don't Fall For A COVID-19 Scam!

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun to distribute COVID-19 Economic Impact Payments. For most Americans, this will be a direct deposit into your bank account. For the unbanked, elderly or other groups that have traditionally received tax refunds via paper check, they will receive their economic impact payments in this manner as well. With any good news story from the IRS, comes an opportunity for criminals and scammers to take advantage of the American public. Scammers may try to get you to sign over your check to them. Scammers may use this as an opportunity to get you to "verify" your filing information in order to receive your money, using your personal information to file false tax returns in an identity theft scheme. Between these two schemes, everyone receiving an economic impact payment is at risk.

 

Senator Collins Presses for Increased Internet Access in Rural Communities During COVID-19 Pandemic

Yesterday, in an effort to expand broadband access to residents of rural and low-income areas that are facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Senator Susan Collins wrote to Crosby Kemper, the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), calling on him to direct additional resources to libraries in these communities to improve Internet connectivity.

 

The CARES Act, which was signed into law last month, designates $50 million in funding for IMLS to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impact of the coronavirus. This funding can be used by libraries to purchase mobile "hot spots," allowing residents to check out these devices for home use.

 

"The challenges imposed on businesses, families, and others from mandatory school closures and business interruptions are particularly difficult for those Americans who do not have access to reliable broadband in their homes," wrote Senator Collins. "Hot spots are inexpensive and easily deployable, and focusing funds on these devices will have a significant short-term impact. I urge you to use the tools at your disposal to help close the digital divide and provide temporary relief for rural and low-income residents."

 

In Maine, an estimated 12 to 13 percent (83,000) of households still lack adequate access to broadband. In addition, more than 5,300 of the state's 180,000 students lack broadband access, creating challenges for those trying to work or learn remotely.

 

Maine Labor Officials Making Changes to Help People Claim Unemployment Benefits

 

Yesterday,WGME reported that the unemployment system in Maine has been struggling to meet demand, and now state labor officials are making changes to help people claim benefits. The first change is already scheduled to start next week and will last until the end of July. For those claiming unemployment benefits, every time they get a check, there will be an extra $600.

 

"We are still working on implementing the other two programs, which are benefits for the self-employed and extended benefits for those who have already exhausted their regular unemployment benefits," Jess Picard of the Maine Department of Labor said.

 

Picard says there isn't a timeline yet for extending benefits or getting benefits for those who are self-employed, but she says people who are self-employed and out of work should not file yet, you'll get rejected, and to wait until the new system goes live. She says in the meantime, gather paperwork - anything that shows 2019 earnings, such as a 2019 tax returns.

 

The other major changes are the phones. "We were receiving about 250,000 phone calls in the morning, which our phone lines just couldn't handle," Picard said. Now they've added phone staff, extended call hours to 3 p.m. and changed the first three days of the week to an alphabetical list. On Monday the labor department takes callers with last names A-H, Tuesday I-Q; Wednesday R-Z. Thursday and Friday are dedicated for anyone who couldn't get through.

 

Still, Picard says the easiest way is to file online, and she hopes these changes will speed up the claims process and get more cash to those who need it right now. Picard says the most important thing to remember is to file your weekly certification.

 

Q&A with Maine DOL

The Maine Department of Labor is constantly adding to its extensive online FAQs. Today we'd like to feature this question:

 

Q: I closed my business and laid my staff off a few weeks ago due to COVID-19-related requirements. I plan to re-open in early May and have notified my employees I'd like them to return to do their jobs. However, many of them do not want to come back to work and prefer to stay on unemployment especially now that the additional $600/week from the federal program is added to their benefit. What can be done to encourage these workers to come back to my business? Can they just stay on unemployment even if I have told them I want them back to work?

