The Daily Edition for Monday, April 27, 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!

 

 

Paycheck Protection Program Resumes Accepting Applications Today!

As you know, late last week the U.S. Congress approved and President Trump signed into law a $310 billion infusion in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as additional funding for other emergency loan programs, hospitals, and COVID-19 testing.   The U.S. Small Business Administration has resumed accepting applications for the PPP TODAY. If you have not yet applied for a PPP loan, please contact your 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.   The Paycheck Protection Program provides loan amounts up to 250 percent of an employer's monthly payroll expenses. These loans are forgivable if at least 75% of the loan is spent on payroll. The intent is to help employers stay afloat and keep their employees paid and employed through this crisis. Before the initial round of funding for the PPP was exhausted, nearly 17,000 businesses across Maine were approved for more than $2.2 billion in loans. They literally are a lifeline for employers across Maine and the country. PPP loans are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is important to contact your lender right away. A list of approved Maine lenders can be found here.   SBA also will resume processing EIDL Loan and Advance applications that are already in the queue. Those will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, as well. We will provide further information on the availability of the EIDL portal to receive new applications (including those from agricultural enterprises) as soon as possible. To learn more about the relief options available for your business, click here.   Please let us know if you have questions or would like more information. We are here to help you, our members, now more than ever.

 

Governor Mills Indicates Decisions, Announcements for Reopening Maine Coming Soon

During today's press briefing at the Maine CDC, Governor Janet Mills indicated that she continues to consult with the Maine CDC and the Coronavirus Response Team regarding an extension of the stay-healthy-at-home order and plans to reopen the Maine economy. At this time, some type of stay-at-home order seems likely.   "We still need to stay the course," Governor Mills noted. "Last week, I announced the four guiding principles and opened a communications portal at the Maine DECD to begin collecting Mainers' ideas for the path forward."   Since last Thursday's announcement, the Maine DECD has heard from 1600 employers and employees across diverse industries. The Governor also underscored that restarting certain businesses and activities will not be based on whether that business or activity is listed as essential or nonessential, but rather that the business or activity can reopen and operate safely by minimizing in person interaction amongst customers and staff.   "If at any point, we encounter a resurgence," she cautioned. "We will have to shut down and start the process all over. Our efforts to beat this virus are working so hold on."

 

DECD Seeks Employers' Input to Reopening Maine

As the Administration works to re-open the economy and continues to strive to have a transparent process, Maine employers are invited to share their thoughts and feedback. The Maine Department of Economic and Community Development will be reviewing all suggestions that are submitted, and will take everything under advisement, but may not be able to use every submission. Using the department's online comment form, please take a moment to share your thoughts on potential goals and initiatives or on issues that Maine should address in the planning process.

 

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.

 

Governor Mills Announces Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission, Revenue Forecasting Committee to Convene Early to Assess Economic Ramifications of COVID-19 on State Revenues

Governor also freezes non-emergency spending & hiring by State government and renews calls on Federal government to provide states with flexibility to use Federal funding

Governor Janet Mills today announced that the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission (CEFC) and the Revenue Forecasting Committee (RFC) will convene off cycle to examine the economic ramifications of COVID-19 on State government's revenues. The CEFC and RFC are responsible for projecting revenues that the Administration and Legislature then use to determine the State's budget. The committee meetings in July 2020 and August 2020 will allow for the CEFC and RFC to more accurately understand the economic ramifications of COVID-19 on Maine's economy and the State budget. Once that information is in hand, the Governor will work with the Legislature to determine the best path forward.   Governor Mills has also instructed all departments of State government to freeze all non-emergency spending and hiring, and she is renewing her calls for the federal government to provide flexibility for states to use federal funding for expected revenue shortfalls.   Additionally, Governor Mills instructed all departments to apply an emergency basis scrutiny to spending and hiring. This includes freezing unencumbered balances for Fiscal Year 2019 and certain reserves in Fiscal Year 2020, as well as reviewing contractual obligations through the remainder of the Fiscal Year, which ends June 30th. The Governor has also prohibited state employees from traveling out of state on state business.

 

TOMORROW MORNING | 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.   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

 

Wednesday, April 29 | Dana Connors Joins Congressman Jared Golden for a Special Listening Session Focused on Business Concerns and Experiences

With the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) resuming this week, Congressman Golden is holding an additional small business listening session this Wednesday evening, April 29 with Maine Chamber of Commerce President Dana Connors. The congressman wants to hear from small businesses about their challenges during the coronavirus crisis, how federal relief programs like PPP are working for them and how they can be improved, and answer your questions.   The listening session will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. 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 congressman's Small Business Resource Guide for more information on the small business loans, grants, and other federal programs available during these challenging times.

 

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 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.

 

How Do The New Federal Unemployment Insurance Programs Work?     The CARES Act significantly expanded access to the unemployment insurance (UI) system for American workers who suffer job losses or reduced hours through no fault of their own. Last week the U.S. Chamber issued a new infographic describing how the new Unemployment Insurance programs work.

 

Updates to the Definition of Beverage and Cocktails-to-go

On April 27, the Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations updated the definition of "beverage" from Governor Mills' March 18 Order and Cocktails-to-go. Additionally, as the department communicated in its March 18th memo, "beverage" in the context of the Order was intended to permit the sale by bars and restaurants to include beer and wine in the original manufacturers' sealed containers. Beverages will NOT include spirits products. The sale of beverages by bars and restaurants must be accompanied by a food order. The food requirement is based upon the type of liquor license issued by the Bureau. Therefore, effective immediately, the definition of beverage will include spirits-based "cocktails to go." Updated guidelines were also outlined in the department's April 27th memo.

 

 

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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