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The Daily Edition for Thursday, April 30, 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!

 

 

Applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits Begin on Friday, May 1

* PUA Presentation

* FAQs

* Eligibility Checklist

* Application Information

During the April 30 press briefing, Maine Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner Laura Fortman joined Maine CDC Director Dr. Nirav Shah to provide further information and instruction regarding the application of unemployment benefits through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, as well as last week's claims data for unemployment compensation.

 

Last week, approximately 7,400 new individuals filed for unemployment benefits, the lowest number of initial claims in the past six weeks, but still at a historically-high level. In total, nearly 73,000 people filed their weekly certification, and the Department paid out $59.7 million in unemployment benefits for the week ending April 25. The largest number of claims in the six weeks were in food services and lodging, healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, manufacturing, and entertainment and recreation sectors.

 

The Maine DOL will begin accepting applications for the PUA program at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1. People whose claim does not require further review should begin receiving benefits with seven days of filing. PUA is a new federal program which expands eligibility for unemployment benefits to certain categories of workers not typically able to receive unemployment in the past, such as those who are self-employed and who do not have enough earnings to be eligible for state unemployment.

 

The press release contains information for claimants as they prepare to file through the PUA's streamlined online application form, and also outlined the DOL's alphabetical call-in schedule, which has been designed to help reduce phone line congestion.

 

Central Maine Healthcare Offers Screening Trainings for Businesses to Safely Reopen

Mainebiz reported this afternoon that Central Maine Healthcare (CMH), a Lewiston-based health care system, has developed a process to screen for COVID-19 symptoms at its hospital and other sites. As the process was being developed, CMH received questions from the community about how that process might work at other organizations. CMH also found that, as the state sets guidelines for bringing people back to work and opening physical locations, the screening it has developed using CDC guidelines is a good model for businesses in general.

 

This morning, CMH's Return to Work Screening program conducted its first onsite screening training for a business. The program guides the business on how to set up a screening area, the steps for screening, equipment needed, and guidelines for handling employees who screen positive for COVID-19 symptoms.

 

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 Extends Maine's Stay-At-Home Order

Following her announcement on Tuesday that she would extend Maine's stay-at-home order, Governor Janet Mills issued a "Stay Safer at Home" Executive Order on Wed., April 29. The new order continues to have Maine people stay at home with the same established exceptions for permitted activities, such as occasional grocery shopping or exercising. However, it now also allows Maine people to visit businesses or participate in activities deemed safe to open under Stage 1 of the reopening plan presented Tuesday afternoon. These include barber shops and hair salons, auto dealerships and drive-in stay-in-your-vehicle religious services that follow COVID-19 Prevention Checklists. The Order is effective immediately and extends through May 31, 2020, subject to change.

 

DECD Answers Employers' Questions and Seeks Input on Plan to Restart Maine's Economy

Maine employers are invited to ask questions and offer their feedback on re-starting our economy. Questions can be sent to the Business Answers program on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by calling 1-800-872-3838 in Maine or 1-800-541-5872 from outside of Maine. Due to increased call volume, please allow 2-3 business days for a call back.

 

Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors Participates in Wednesday's Tele-Town Hall Meeting Hosted by Congressman Jared Golden

 

Dana Connors participated in a Tele-Town Hall meeting Wednesday evening hosted by Congressman Jared Golden. Since the Coronavirus pandemic began, Maine's second congressional district representative to the U.S. House has hosted several tele-town halls for constituents. At the Congressman's invitation, the Maine State Chamber has participated in four focusing on the challenges business are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resources available to help employers stay afloat through the crisis. Altogether, more than 6,000 constituents have participated in the four events the Chamber has joined.

In each tele-town hall, Congressman Golden and Connors have shared information, updates and answered questions from participants regarding resources for small businesses, including the Paycheck Protection Program, EIDL, and changes to unemployment insurance to help people impacted by the pandemic. Congressman Golden has also set up a Small Business Response Team that constituents can reach by emailing smallbizresponseteam@mail.house.gov.

The Maine State Chamber thanks Congressman Golden for continuing to host these important events to help provide businesses across Maine with accurate and current information on COVID-19 resources so they can access the critical aid they need during the pandemic. Please click here to listen to a recording of Wednesday evening's Tele-Town Hall.

 

More than 18,000 Maine Small Employers Approved for Paycheck Protection Program Loans

On Wed., April 29, U.S. Senator Susan Collins announced that $2.3 billion in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans have been approved for a total of 18,247 small employers in Maine. On Monday, April 27, the U.S. Small Business Administration resumed accepting PPP applications now that legislation Senator Collins negotiated to increase funding for PPP by $310 billion has been signed into law. In the two days since the program restarted, an additional 1,548 Maine small employers, and a number of self-employed individuals, were approved for $60.5 million in forgivable loans. The average loan was approximately $39,000, with an estimated average business size of fewer than four employees. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury released a new rule on Monday that will provide greater flexibility to seasonal businesses applying for forgivable PPP loans.

 

King Calls for Forward-Looking Funding to Support Public Health Departments, Boost Public Health Preparedness

"If the United States fails to once again invest in a well-rounded enterprise data collection system, our nation will be set up for yet another deadly epidemic or pandemic."

 

With the coronavirus pandemic revealing dire deficiencies in the public health system after decades of insufficient investment, U.S. Senator Angus King earlier this week joined a group of nine U.S. Senators calling for increased funding for a CDC data modernization initiative. In a letter dated April 28 to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the Senators stressed the need for this additional funding in upcoming coronavirus relief legislation to ensure public health departments have the necessary secure technology and skilled workforce in place to prepare for and respond to public health crises.

 

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.

 

Thursday, April 30 | The Bottom Line Podcast

with Chancellor Dannel Malloy of the University of Maine System

Chancellor Dannel Malloy of the University of Maine System was this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast. He 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 Maine's public universities, the delivery of education in Maine, and the path forward for Maine's higher education community.

 

To listen to the recording, please visit The Bottom Line page on the Maine State Chamber's website.

 

Responding to the 2020 Census

The 2020 Census is happening now. The 2020 Census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020. The 2020 Census is more than a population count. It's an opportunity to shape your community's future. Census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more. You can complete your questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail. Take a moment to view this quick 30-second PSA video.

 

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. Registration or general questions can be directed to Angela 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, 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; Christopher Guith, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber's Global Energy Institute; and, Anthony W. Buxton, Esq., a partner at PretiFlaherty.

 

Register here | Sponsored by PretiFlaherty

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

Maine State Chamber Webinar Series | Recordings and Recaps

 

Listen to the recording here

 

Listen to the recording here

 

Listen to the recording here

 

 

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.

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 Jen Webber, (207) 939-0213
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
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    • President's Message
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    • Find Your Legislator >
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  • Events
    • Calendar of Events
    • 2022 Annual Meeting
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    • 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