 

A: It depends. This is a complex situation and eligibility for unemployment will depend on the claimants' personal circumstances. When those receiving unemployment benefits file their required weekly certification, they must answer questions regarding whether they have been offered any work in the past week. Employers should let MDOL know if they have recalled employees back to work and if those employees have turned down the work offer. MDOL will analyze the circumstances on a case-by-case basis to see if there is a valid reason for refusing the work or not. For example, under the new federal programs (e.g. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance-PUA), unemployment benefits are made available to a broader set of people with circumstances affected by COVID-19. MDOL's determination may also depend upon the circumstances of the particular workplace, such as whether the employer is taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure, or such as by following recommendations by the Maine CDC that are in place at the relevant time. If MDOL determines that an offer of suitable work was made and that there was no valid reason to refuse it, unemployment benefits including the $600 additional benefit would be disallowed. If regular unemployment benefits are denied, the additional $600 a week in federal benefits (under Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation-FPUC) would also be denied. In any event, the additional $600 benefit under FPUC is temporary and expires July 25 for all applicants.

 

Maine Congressional Delegation Requests More PPE For First Responders

According to WMTW, Maine's congressional delegation is asking the federal DHHS and FEMA to help the state get more personal protective equipment through the COVID-19 Supply Chain Stabilization Task Force. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden asked that DHHS and FEMA work together to provide clear guidance to states and others on how to gain access.

 

"New research out of the CDC indicates that COVID-19 is more contagious and spreads faster than initially measured. Older adults remain in the highest risk category, accounting for eight out of ten COVID-19 deaths in the United States," Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King and Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden wrote. "Maine's population is the oldest in the nation by median age, and Maine's hospitalization rate due to COVID-19 is 6.2 per 100,000 - higher than the national average of 4.6. Further, health care workers in Maine account for 17 percent of cases."

 

"With each passing day that the virus continues to spread, health care workers and first line responders across the country are bravely risking their lives to aid their fellow Americans through this devastating pandemic," the delegation continued. "It is imperative that those on the front lines of this pandemic - the health care workers and first responders - have ready access to potentially lifesaving PPE."

 

Maine has struggled to get enough PPE to meet the need. Many local businesses are stepping up to help produce needed items.

 

Senator Collins Announces More Than $83 Million to Help Maine's Transportation System Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic

One of the Covid-19 relief packages approved by Congress and signed by President Trump includes money for public transportation. According to a statement released by Senator Susan Collins' office, about $83 million is headed to Maine. The money will be used keep public transportation operating as ridership numbers decline do to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Use the Maine State Chamber's blog and Daily Impact to tell your story!

Numerous Maine companies stepping up or pivoting nimbly, as Maine people resourcefully address the challenges of this pandemic. Share your perspective and experience with us and with the rest of the business community. How are you facing and overcoming the challenges posed by this pandemic? What are you and your employees doing in this dramatically different economy? Tell us about the innovations your company or employees are making or ways you have adapted your company to meet your customers' needs.

 

Each blog entry should be 300 to 500 words. Join us in creating a written history of the business community's resilience and innovation during this extraordinary time. Please submit your entries to [email protected]. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing [email protected] or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109.

 

Maine Voices: Work smart to keep as many businesses open as possible

There are ways to focus on public health without unnecessarily compromising the health of our economy.

 

About The Author: Jim Dinkle is executive director of FirstPark, a business park in Oakland.

The coronavirus is hitting Maine hard. Our state has been exposed to hundreds of cases, as the pandemic spreads and testing accelerates.

 

This public health crisis is affecting Mainers on a most personal level. But the pandemic's economic impact cannot be understated, either.

 

From hotels to restaurants and small businesses across the state, job loss is a very real concern. Business closures are a very real concern. Recently, the stock price of publicly traded companies based in Maine fell to a 52-week low. At the same time, retailers such as L.L. Bean, Bull Moose Music and Springer's Jewelers decided to shutter their stores for the time being to "flatten the curve." This is happening everywhere.

 

While public health is of the utmost concern right now, for the sake of our economy, business must still go on. Perhaps it may not go on "as usual," but we should work together and work smart to keep as many businesses open as possible, while supporting local businesses that have put practices in place to avoid physical interactions as much as possible.

