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The Daily Edition for Friday, May 8, 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!

 

 

A Message From Dana Connors

 

"The Maine State Chamber of Commerce welcomes Governor Mills' announcement today that she is opening 12 counties for certain businesses earlier than her original reopening plan outlined. This is a step in the right direction for Maine's economy, especially small businesses in regions of the state that are not experiencing Coronavirus outbreaks or community transmissions.

 

"We appreciate the Mills Administration's recognition that there are regional differences when it comes to COVID-19, and easing restrictions to speed-up reopening where we can is critical to Maine's economic recovery. Expanding Maine's Coronavirus testing capacity, made possible by the State's partnership with IDEXX announced yesterday, is also encouraging. We expect that will help guide where Maine can continue to ramp up reopening safely, in some cases ahead of the original reopening timeline."

 

"It is important all Mainers know that public health is the top priority for employers across the state. These employers are taking significant steps and implementing necessary protocols to make sure they can get back to business responsibly, and Maine people can get back to work safely, as soon as possible."

 

Governor Mills Introduces Rural Reopening Plan

Governor Janet Mills today announced a rural reopening plan aimed at reopening certain additional businesses in rural Maine over the course of the next two weeks with added health and safety measures. The plan comes after Governor Mills stated last week that her Administration was considering opportunities for regional variation as part of its Restarting Maine's Economy plan. It also follows the announcement of a partnership with IDEXX Laboratories that will more than triple the State's testing capacity.

 

Under the plan, retail stores and restaurants will be permitted to open to in-store and some dine-in service, respectively - with enhanced safety precautions - in counties where community transmission is not present. Those counties are Aroostook, Piscataquis, Washington, Hancock, Somerset, Franklin, Oxford, Kennebec, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, and Sagadahoc.

 

Retail stores in these counties are permitted to open on Monday, May 11, 2020 with added health and safety precautions. These include but are not limited to: restricting the number of customers in a store at one time, enhanced cleaning practices, and touch-free transactions whenever possible.

 

Restaurants in these same counties are permitted to open on Monday, May 18, 2020 with added health and safety precautions, including physically distancing customers, ensuring employees follow enhanced hygiene and sanitation practices, and controlling customer flow through reservations whenever possible. The May 11 and May 18 timelines align with the opening of the same businesses in New Hampshire.

 

Additionally, remote campsites as well as sporting camps, which provide access to wilderness activities such as canoeing, hiking, hunting or fishing, are also permitted to open with public health safeguards in these same counties only on Monday, May 18th to Maine residents or those who have completed the 14 day quarantine.

 

In announcing these changes, the Administration today also released the health and safety guidance that rural retail stores and restaurants must follow. This guidance comes in the form of the COVID-19 Prevention Checklists, which have been created by the Department of Economic and Community Development in close collaboration with industry and public health experts. Sporting camps guidance is expected next week.

 

David Barber: Tyson Is Committed To Ensuring Worker Health And Safety

The following opinion editorial by David Barber, a business development specialist at Tyson Foods in Portland, was published in today's Bangor Daily News. We have excerpted it below, but encourage you to read it in its entirety online.

 

"With the onset of COVID-19, the nation has been sailing in uncharted waters. Since Barber Foods is a food processing facility, the plant environment has always followed strict sanitary procedures. The frequency increased as awareness of community transmission possibilities of COVID-19 grew."

 

"To keep our essential team members safe, Tyson has instituted new measures that go beyond our longstanding sanitation processes and are aimed at keeping our team members healthy and safe. Team member temperatures are checked daily and protective facial coverings are required. Plants have been modified for social distancing, including workstation dividers and barriers in break rooms. Sanitation has been increased for frequently touched surfaces, such as doors and tables. Increased hand washing frequency has been encouraged. We also encourage team members to follow CDC guidelines at home as well as at work."

 

"We also realize that our employees are essential workers during this global health pandemic and deserve recognition. Tyson is sending $120 million in  "thank you bonuses" for 116,000 U.S. frontline workers and truckers. These first $500 individual bonuses will be paid in early May and the second in July. People are doing the extraordinary and the company is rewarding that effort."

