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The Daily Edition for Friday, April 24, 2020

To view this Daily Impact online, click here.

 

 

Welcome to your
Daily Impact
newsletter!

Click on the image
to read our
April Edition! 

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!

 

 

BDN Guest Column | COVID-19 rescue loans a lifeline for Maine businesses

The following guest column appeared in today's online Bangor Daily News and will be published in this weekend's print edition. It was submitted by Dana Connors, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce; Quincy Hentzel, president and CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Deb Neuman, president and CEO of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce:

It has been only six weeks since the COVID-19 pandemic began dramatically impacting Maine. Second to protecting public health and keeping people safe, the well-being of Maine's economy, businesses, and workforce is paramount during this unprecedented time. Maine's small businesses are getting hit particularly hard by this crisis. The ripple effect is undeniable.

 

Swift actions have been taken by the private and public sectors to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19. The leadership of Gov. Janet Mills and the efforts of Maine's elected representatives in Washington on behalf of Maine businesses are laudable and greatly appreciated.

 

Consider the work at the federal level. With near-unanimous support where gridlock and partisanship are the norm, Congress and the White House rapidly enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

 

A key component of the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program. Co-authored by Sen. Susan Collins, the PPP is an economic relief plan initially allocating $350 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses and employers struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. PPP provides loan amounts up to 250 percent of an employer's monthly payroll expenses. They are forgivable if at least 75 percent of the loan is spent on payroll. The intent is to help employers keep their employees paid and employed at a time when a record number of people are filing for unemployment.

 

In just two weeks - thanks in large part to the Herculean work of Maine lending institutions who implemented new loan processes in mere days - nearly 16,700 businesses across Maine were approved for $2.2 billion in these much-needed emergency loans to help them stay afloat during the pandemic.

 

Imagine where Maine's and the nation's economies would be without the PPP's rescue funds. They literally are a lifeline for employers across Maine and the country.

 

Congress has approved, and President Donald Trump signed, a $310 billion infusion in the PPP, as well as additional funding for other emergency loan programs, hospitals and COVID-19 testing. This is welcome news for Maine's small businesses and our state's economy.

 

Employers who have not yet applied for a rescue loan are advised to contact their lender right away to see how these loans can help, and to start the application process. The future of Maine's and the nation's economies depend on employers accessing this aid.

 

Maine chambers of commerce also are looking ahead to reopening the state's economy so Maine can get back to business. Maine must begin planning now, and we need to plan well to reopen safely, responsibly and successfully. Valuable guidance from the White House and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is helping direct states.

 

Both Collins and Sen. Angus King have been appointed to the White House task force on reopening the economy. This is a true testament to their leadership, experience and expertise, and to the importance of small-business states like Maine.

 

We appreciate Governor Mills' thoughtful consideration on developing a plan for a gradual, phased-in reopening based on Maine's demographics and economic sectors. The pandemic is affecting various parts of Maine differently, and different regions and business sectors will find it easier to ramp up than others. There is no one-size-fits-all playbook.

 

We support efforts by the governor and our congressional delegation to make sure states have the resources needed to make sure economies are reopened successfully. Those resources include personal protective equipment, and widespread testing and contact tracing capabilities.

 

Finally, it has been remarkable to witness so many Maine people, essential workers and businesses step up and pitch in in unique ways to help others. Mainers' ingenuity, innovative thinking, character and resilience are shining through. We are in this together, and by continuing to work together to collaborate on solutions that offer meaningful assistance now and a solid plan going forward, Maine will be in a strong position to successfully reopen for business when this crisis passes. We hope you will visit our websites for more information. Please also send us your questions. If we cannot answer them, we will find out who can.

 

Department of Labor to Expedite Decisions on Thousands of Unemployment Claims

At today's Maine CDC press briefing, in response to the critical situation caused by COVID-19, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) announced that it is streamlining its standards for 18,000 to 20,000 pending unemployment claims that would typically require a fact-finding interview. This will relieve a backlog and bring certainty about benefits to Maine people as fast as possible. MDOL's streamlining will result in one of three outcomes for all current and future unemployment insurance claims through May 30:

* About 5,000 claims that were likely to be approved after an interview are now authorized to move forward without an interview to ensure benefits can be delivered quickly.

* About 7,000 claims waiting for an interview that were likely to be denied due to the claim not meeting monetary eligibility requirements will be denied, a necessary step to ensure these claimants can take further action without delay.

* The remainder of claims will still have fact-finding interviews or other staff review but on an expedited schedule. to ensure they are resolved as quickly as possible.

 

The Department of Labor continues to implement solutions to the challenges created by the sudden and unprecedented levels of questions and claims to meet the needs of Maine people. The Department is developing a new web-based system to process these newly eligible claims and will provide a firm timeline on this early next week. The department has also contracted with a Maine-based center to provide first level claims assistance. About 100 people are answering calls, up from 13 a month ago. The online unemployment system is performing as designed and is available 24/7.

 

IT Non-Profit Launches Campaign to Provide Mainers With Needed Technology

According to today's Mainebiz, an organization that refurbishes donated computers and provides them at low or no cost to people who need them is stepping up its efforts to help Mainers who are offline during the pandemic. Waterville-based give IT. get IT., a nonprofit formed last year out of a merger between PCs for Maine and eWaste Alternatives, is increasing its capacity to recycle retired technology from Maine businesses, refurbish it, and then distribute it to technologically isolated Mainers.