 

Maine's economy depends on our collective resilience. The state's economic output comes out to about $65 billion annually. Our state is home to nearly 540,000 private-sector employees. Most of them work for small businesses, which account for 99 percent of all businesses in the state. This is all at risk.

 

Fortunately, there are ways to focus on public health without unnecessarily compromising the health of our economy. On an individual level, we all need to take personal hygiene seriously. From washing our hands regularly to wiping down surfaces, Mainers can do their part to contain the spread of the coronavirus. In March, we at FirstPark held our annual meeting outside and representatives from our 24 communities practiced social distancing. We must remain resilient.

 

Then there's the big picture for the business community. It's up to our business leaders to instill confidence in their employees, customers and clients. Do that, and they can instill confidence in the broader economy.

 

The best place to start is by elevating workplace culture. Businesses can make their employees feel comfortable and support working from home. Fortunately, technological innovation allows us to conduct business without having face-to-face interactions. Teleconferencing can replace business meetings and other in-person contact, at least for the time being. For example, at FirstPark, our clients are using high-speed fiber internet to communicate with the outside world - and they haven't missed a beat.

 

At the same time, businesses need to communicate with their customers and clients on a regular basis, explaining all of the precautions being taken to prevent the spread of germs. Sending out email newsletters or posting signage goes a long way. The general public needs to know that public health matters just as much as the bottom line does. This leads to higher consumer confidence and, ultimately, greater economic activity. Businesses at FirstPark, such as T-Mobile, are also currently hiring to grow their workforce.

 

Remember: We are all in this together. While business may not be conducted "as usual" these days, we still need to do business and support one another. This is especially true for small business, which forms the backbone of Maine's economy.

 

Let's all stay healthy. But let's also foster a healthy business climate - now and always.

 

Central Maine Ingenuity Helping Meet The Need For Face Shields

Central Maine educators and business owner are among the people who are putting their skills to work in order to provide protective gear for those coming in contact with coronavirus.

 

Like nearly everyone else, Russell Anderson has been transfixed by the spread of coronavirus across the world. As the West Gardiner man has followed the news over the past month or so, he has been struck by one overwhelming fact: The people on the front lines of confronting the highly contagious and fast-spreading virus are lacking personal protective equipment.

 

"It was mind-blowing to me that these are the people putting their lives on the line every day consistently and they are short of what they need to provide that service," Anderson said.

 

It came to him that now is the time to practice what he preaches every year to the dozens of kids he teaches in his science, technology, engineering and math classes at Gardiner Regional Middle School. With the help of Patsy Adams, a Gardiner-area school district colleague, he's making face shields with the two 3D printers he uses in his classes. Adams is using the 3D printer she got from the Perloff Family Foundation and uses in her class at the Pittston-Randolph Consolidated School in Pittston.

 

On Tuesday, Anderson delivered his first batch to the Gardiner Police Department and took an order from the Gardiner Fire Department. Public safety officials have protocols in place to help determine if people seeking help may be infected with the virus or may have come into contact with a health care provider who may have been exposed.

 

At the same time, Justin Wing has been working with different technology and different materials to produce face shields at his business, American Awards Inc. in Augusta. Wing, with his laser engraver that can cut plastic, had made some headsets and shields after being contacted by one of his vendors. Right now, with schools and colleges shut down, his award and trophy business has slowed and he has some time to give to the project.

 

"I think people are scared and want to take as much precaution as they can," Wing said. "I think that's why there is some interest in people wanting some of this stuff outside of a normal vendor situation."

 

Wing said while he hasn't heard locally that demand exists, he has sent several shields to an aunt in Brooklyn who has friends who work in health care. The rate of coronavirus infection is much higher in the New York City area, and thousands of people with COVID-19, the disease caused by the potentially dangerous virus, are being treated in hospitals and makeshift facilities. He has posted information on the shields on the American Awards Facebook page.

 

What Anderson, Adams and Wing are doing is a very practical application of what Anderson and Adams teach every year.

