Mountain Area Works Highlights

  • Asheville Chamber virtual town hall TODAY at 1:00 pm
  • Mountain Area Workforce Development Board will meet tomorrow Tuesday, March 24 at 3:00 pm via Zoom
  • Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Delegates will meet Wednesday, March 25 at 12:45 pm via Zoom
  • Land of Sky regional COVID-19 response call Thursday, March 26 at 1:00 pm via Zoom
  • NCWorks Career Centers will be closed to the general public as of Monday, March 23, 2020
  • Businesses: Please respond to this regional survey regarding the resources you need to respond to COVID-19
  • NC Business Essential Industry Application
  • Governor Cooper expands unemployment eligibility
  • Business Resources to Help Address COVID-19 public health emergency
  • How to assist your employees in filing for unemployment insurance benefits
  • How to file for unemployment insurance benefits
  • Land of Sky Regional Council response to COVID-19, office closes to the general public as of Friday, March 20, 2020
  • COVID-19: Stop the Spread
  • NCDHHS: COVID-19 Response
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19
  • NCWorks: Work on What's Next
The focus of Land of Sky Regional Council is supporting our region's response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the resulting economic crisis. The offices of Land of Sky Regional Council are closed to the general public effective at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2020. All meetings conducted by Land of Sky Regional Council will be conducted by remote participation consistent with NC open meetings law. All program work will take place remotely and staff is teleworking when possible.
Virtual Town Hall is TODAY at 1:00 pm hosted by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce
Employment Considerations in the COVID-19 Crisis

Join us TODAY for Virtual Town Hall at 1:00 pm on Employment Resources to support both businesses and employees.

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web.ashevillechamber.org
The primary focus of all of the following meetings hosted by Land of Sky Regional Council next week will be on our region's response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and the resulting economic crisis. The meetings will be by remote participation via Zoom only. The offices of Land of Sky Regional Council are closed to the general public.
Mountain Area Workforce Development Board meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24 at 3:00 pm via Zoom remote participation
Topic: Mountain Area Workforce Development Board Meeting
Time: Mar 24, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 424 393 226
Password: 742716
 
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Meeting ID: 424 393 226
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a0F7Uh4ok

This meeting will be by remote participation via Zoom only. The offices of Land of Sky Regional Council are closed to the general public.

Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Delegates meeting is Wednesday, March 25 at 12:30 pm via Zoom remote participation
Topic: Land of Sky Regional Council Board of Delegates Meeting
Time: Mar 25, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 509 009 448
Password: 420012
 
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       +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
       +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
       +1 253 215 8782 US
       +1 301 715 8592 US
       +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
       +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 509 009 448
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a0F7Uh4ok

This meeting will be by remote participation via Zoom only. The offices of Land of Sky Regional Council are closed to the general public.

Land of Sky Regional COVID-19 Response Zoom Meeting is this Thursday, March 26 at 1:00 pm
Topic: Regional COVID-19 Update
Time: Mar 26, 2020 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
 
Join Zoom Meeting
 
Meeting ID: 867 292 591
Password: 538842
 
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,867292591# US (New York)
+13126266799,,867292591# US (Chicago)
 
Dial by your location
       +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
       +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
       +1 301 715 8592 US
       +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
       +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
       +1 253 215 8782 US
Meeting ID: 867 292 591
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/a0F7Uh4ok

This meeting will be by remote participation via Zoom only. The offices of Land of Sky Regional Council are closed to the general public.

NCWorks Career Centers will be closed to the general public effective Monday, March 23, 2020
  • Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, beginning Monday, March 23, 2020 the NC Works Career Centers will be closed to the public/walk in customers. 
  • NCWorks Career Center staff will continue to report to work as normal.
  • Employers and Job Seekers are welcome to call the NCWorks Career Centers during normal business hours from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.
  • Questions regarding unemployment insurance benefits should be directed to the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security 
 
Businesses: Please respond to this regional survey regarding the resources you need to respond to COVID-19
COVID-19 Business Response

Take three minutes to share how your biz is responding to COVID-19 and what resources you may need. Your responses will allow us to promote your biz, share creative ideas so our region can earn from one another and prepare resources to support you.

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www.surveymonkey.com
NC Business Essential Industry Application
FOR ANY BUSINESS LOOKING FOR EXEMPTION DURING A SHUTDOWN
NC Emergency Management has a process to evaluate businesses and allow them the ability to continue operations IF a shelter in place order should be issued. 
This is not to say that a shelter in place order is imminent. This is a precautionary measure to be determined as a ESSENTIAL BUSINESS SUPPLIER and allow the ability to continue operations in the event a shelter in place order is issued.

  1. Send email to [email protected]  
  2. In the email, provide the following:
  3. Business Name
  4. Point of Contact, including:
  5. Name
  6. Email address
  7. Phone number
  8. Mailing address
  9. Nature of their business and why they are critical to continue operations 
  10. Business website address

Please be aware that this is a new process and the Business Emergency Operations Center (BCOC) is experiencing a high volume of requests, so the response could be delayed.
Governor eases unemployment rules due to COVID-19 virus crisis
Governor eases rules for jobless benefits amid virus crisis

Rules to apply for and obtain unemployment benefits in North Carolina are being scaled back to help people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Governor Roy Cooper said Tuesday.

