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The Daily Edition for Wednesday, May 13, 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!

 

 

Maine Businesses Share Concerns, Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic and Reopening Plan in MACCE Survey

The Maine Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE) released findings of their recent survey of businesses across the state on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Mills Administration's four-stage plan to gradually reopen Maine's economy. A total of 1,467 businesses responded to the "Re-starting Maine's Economy" survey, conducted online the first week of May.

 

MACCE surveyed businesses to collect constructive feedback and suggestions on reopening Maine, as well as to provide helpful information on Maine's economic recovery. The findings show the impact the pandemic is having on Maine's economy and businesses, and provide an important benchmark for measuring and evaluating Maine's comeback in the months ahead.

 

It is important to note that the survey was conducted prior to Governor Mills' Friday, May 8 Rural Reopening Plan announcement that allows certain businesses in 12 Maine counties to reopen with safety precautions beginning May 11 and May 18, ahead of the timeline in the Governor's original plan. The Rural Reopening Plan has addressed some business concerns identified in the survey.

 

Responses came from businesses in every county and region of Maine, with heaviest responses from Cumberland, Hancock, Oxford, Penobscot, and York counties. Sectors include hospitality, retail, tourism, healthcare, real estate, marine, construction, finance, nonprofits, and more.

 

Businesses that responded indicated they expect significant economic losses this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on business operations under the original reopening plan. The average anticipated loss came in at just over 50%. Respondents also indicated that approximately half of employees have been laid-off or furloughed. Of remaining employees, 26% are working reduced hours. Additionally, nearly 6,000 new hires were not made because of COVID-19. When asked about the likelihood of opening this summer, 16% responded "extremely unlikely." More than 80% of businesses responded they will likely be open on this date in 2021, with only 8% responded "extremely unlikely."

 

Several themes emerged from responses, including:

* The 14-day quarantine requirement poses difficulties, specifically to lodging and tourism-related businesses that fear losing the bulk of their summer business.

* Respondents encourage regional reopening in areas less affected by COVID-19, as opposed to a one-size fits-all plan.

* Businesses want more transparency/clarity in reasoning behind which kinds of businesses can reopen when.

* Businesses want to be included as part of the solution and in decisions regarding reopening plans, and believe they can be trusted to implement safeguards and precautions to reopen safely and responsibly. They take their role in helping to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 very seriously.

* Regarding the Governor's reopening plan, responses cover the spectrum on whether the approach was too fast, too slow or just right. Many respondents also acknowledge the challenges the Mills Administration is facing due to such an all-consuming pandemic. Many urge caution in reopening too quickly so Maine does not have a resurgence requiring another shut down.

* Maine businesses are extremely supportive of implementing strict safety guidelines to protect employees and customers, and are looking for more detailed guidelines and clarification on how to safely reopen.

* A majority of respondents feel face coverings should be required.

* Respondents expressed a clear need for PPE and proper sanitizing equipment such as masks, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. Many are having a difficult time finding these items.

 

More than half (53%) of respondents have accessed Paycheck Protection Programs rescue loans, and 15% have been approved for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Less than 1% have utilized the Workshare program.

 

Governor Mills Extends State of Civil Emergency as Maine Continues to Combat COVID-19

As the State continues to respond to COVID-19, Governor Janet Mills today signed a proclamation extending Maine's state of civil emergency for thirty days through June 11, 2020. This will be Governor Mills' second extension of the State of Civil Emergency. According to the National Governors Association, all States and Territories, including those in New England, have ongoing emergency declarations. The Governor's proclamation comes as other governors across the nation also extend their respective states of emergency.

 

"The State of Civil Emergency allows state government to deploy all available resources to protect the health and safety of Maine people and to respond quickly and as-needed to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Mills. "It also allows us to continue to draw critical Federal resources that help us equip frontline workers with needed protective equipment and to use Federal resources to support the State's response."

 

To reserve your banner ad in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
[email protected], or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 102.

 

LL Bean Reopens Two of its Freeport Retail Stores

According to a story in the Bangor Daily News today, L.L. Bean became the latest retailer to partially reopen its stores Wednesday after it had closed all of them on March 16 to help curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus. The iconic Maine outdoors goods company - which began a slow reopening last week with curbside pickup at most of its Freeport stores - has opened its Bike, Boat & Ski and Hunting & Fishing stores in downtown Freeport, it told customers in an email Wednesday.