 

As a STEM teacher, Anderson spends his time trying to convince his students that it doesn't matter what their IQ or athletic ability might be, they all have the ability to contribute to make their communities better. "I can't think of a better way for me to say, "Hey, you know, it's really important for you to kick in and do something and take action in life, and be a good citizen and provide something positive to the community," he said.

 

Patchwork of Businesses, Crafters Lend Skills to Mainers Who Need Masks

Here's a great Maine-based story from "All Things Considered with Nora Flaherty" on Maine Public (excerpted below).

 

Earlier this month, the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and the State of Maine changed their guidance and are now advising that members of the general public wear a mask in situations where social distancing might be difficult, such as in the supermarket. But there's a major shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers, and that has prompted more people to make their own masks or find new buying options.

 

When the University of Southern Maine closed for in-person classes in March, Molly Ladd expected she'd be spending a lot of time at her sewing machine. Ladd is studying to be a clinical mental health counselor, but she's also an avid crafter. What she didn't expect is that she'd be spending so much of that time making cotton face masks. For now, Ladd's at home all day, but her partner works at a large, busy Hannaford supermarket. She says they started to get worried.

 

"He's going to work and being exposed to a lot of people on a daily basis. I'm at home, and thereby I'm at risk via him, so we're both living by the assumption that we're both potentially infected. My partner being at work every day, he's concerned that he could infect other people, and that those people could infect him," she says. So she made some face masks for him to wear to work, for herself when she leaves the house and for friends and family members.

 

For those who don't sew - and don't have a relative or friend who does - there are starting to be more options from the commercial sector. One of these is Hyperlite, a Biddeford company that makes high-end outdoors gear that costs hundreds of dollars. These days, founder and CEO Mike St. Pierre says the company has completely turned to making much more economically priced cloth masks. St. Pierre says the company's making thousands of masks a day from a special high-tech polyester and prioritizing direct-to-consumer sales.

 

"We have not advertised this. We have not put it on social media. All there is is a link on our homepage of our website. And that was Friday morning at roughly 11 a.m. we went live. By Friday night, we had thousands of orders. By Monday, we had tens of thousands of orders. And today we're sitting on orders of over 60,000," he says. St. Pierre says the company, which has brought back many of its staff and will likely be looking to hire more, is about a week behind on orders.

 

The guidelines on masks have changed significantly during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, and public health officials are still stressing that mask wearing is not a replacement for social distancing.

 

Wednesday Evening | Congressman Golden is Holding a Third Small Business Listening Session

This week, Congressman Jared Golden is holding a third small business listening session this Wednesday with Maine SBA Director Amy Bassett, Maine State Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors, and representatives of the state's credit unions and banks. The congressman wants to hear from small businesses about their challenges during the coronavirus crisis, what resources they will need going forward, and help answer their questions about federal programs. The panel will offer guidance about the programs and resources available to help small businesses stay afloat during this crisis.

 

The third listening session will take place at 6:00 p.m. this Wednesday, April 15. If you would like to participate, please register online at golden.house.gov/live and dial 855-962-1151 when the event starts. In the meantime, check out the Small Business Resource Guide for more information on the small business loans, grants, and other federal programs available during these challenging times.

Audio Recaps from Last Week's Tele-Town Halls: Last week, Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors participated in two of Congressman Jared Golden's Small Business Listening Sessions. If you would like to hear the audio recordings from those sessions, please visit the links below:

* Congressman Jared Golden's Small Business Listening Session from Wednesday, April 8

* Congressman Jared Golden's Small Business Listening Session from Thursday, April 9

 

Thursday, April 16 | AGC Maine CEO Matt Marks Special Guest on The Bottom Line Podcast Live-Streaming at 10:00 a.m.

Matt Marks, CEO of the Associated General Contractors Maine, is this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast live-streaming at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2020. He 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 economic impact of COVID-19 on Maine's construction industry.

To listen live, visit www.williamsbroadcasting.net scroll down to "Listen Online," or catch up with the archived shows.