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www.wral.com
WNC resources to help local businesses address challenges related to the COVID-19 public health emergency
NC Community College Small Business Centers (SBC) on the campuses at AB Tech and Blue Ridge Community College
NC Community College Small Business Centers (SBC)

Each local SBC at NC Community Colleges can provide you with a variety of helpful resources, including links to organizations and agencies vital to the successful operation of your business.

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www.ncsbc.net
Mountain BizWorks
Mtn BizWorks: Planning | Coaching | Investing

Mountain BizWorks is a U.S. Treasury certified non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI). For nearly 30 years, Mountain BizWorks has been making business loans ranging from $1,000 to $250,000 to small businesses in WNC.

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www.mountainbizworks.org
NC Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
North Carolina's SBTDC

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has helped North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses.

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www.sbtdc.org
Business Link North Carolina
Business Link North Carolina (BLNC)

Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) is a free service to connect businesses with resources in North Carolina. Working in partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce, we offer one-on-one phone consultations to businesses.

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edpnc.com
North Carolina Business Relief Resources - COVID-19

For all general questions, call Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) at 800.228.8443. BLNC staff are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. BLNC staff will connect your business to the appropriate organization for assistance.

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edpnc.com
US Small Business Administration
Small Business Administration - NC District Office

Created in 1953, SBA continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise.

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www.sba.gov
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance

Coronavirus Small Business Loan Information. Click here to learn more.

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disasterloan.sba.gov
What small businesses in NC need to know about SBA

The U.S. SBA approved Gov. Roy Cooper's request for a disaster declaration for small businesses. The decision comes a few days after Cooper made that request. The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is hitting small business hard.

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www.bizjournals.com
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Carolina Small Business Development Fund

Carolina Small Business Development Fund creates economic opportunities across North Carolina. We support communities by helping entrepreneurs build the businesses of their dreams.

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carolinasmallbusiness.org
Thread Capital: A Subsidiary of the NC Rural Center
Thread Capital | Small business loans North Carolina

Small businesses are the heart of any robust and thriving community. At Thread Capital, we provide you access to the capital, coaching, and connections you need. It is your dream. We are here to help you weave it all together.

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www.threadcap.org
North Carolina Chamber of Commerce
Coronavirus Resource Guide - NC Chamber

Preparation, Not Panic This page will be updated with new and relevant resources as they become available. If you have information that you would like to share with North Carolina's business community regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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ncchamber.com
Asheville Chamber of Commerce
The Small Business Guide - AVL Area Chamber of Commerce

The Asheville Chamber has decided to cancel all face-to-face meetings and events through April 7th and our staff are working remotely. Read more about our response here. What is coronavirus?

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www.ashevillechamber.org
Henderson County Chamber of Commerce
Coronavirus Updates and Information for Small Business

At this time the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce has made the decision to extend the cancellation of all events, networking opportunities and Leads Groups meetings through April 10th.

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www.hendersoncountychamber.org
Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development
Update on COVID-19 - Henderson Co Partnership for Econ Dev

Local Business and Industry Support: Want to support a local business during this time or are you a local business who needs support, Love Hendo is a great clearing house for us all to come together and love on Henderson County!

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gohendersoncountync.org
Madison County
Madison County, North Carolina

Madison County COVID-19 Hotline 828-649-0755, Latest COVID-19 Information

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www.madisoncountync.gov
Transylvania County Economic Alliance
COVID-19 Business Guide & Survey

March 19, 2020 In an effort to maximize our support of our biz community during this time of crisis, the Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce, Transylvania Economic Alliance, Heart of Brevard, BRCC Small Business Center & Transylvania Co Tourism.

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transylvaniaalliance.com
How to assist your employees in filing for unemployment benefits
NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security

The Division of Employment Security is responsible for the administration of the unemployment insurance program in the state of North Carolina. This program is a federal-state partnership and is funded by federal and state unemployment taxes.

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des.nc.gov
How to file for unemployment benefits
Apply for Unemployment in NC

How to apply for unemployment benefits.

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des.nc.gov
Please be patient when contacting the NC Department of Commerce, Division of Employment Security due to the overwhelming number of layoffs as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency .
COVID-19 Information

Unemployment Changes Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) NC Employment Security Division is publishing instructions and guidance on this page to help you understand new changes to the state's unemployment system due to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

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des.nc.gov
Land of Sky Regional Council response to COVID-19
Land of Sky Regional Council (LOSRC)

LOSRC is a multi-county, local government, planning and development organization. We reach county and municipal borders providing technical assistance to local governments and administer projects and programs which benefit our region’s citizens.

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www.landofsky.org
COVID-19: Stop the Spread
NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Response
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Response in NC

NC Department of Health and Human Services 2001 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2000 Customer Service Center: 1-800-662-7030 Administrative Office: 919-855-4800 COVID-19 Hotline: 866-462-3821

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www.ncdhhs.gov
CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China.

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www.cdc.gov
NCWorks: Work on What's Next
NCWorks - Work on What's Next

Whether you're an organization interested in strengthening your workforce or a North Carolinian looking for employment, NCWorks has the resources to help you reach your goals. NCWorks provides assistance with every step of your job search.

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next.ncworks.gov