 

About 130 companies in Maine have donated used equipment, including IDEXX Laboratories, Sappi and Bangor Savings Bank. Businesses interested in participating in give IT. get IT.'s technology reuse and recycling program can contact Chris Martin at (207) 322-6257. A $150 sponsorship will enable give IT. get IT to provide a computer, training and ongoing support to one individual or family in need.

 

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.

 

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.

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

 

New England Council's Energy & Environment Committee Meeting with Chad Metzler, Legislative Director for Senator Angus King

Wednesday, April 29 | 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

 

Please join the New England Council for an Energy & Environment Committee meeting with Chad Metzler, Legislative Director for Senator Angus King's office on Wednesday. Dial-in details will be provided upon registration. For more information, please contact Sean Malone at the New England Council.

 

Starting April 27 | Maine Teachers Host "The Learning Space" on Maine Public

Maine Public, the Maine Department of Education, and Educate Maine have joined forces to create original, educational programming for students in Grades 3 to 5. The Learning Space will be broadcast on Maine Public Television at 12:30 p.m. each weekday starting on Monday, April 27. As more episodes are developed, the broadcast schedule will expand to run from Noon to 1:00. Episodes of The Learning Space will be archived for later viewing on numerous platforms online, including on mainepublic.org. The Learning Space will air through the spring to mid-June.

 

2020 Maine Books Challenge Supports Local Students and Businesses During This Period of Remote Learning by Getting Books in the Hands of as Many Maine Children as Possible

In an effort to support local students and businesses during this period of remote learning by getting books in the hands of as many Maine children as possible, the Maine State Chamber and its partner Educate Maine are working with the network of County Teachers of the Year and Education Leaders Experience alumni to distribute books in all 16 counties. This effort will look different in different places, and the hope is to bring on more partners as the efforts grow. We will share our progress regularly on our website and through our social media channels. This one small act of generosity will make a big difference in the lives of Maine students and businesses.

 

Here's how you can help:

1 Purchase an online gift card in any amount to one of Maine's independent bookstores (or any book retailer).

* Designate katherine@educatemaine.org as the recipient and she will forward your gift card to one of our county teachers for purchase and distribution to students. (Note: Several bookstores are adapting to restrictions and not all are currently open. You may want to call ahead.)

*  Some booksellers may not offer online gift cards, but you can call and ask if they could generate a credit or reach out to katherine@educatemaine.org to coordinate an alternative method of getting books to students.

* Pro Tip: If you are able to coordinate with others in your workplace or community, it would be preferable for one person to make the gift card purchase using everyone's donations as opposed to several smaller gift card transactions.

2 Fill out this brief form to help us keep track of our progress toward 2,020 books. You can also specify whether you have a particular part of Maine in mind to receive your gift.

 

Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors: WVOM Interview Regarding Governor Mills' Reopening Announcement

In case you missed this morning's interview, Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors spoke with WVOM's Ric Tyler and George Hale about Governor Mills' announcement yesterday on reopening Maine's economy. The three also discussed the $484 billion rescue package the U.S. Congress passed late yesterday and that the president has since signed into law. Connors stressed the importance of this latest rescue package to Maine small businesses, hospitals, and Maine's testing and tracing capabilities, key to getting our arms around this pandemic so Maine can successfully reopen.

 

On reopening, Connors highlighted that the level of incidence and characteristics of Maine's geography indicate some businesses may be able to open sooner than others. Every business sector is looking at what they need to do to prepare to reopen. Public-private collaboration is important, and DECD is already working closely with various sectors. The governor has made it clear that it is incumbent on businesses to make their cases for reopening. That includes sharing their plans to implement social distancing, hygiene and other strategies to meet the state's criteria.

 

Connors added that next Thursday, April 30, is an important date when the governor is expected to announce if the current stay in place order will be extended and if so, for how long.

 

 

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.

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.

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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 Jen Webber, (207) 939-0213
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
    • Connect with Us
    • Affiliates & Partners
    • Our Board
    • Meet the Team
    • President's Message
    • External Social Media Policy
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Membership
    • Join the Chamber
    • Return on Investment
    • Member Search
  • Public Policy
    • Public Hearings of Interest
    • Legislation of Interest
    • Public Policy Committees
    • Grassroot Resources
    • Find Your Legislator >
      • Representatives
      • Senators
  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • 2022 Annual Meeting
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Business Day at the Statehouse
    • Board Meetings & Board Events
    • DC Fly-In
    • Legislative Social
    • Policy Issues Workshops
    • Regional Breakfasts
    • Scramble for Scholars
    • Webinars by The Maine State Chamber of Commerce
  • Initiatives
    • Campus Career Connect
    • Dream It. Do It.
    • Education Foundation
    • Keep Maine Competitive
    • Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI)
    • This is ME Counting on You
    • Senior Leaders of Tomorrow Development Program
  • Newsroom
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Impact Newsletter
    • MSCC Blog
    • The Bottom Line
    • The Maine Take
    • Making Maine Work
    • MERI Roll Call
    • OneVoice Maine Magazine
    • Policy Brief Series with Educate Maine
    • Press Kit
  • Member Login