 

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.

 

In Case You Missed It...

Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors discussed Maine's response to the Coronavirus and reopening plans with WGAN Morning News host Matt Gagnon this morning. Connors focused on encouraging reopening as quickly and safely as possible so Maine can back to business, while recognizing the tremendous challenge and responsibility we all have when it comes to safety precautions and protocols. To listen to the interview, please click here.

 

Don't Miss "Maine Calling" on Monday, May 11

Tune in on Monday, May 11, as Maine State Chamber President Dana Connors and DECD Commissioner Heather Johnson join Maine Calling host Jennifer Rooks from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (rebroadcast at 7:00 p.m. that evening).

 

Every weekday, the Maine Calling program digs into topics and issues with listeners across the state in a statewide conversation. While the coronavirus crisis is at its height, host Jennifer Rooks will lead conversations about how the spread of COVID-19 is affecting people throughout our region. Upcoming topics will include: answers to medical questions; how businesses are impacted by the crisis; childcare issues; how to deal with anxiety and uncertainty; what Maine towns are doing to cope; how faith leaders are addressing this emergency; what Maine's Congressional delegation is doing to help; and how colleges, professors and students are reacting to changes caused by the pandemic.

 

Updates from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Earlier this week, the U.S. Chamber and MetLife released the monthly Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll - which surveys how small businesses nationwide are adapting their operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Among other key insights, the most recent poll - taken on April 21, 2020 - finds that to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic:

* 27% of small businesses have shortened their hours.

* 26% of small businesses have asked customers for support or started a crowdfunding campaign.

* 19% of small businesses have adjusted employee salaries or hours.

* 19% of small businesses have applied for a working capital loan, an almost five-fold increase since last month.

State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance:

 

From personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to employee screening, the U.S. Chamber created the new interactive State-by-State Business Reopening Guidance map - equipped with current stay-at-home orders, timelines, state profiles, and more critical information - to help you track the differences and stay in-the-know on the latest guidance for America's employers.

Check Out These Resources From The U.S. Chamber:

* Backgrounder on Health Coverage Options

* Backgrounder on Unemployment Insurance Under the CARES Act

* Independent Contractor's Guide to CARES Act Relief

* Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist

* Temporary Paid Leave and Family Medical Leave Guide

* Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide

* Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide

* Coronavirus Small Business Guide

* Coronavirus Response Toolkit

 

Commissioner Beal Calls On USDA To Allow State-Inspected Meat To Cross State Lines During COVID-19 Pandemic

On Thursday, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Amanda Beal called on the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Program (USDA-FSIS) to temporarily lift restrictions preventing state-inspected meat from being sold or donated across state lines. Temporarily waiving USDA-FSIS place of sale restrictions allows more processing and market opportunities for Maine food producers and consumers during this unprecedented crisis. USDA processing facilities in Maine are under immense pressure to meet demand and are reportedly booked out over a year in some locations.

 

"Allowing state-inspected meat to temporarily cross state lines will greatly support regional market expansion opportunities, smooth out bottlenecks in the local food chain, reduce the need to cull healthy livestock and poultry, and support our food-insecure during this extremely difficult time," wrote Commissioner Beal. Half of state processing facilitates are already operating under the federal Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program, and DACF is confident that state-inspected facilities can maintain appropriate oversight as this waiver is considered.

 

Mainespark Awards Four $5,000 Grants For Programs Improving Postsecondary Success For Underrepresented Students

MaineSpark has awarded four $5,000 grants, totaling $20,000, to innovative initiatives promoting postsecondary success for underrepresented student populations. MaineSpark received a total of 11 grant applications and through a competitive review process, awarded grants to Oxford Hills Community Education Exchange, Project Launch, Rural Aspirations and the University of Maine at Machias. The grants were made possible with support from the MELMAC Education Foundation and Educate Maine.

 

"We are excited about the innovative programs the MaineSpark grant awardees are initiating to help connect students" aspirations with making postsecondary education a reality for them," said Wendy Ault, executive director of the MELMAC Education Foundation. "These programs will help underrepresented students successfully transition to higher education and increase college completion rates, helping Maine communities, employers and our state's economy thrive."