 

Maine State Chamber Presents Free Wednesday Webinar Series

SERIES SPONSORS: Bangor Savings Bank, Central Maine Power Company
and Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

 

Additional webinars will be forthcoming, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Questions can be directed to Angela S. Arno, director of programs and events for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, by emailing [email protected] or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.

 

 

If you missed today's webinar,
you can
listen to the recording.

 

 

The Maine State Chamber
thanks today's webinar
presenters and sponsors:
Rudman & Winchell;
TD Bank; and,
Albin, Randall and Bennett.

Presented Wednesday, April 15 | Listen to the recap here

 

NAVIGATING THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PRESENTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MAINE'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

 

 

The Maine State Chamber's free Wednesday Webinar Series on COVID-19 issues launched this morning with a presentation for Maine construction companies that included a wealth of detailed information, guidance and advice for the industry. In partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Maine and the Maine Aggregate Association, well over 100 participants heard from leading construction industry legal advisors and financial industry representatives who gave a comprehensive overview on navigating legal issues and financial assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Rudman Winchell attorneys Josh Tardy, Allison Economy, and Josh Randlett kicked-off the presentation. With construction operations deemed essential during the pandemic, it is crucial that construction companies are aware of legal changes that impact how they continue to do business safely, legally and in compliance with pandemic-related restrictions, keeping in mind that changes are occurring daily, if not hourly.

Examples include changes to unemployment insurance, paid sick leave and family leave laws, and tax credits. Changes to OSHA obligations if an employee contracts COVID-19 at work were discussed, as well as guidance on seasonal workers, staying in touch with furloughed employees, and working with employees and contractors who live out-of-state during current travel quarantine restrictions.

 

Presenters also shared advice on receiving payment for completed work, work in progress and future work, existing insurance policies, business interruption insurance, filing a lien or a complaint to enforce a lien, and what to do if a customer files for bankruptcy.

 

David Jean, CPA, CCIFP, CExP, and principal at Albin, Randall & Bennett along with Jay Violette, vice president and senior loan officer at TD Bank presented to webinar participants on financial relief programs available in the CARES Act. Those include Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, as well as U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) grants and Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) bridge loan programs. Updates on PPP eligibility, requirements, terms, payroll cost inclusions and exclusions, and calculating maximum loan amounts were discussed. Also discussed were loan certification and the allowable use of loan funds and rules surrounding loan forgiveness. Presenters shared guidance on net operating losses and QIP, tax return amendments, managing cash-flow, identifying and managing shortfalls, accessing capital, loan deferrals, structuring vendor payment terms, communicating with customers, sale-leaseback of equipment, inventory reduction, and more.

 

Overarching advice for construction companies is that it is critical they take actions now that will protect themselves in various scenarios resulting from the pandemic. Companies also need to track and document delays and increased costs, review and modify contracts, update construction schedules, and more.

Wednesday, April 22 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.

THE INTERSECTION OF WORKERS' COMP
AND COVID-19

 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employers, their employees, and our state and national economies has been remarkable. Across the state, businesses large and small are struggling with how to adjust to this new and dramatically different paradigm. Like many other groups, the Maine State Chamber has worked to bring our members and employers all around the state the latest and most accurate information on changes to our unemployment insurance system, paid sick leave, paid FMLA leave, the CARES Act, and the accompanying Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL assistance.

 

However, forgotten up to this point is how another important aspect of the cost of doing business may be impacted by the pandemic - workers' compensation insurance. Like so many other business factors, there are a significant number of unknowns surrounding workers' comp going forward, including the compensability of COVID-19-related claims, claims that may arise while employees are working remotely from their homes, and how a shrinking statewide payroll may impact premium rates, and therefore, overall premium costs.

 

Register here

Sponsored by MEMIC, MaineHealth / Synernet, and United Insurance

Wednesday, April 29 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.