 

The two reopened stores will each limit occupancy to 25 customers and take only credit card payments. Returns and special services such as monogramming are not currently available. The stores, which are open seven days a week, will have a special time daily, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., for senior citizens and shoppers who are at risk. Otherwise they are open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Portland Mulls Closing Streets to Help Retailers Reopen

Today, Mainebiz reported that the city of Portland has drafted a plan to help restaurants and retailers resume operations as public health restrictions are lifted. The proposal includes temporary closures of six downtown streets to accommodate more outdoor dining and retail sales and expansion of existing outdoor dining spaces onto public and private property, according to a news release.

 

The city says the plan is in keeping with Gov. Janet Mills' order to allow the reopening of restaurants, retail establishments and other commercial activity in Cumberland County, scheduled for June 1. City staff will present the proposed plan to the council's Economic Development Committee on May 14 at 4:00 p.m. The proposal is then expected to head to the full council at its May 18 meeting. The proposed plan will serve as a pilot, and will be reviewed on the basis of data collection, observation and public feedback, the city said.

 

On Tuesday, Mainebiz reported that Rockland is considering a similar measure to boost foot traffic for Main Street retailers.

 

Thursday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m.

The Bottom Line Podcast With Special Guest, Kurt Adams

Kurt W. Adams, President & CEO of Summit Utilities, Inc., is this week's special guest on The Bottom Line podcast streaming online at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 14. Mr. Adams will join The Bottom Line co-hosts Dana Connors of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and John Williams of Williams Broadcasting to discuss how an essential Maine business is operating during the COVID-19 environment.

 

To listen to The Bottom Line live, visit www.williamsbroadcasting.net and scroll down to "Listen Online," or catch up with the archived shows.

 

Collins, King Announce an Additional $52.7 Million to Expand COVID-19 Testing in Maine

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that Maine has been awarded a total of $52,673,451 to purchase, administer, and expand capacity for COVID-19 testing.

 

"Expanded testing is essential for helping to protect Mainers' health during the current public health crisis and to safely reopen our communities," said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. "Testing will also give Mainers the confidence to resume their daily lives and return to work, school, restaurants, and recreational activities. This important funding will provide a substantial boost to Maine's efforts to ramp up testing."

 

This investment for Maine was included in the $480 billion bipartisan agreement that was signed into law last month, which included $25 billion for COVID-19 testing efforts. Of that amount, $11 billion was set aside for states, localities, territories, and tribes to support testing needs. In April, Senators Collins and King announced that Maine would receive $16,295,844 for COVID-19 testing, which was an initial allotment of state funding.

 

Separately, last week, Senators Collins and King announced that 18 Maine health centers have been awarded a total of $4,732,797 for COVID-19 testing.

 

Maine Delegation Works to Improve VA Telehealth Services During COVID-19

As more veterans in rural Maine seek routine VA care online or by phone due to COVID-19, Maine's congressional delegation wrote to the Department of Veterans Affairs today in an effort to improve telehealth services. In their letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and U.S. Representatives Chellie Pingree and Congressman Jared Golden requested the VA provide them with information Congress can use to ensure that veterans receive the services they need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Telehealth services help at risk groups, like older veterans, connect to their providers without risking exposure to COVID-19. They also allow rural veterans who live far away from VA providers to receive care without requiring them to travel, potentially decreasing unnecessary emergency department visits and avoiding hospital admissions.

 

Annual Education Symposium Request for Proposals

Do you have an engaging and current topic of interest you would like to present at this year's Education Symposium? Educate Maine is now accepting proposals for presentations! They are looking for dynamic speakers and engaging presentations that cover a wide range of educational topics. Deadline for submission is June 1, 2020. The Annual Education Symposium will be held on December 4, 2020, at Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine.

 

About the Symposium: The Educate Maine Annual Education Symposium and Leadership Luncheon is a convening of more than 350 business, policy, and education leaders who gather to hear from education experts, to learn from one another, and to honor talented Maine educators. The agenda includes a morning plenary followed by interactive workshops on a range of education topics spanning early childhood through adult workforce development. The event also includes the annual Leadership Luncheon, where they honor the accomplishments of educators from across Maine. This event will be held virtually, if necessary.

 

What are they looking for in proposals? Their priority is to offer symposium attendees a diverse selection of engaging and informative sessions from which to choose. Educate Maine values breadth, depth, expertise from within and beyond Maine, new ideas, compelling data, high-quality professional development, and topics related to its mission of helping Maine people reach their highest educational potential. Their three areas of priority are:

1. Business partnerships and workforce development;

2. Social-emotional learning with a focus on achieving equity; and,

3. Policies that explicitly connect education and workforce.

 

In addition to these priority topics, Educate Maine is interested in sessions that explore issues of equity and access that have been brought to the forefront during the current pandemic. They are looking for sessions that present innovative and actionable solutions to Maine's education and workforce needs as Mainers learn and grow from this experience.

