As we continue to advocate for small businesses, the MN Chamber of Commerce has drafted a letter to our Governor that will be delivered today. Our letter advocates for Governor Walz to continue return to work decisions for small businesses and ensure equity across all sectors and sizes. "More than half of Minnesotans own or work for a small business and create two out of every three new jobs each year. On behalf of hundreds of thousands of small businesses and hundreds of local chambers of commerce across Minnesota, we urge you to consider a more rapid and equitable approach to safely open businesses of all sizes".

Governor Walz extended Stay at Home Order until May 18. EO 20-48 will include the following; Extending and Modifying Stay at Home Order, Continuing Temporary Closure of Bars, Restaurants, and Other Places of Public Accommodation, and Allowing Additional Workers in Certain NonCritical Sectors to Return to Safe Workplaces 

Governor Walz's recent Executive Orders require non-critical businesses that have now been reopened to establish a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. The completed business preparedness plan is not required to submitted to DLI for approval, but needs to be made available upon request. Template, instructions and checklist guidelines for creating a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan are available at www.dli.mn.gov/updates.

Additionally the EO allowed for curbside/delivery features with retailers. Further guidance on what businesses are allowed to return to work under EO 20-48 can be found here.

TEMPLATES from MN Department of Health for Small Businesses to be posted for work and retail.

Business hasn't stopped, and your Chamber hasn't either. We're all in this together.......Stay healthy!