WEBINAR FOR SOLE PROPRIETOR BUSINESSES:
NAVIGATING THE COVID19 PANDEMIC

 

This webinar will focus on the short- and long-term issues arising from the pandemic for sole proprietors - with suggested solutions. Topics covered will include a review of up-to-date federal and state legislative opportunities, tax issues to discuss with your accountant, insurance liability, health insurance options, credit protection, and steps for sole proprietors to take with customers. There will also be a brief review of pertinent estate planning options during the pandemic.

 

Regiser here | Sponsored by Lambert Coffin

Wed., May 6 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.

WE ARE STILL FINALIZING THIS WEBINAR

TOPIC TO BE ANNOUNCED

Wednesday, May 13 | Starting at 11:00 a.m.

RECENT STATE AND FEDERAL TAX CHANGES
AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS

 

This webinar will focus on federal tax changes contained in the CARES Act and changes made at the state level that provide support for businesses during this pandemic. Additional topics also include a look at the ever-changing landscape at the federal level for additional stimulus funds and what those changes might look like.

 

Register here | Sponsored by Pierce Atwood and WIPFLi, LLP

 

Tuesday, April 28 | Legislative Strictly Social Virtual Coffee Hour

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce invite you to attend our Legislative Strictly Social Virtual Coffee Hour. We invite you to grab a cup of coffee at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, and hear from legislators about current issues.

 

Normally, our annual series of statewide receptions is an ideal way for you, the Maine business leader, to interact with business associates, new and prospective Maine State Chamber members, and state representatives in a relaxed setting. This year, due to the COVID-19 situation, we will be hosting this event online as a coffee hour. We will have a panel of Maine Legislators open the hour and there will be an opportunity for questions through the Zoom chat feature. Please join us for this presentation. A participation link will be sent to you after you have completed registration. Learn more or register here.

Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!

A special thank you to our sponsors from the Legislative Strictly Social, which has now become the Legislative Strictly Social Coffee Hour, due to the need for social distancing during this pandemic. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

SERIES SPONSORS:

Casella Waste Systems, Inc.; Central Maine Power Company;
Maine Department of Economic & Community Development; Northeast Delta Dental; VHB

PREMIER SPONSOR:

AT&T

SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS:

Backyard Farms, LLC; Brookfield Renewable Energy

PRESENTING SPONSORS:

Altria Client Services LLC; American Chemistry Council; Bank of America; Dead River Company; Emera Maine; Finance Authority of Maine; Hannaford Supermarkets; MaineHealth; Merrill's Investigations & Security; Mitchell Tardy Jackson Government Affairs; PhRMA; Preti Flaherty, LLP; Spectrum Healthcare Partners; The Sheridan Corporation; Unitil Corp.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS:

Bangor Savings Bank; Charter Communications; Cross Insurance; E.A. Scribner Insurance Agency, Inc.; Elanco; Enterprise Holdings; IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.; Maine Better Transportation Association; MEMIC; Maine Primary Care Association

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event.

Questions can be directed to Angela S. Arno, director of programs and events for the Maine State Chamber of Commerce,
by emailing
[email protected] or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.

 

April 16 Webinar | How-To's for Family Business

COVID-19 Challenges: Legal, Communications & HR

The Institute for Family-Owned Business will host a webinar on Thursday April 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., on how to respond to coronavirus-related challenges in legal, HR and communication areas. It's free for members, and a donation suggested for others. Register here.

 

Linda Varrell of Broadreach Public Relations will address critical communication needs, how communication should be handled, and how to create a consistent and compliant message. Peter Lowe and Dan Stockford of Brann & Isaacson will then go over the new and update laws around the coronavirus. David Ciullo of Career Management Associates will moderate the presentation and will wrap up with additional HR information from the front lines.The majority of the webinar will address specific audience questions. For more information, please contact Brooke Stewart by calling (207) 281-2414 or by emailing [email protected].

 

 

To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
[email protected], or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.

NOTICE: In an ongoing effort to thwart the activities of online hackers, the Maine State Chamber
has researched and tested the links in this document and determined that they are safe.

 

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
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