 

MaineSpark: The Maine State Chamber is a proud member of the MaineSpark coalition with Educate Maine and others. Working together, the coalition's goal is for 60% of Mainers to hold a credential of value by 2025. In keeping with this commitment, the coalition is looking for presentations that align with the strategic tracks of MaineSpark:

* Strong Foundations: Working with children birth to 6th grade;

* Future Success: College and career readiness for middle school through college-aged students;

* Adult Promise: Working with adults age 25 years and older;

* New Opportunities: Attraction and retention of new talent for the Maine workforce; or,

* Policy: Policies that support attainment of the 60% by 2025 goal.

 

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 [email protected]. For more information or questions, please contact Mark Ellis by emailing [email protected] or by calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 109.

 

Maine State Chamber Presents Free Wednesday Webinar Series

RECENT STATE AND FEDERAL TAX CHANGES
AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS

 

The Maine State Chamber would like to thank the webinar's
Series Sponsors: Central Maine Power Company, Bangor Savings Bank,
and the Maine Department of Economic & Community Development.

Thanks also to our Premier Sponsors: Pierce Atwood and WIPFLi, LLP

Today, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce hosted a fifth webinar in its Wednesday Webinar series, this time focusing on the effect state and federal taxation changes may have on businesses as a result of the CARES Act. This webinar featured three speakers with significant tax policy expertise: Jonathan Block, a partner with Pierce Atwood LLP, who has substantive expertise in state and local tax encompassing corporate and individual income tax, business profits tax, sales and use tax, property tax, excise tax, transfer tax, and other state and local taxes; Rob Ravenelle, the head of Pierce Atwood's Federal Income Tax practice, who has extensive experience in the planning, negotiation and tax structuring for mergers and acquisitions; and, Cory Vargo, a partner at Wipfli LLP, who focuses his tax practice on private equity and corporate acquisition and divestiture due diligence, international tax structuring, and tax compliance.

Our panel of knowledgeable speakers provided thorough information on a wide variety of topics, including federal and state filing and payment deadlines, PPP loan forgiveness and tax deduction update, employee retention tax credit, deferral of employer payroll tax obligations, corporate net operating losses, excess business loss limitations (other and non-corp NOLs), accelerated refunds of corporate AMT credits, business interest expense limitations, qualified improvement property, changes affecting retirement plans, and changes to charitable contribution deduction.

 

During the discussion on PPP loan forgiveness, it was noted that an employer's decision to return PPP loan proceeds by May 14 may lead to more claims for the Employee Retention Tax Credit. Under the Employee Retention Tax Credit's employer eligibility and defined qualified wages for attendees, attendees were reminded that this credit is not available for wages paid under FMLA or as sick leave, or to the extent payroll tax credits were claimed under the FFCRA (no double dip) or if the employer received a PPP loan.

 

A discussion about the deferral of employer payroll tax obligations, which are available to all employers without size restriction unless the taxpayer has had a PPP loan forgiven, followed. It was noted that employers and self-employed individuals can defer their payment of the employer share of social security tax or self-employment tax attributable to the period from March 27 through December 31, 2020. The deferred payroll taxes are payable at 50% required by December 31, 2021, and 50% required by December 31, 2022.

 

Much of the discussion centered on federal tax changes because the State of Maine has not conformed to the CARES Act tax provisions. The Maine Legislature needs to convene and vote on federal tax code conformity. Until that happens, CARES Act benefits are not available to reduce Maine state income tax, and could impact PPP loan forgiveness. For all of the valuable information discussed in today's webinar, please watch the recording online. We encourage you to discuss any and all of this information with your own tax preparation professional and legal counsel.

 

Additional webinars will be forthcoming, and sponsorship opportunities are still 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 [email protected] or calling (207) 623-4568, ext. 104.

 

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.

NEXT WEEK!

 

Portland Area

Monday, May 18

Register here

NEXT WEEK!

 

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

 

 

To join these advertisers in the Daily Impact, please contact Melody Rousseau
by emailing
[email protected], 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 Katie Clark (207) 233-2230
For membership inquiries, please contact Mark Ellis. (207) 623-4568
  • About Us
    • Connect with Us
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