 

"MaineSpark's grant recipients are developing exactly the kinds of sustainable programs Maine needs to help underrepresented students achieve their highest potential and be a part of powering Maine's economy," said Jason Judd, Ed.D., executive director of Educate Maine. "We are confident these programs will enable more young Mainers to succeed in postsecondary education and in the workplace."

 

Help the Maine State Chamber of Commerce Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week

Maine Public, the Maine Department of Education, and Educate Maine have joined forces to create original, educational programming for grade school students in Grades 3 to 5. Dedicated teachers from across Maine have developed original video lessons, pulling content from their own lesson plans and sources to provide exceptional learning opportunities for Maine students.

The Learning Space airs every weekday on Maine Public Television through mid-June. Completed episodes will be available online.

To recognize the efforts and talents of the participating teachers and educators, a stipend is being offered for lessons that are broadcasted. At this point, this element of the project remains unfunded. If you or business would like to sponsor a teacher please reach out to Megan Diver at the Maine State Chamber or Cory Morrissey at Maine Public.

 

More about The Learning Space: This series features teachers from across Maine sharing original video lessons specifically designed for this project. With over 183,000 Maine students currently at home and 30,000 or more students without access to online learning opportunities due to broadband access issues, The Learning Space is designed to help fill the void by providing exceptional educational programming via television. Maine Public Television is available for free over-the-air across Maine and can also be accessed via cable, the internet, and over satellite systems.

 

The Learning Space is broadcast on Maine Public Television at 12:30 p.m. each weekday starting on Monday, April 27. As more episodes of The Learning Space are developed, the broadcast schedule will expand to run from Noon to 1:00 p.m. 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. Go to mainepublic.org for more information on The Learning Space.

 

Online Documentary Premieres to Uncover the Facts Surrounding the New England Clean Energy Connect

In a recent press release the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) announced that it is the focus of a new online series of short stories that takes a deep dive into the science and facts behind the Clean Energy Corridor and the Mainers who support it. The documentary-style series called "Clearing the Air" is hosted by Thorn Dickinson, President & CEO of NECEC Transmission LLC. Thorn has travelled thousands of miles around Maine in the past few years, talking to Mainers about why this project is so important. The series follows Dickinson on his travels around the state, chronicling those conversations. From Starks to Lewiston and points in between, Thorn has had memorable conversations with so many Mainers. The series will be aired on YouTube, Instagram and Instagram TV.

 

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

Numerous Maine companies are 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.

 

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 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

 

Please Join Us For The Maine State Chamber's Regional Breakfast Series,

A Virtual Update

 

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce, together with local and regional chambers of commerce, invites you to our Regional Breakfast Meetings, held virtually on Zoom. As a local business leader, your valuable insight is instrumental to this open dialogue about issues that affect your business, your community and your state. We need your expertise and input to make recommendations and to identify opportunities for moving Maine's economic future in a positive direction.

Normally, attending one of our annual statewide breakfast series meetings 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 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. - so grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation from the relaxation of your own home.

Portland Area

Monday, May 18

Register here

Lewiston Area

Tuesday, May 19

Register here

Bangor Area

Thursday, May 21

with the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce

Register here

Presque Isle Area

Thursday, May 28

Register here

 

SAVE THE DATE!

2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Reform

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

A confirmation of event details will be available shortly. The 2020 Maine State Chamber Health Care Forum will focus on the changing nature of coverage in Maine; both through legislation and through innovation. The program will be virtual, and roughly an hour in length. We will begin with a presentation by leadership at Anthem of Maine focusing on innovation in the marketplace. After that, there will be a panel discussion, that includes healthcare public policy experts and the Superintendent of Insurance Eric Cioppa, to discuss the events of this past session, and the policy changes that were enacted by lawmakers that are likely to impact the individual and small group markets, both in terms of policies, coverage and price.

 

 

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
    • External Social Media Policy
  • Membership
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    • Join the Chamber
    • Return on Investment
    • Member Search
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    • 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