The Daily Edition for Thursday, April 23, 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!

 

 

BREAKING NEWS | 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 Governor Janet Mills today outlined her vision for a gradual and safe reopening of Maine's economy amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Mills emphasized four principles that will guide the State's decision-making process and invited Maine people to offer their ideas through a new portal launched by the Maine DECD. Maine's reopening will be driven by public health considerations and guided by the following four principles: Protecting Public Health; Maintaining Health Care Readiness; Building Reliable and Accessible Testing; and, Prioritizing Public-Private Collaboration. The Governor's "Stay Healthy At Home Order" remains in effect through April 30, 2020.   The Administration's approach will utilize criteria and measures currently under development by the Maine CDC leading to a phased reopening of the economy. The Maine CDC's planning will develop measures to detect a resurgence in the virus triggering a reimplementation of restrictions.   The Maine DECD will solicit from representatives of industries and various sectors of Maine's economy their ideas on how they can develop practical, reasonable, evidence-informed protocols to safely resume operations or activities once the public health benchmarks are met. Employers are encouraged to determine specific modifications that prioritize safety and security as well as consult with public health experts to confirm that such modifications will be effective to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus - it may be something as simple as closing break rooms, providing flexible working hours, and installing plexiglass shields, or as complex as adjusting a business' sales process to ensure employee and customer safety.

 

Maine unemployment claims surpass 100,000 since pandemic began

According to the Portland Press Herald, more than 100,000 Mainers have filed initial unemployment claims during the past five weeks as the state and nation experience historic levels of joblessness. More than 11,500 Mainers filed initial unemployment claims last week, the lowest weekly total since mid-March. Roughly one in seven Maine workers has filed an initial unemployment claim since the start of the pandemic, a total of 101,060 - about 14 percent of the state's workforce. The food service, hospitality, recreation and entertainment industries have been hit particularly hard, with more than a quarter of workers in those industries out of a job.   Additionally, the Maine Department of Labor is developing software to allow newly eligible workers to file claims, but the timeline for implementation of the expansion is unknown.

 

To reserve your banner ad in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau by emailing melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

Nearly $11 million in federal funds to support essential workers and child care providers in response to COVID-19

On Wednesday, April 22, Governor Janet Mills and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced that nearly $11 million in federal funds will support access to child care for Maine's essential workers, including health care professionals and first responders, and offer relief for child care providers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more should visit the Child Care Subsidy section of the Office of Child and Family Services' COVID-19 response page.

 

To Make Workplaces Safer During Coronavirus, King Co-sponsors Bill to Increase Infectious Disease Safeguards

On April 23, U.S. Senator Angus King joined a group of his Senate colleagues to introduce legislation to protect U.S. workers from coronavirus in response to widespread reports of unsafe workplaces leading to preventable illnesses and deaths, urging Senate leadership to implement workplace protections in future coronavirus legislation. The COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard that establishes a legal obligation for all workplaces to implement comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plans to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.   The COVID-19 Every Worker Protection Act directs OSHA to issue an Emergency Temporary Standard within seven days that sets requirements for how workplaces must safeguard workers against the spread of the coronavirus. The legislation expands on a previous proposal by requiring OSHA to issue a standard covering all U.S. workers, including workers in health care facilities, warehouses, grocery stories, and food processing plants.

 

Thursday, April 23 | The Bottom Line Podcast
With Maine Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Kimberly Smith
	Maine Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Kimberly Smith was today's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast. Smith joined The Bottom Line co-hosts Dana Connors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and John Williams of Williams Broadcasting to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on employers and employment in Maine, with a focus on unemployment insurance.   To listen to the recording, please visit The Bottom Line page on the Maine State Chamber's website.

 

Emergency grants created for Maine farmers, food producers affected by COVID-19

According to today's Mainebiz article, emergency grants are available for farmers and food producers whose businesses have been hurt by COVID-19 restrictions. Maine Farmland Trust and the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association have created the Maine Farm Emergency Grant program, which is awarding grants of up to $2,000 from a $70,000 pool. The grants will provide support as well as help farmers and food producers adapt their businesses to be responsive to changing markets. The grants can be used for a variety of unexpected costs or challenges, such as a loss in sales or outlets, delayed production or hiring because of market disruptions, as well as additional costs related to acquiring supplies, personal protective equipment or ramping up production with additional labor or supplies. Those interested in supporting the effort, or in applying for a grant, can find information at mainefarmlandtrust.org and mofga.org.

 

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 with Sen. Eloise Vitelli, Sen. Jeff Timberlake, Rep. Ryan Fecteau, and, Rep. Trey Stewart. Our panel of legislators will 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 aarno@mainechamber.org or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.

 

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 aarno@mainechamber.org or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.
	Wednesday, April 29 | Starting at 11:00 a.m. WEBINAR FOR SOLE PROPRIETOR BUSINESSES: NAVIGATING THE COVID-19 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.   Register here | Sponsored by Lambert Coffin
	Wednesday, May 6 | Starting at 11:00 a.m. CHALLENGES FOR MANUFACTURING, INTERNATIONAL TRADE, AND ENERGY   This webinar will focus on challenges for manufacturing due to the impacts of Covid-19 on international trade and energy. Guest speakers are John Murphy, senior vice president for international policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Christopher Guith, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute.   Register here | Click here to sponsor this webinar
	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
	NAVIGATING THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PRESENTED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MAINE'S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY   Presented on Wednesday, April 15 | Listen to the recording here   The Maine State Chamber thanks our April 15 webinar presenters and sponsors: Rudman & Winchell; TD Bank; and, Albin, Randall and Bennett.
	THE INTERSECTION OF WORKERS' COMP AND COVID-19   Presented on Wednesday, April 22 | Listen to the recording here   The Maine State Chamber thanks our April 22 webinar presenters and sponsors: MEMIC, MaineHealth / Synernet, Preti Flaherty, and United Insurance

 

 

To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau by emailing melodyr@mainechamber.org, or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

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