COVID-19 Update - as of May 1
Dear Friends,

Happy Friday! Though with these times, it seems like every day is the same. Here is our office’s weekly newsletter. As always, thanks for being part of the Cranford business community and we are Cranford Strong. This week's newsletter will have info on:

1)   Update on Stimulus Funds
2)   Reopening Task Force
3)   Pack the Trailer – Gift Cards
4)   Cut for a Cause
5)   Wear Masks – Requirement
6)   Tax deferment
7)   Survey
8)   Zoom Meeting – Thursday 10 am
1) Stimulus Funds

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds were open for applications again this week. If you have not applied PLEASE DO SO ASAP. There is a possibility that this will be the last round of PPP funding. If you have applied for PPP loan and received a Preferred Lending Partner (PLP) number then this means that you were approved. Please keep following up with your banking institution representative. Good news, is that several Downtown Business have received PPP and State EDA funds. So, there is hope.
2) Reopening Task Force

The Township, as well the rest of the State, is waiting for the direction from the Governor on reopening our businesses. No official statement has been made. With this, we have to be prepared for our businesses reopening and what precautions will be made.

Our office is developing a Reopening Task Force that will help guide our community. The Task Force will be made up of at least four (4) business owners from different business types, a property owner, myself, DMC Board members, and a Township Committee representative. We will meet virtually at least two times and prepare a guideline with recommendations that will be provided to the Township Committee.
If you are a restaurant or beauty salon owner and would like to be a part of the Task Force please email us.
3) Pack the Trailer – Marketing Material – Gift Cards Campaign
      
The Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG) has been an amazing organization helping feed the Front Line Workers as well supporting our businesses. They will be holding a “Pack the Trailer” event with canned food and non-perishable food donations to provide to families in need. We will be promoting that including donating food items to also purchase a gift card from a Cranford business to be included. Also, the first 300 people will receive a free reusable tote bag. If you would like to provide marketing materials to be included in the bag please email us or officer Rob Chamra at r-chamra@cranfordnj.org .
4) Cut for a Cause  

All our businesses have been impacted significantly. The barber, beauty, nail salons and spas have been severely impacted because of the mandatory closures. The Cut for a Cause Campaign is for the community to purchase gift cards that will be donated to Cranford Family Care. The community will purchase gift cards from the businesses directly and then our office will deliver. If you have not gotten back to us if you have gift cards and how to purchase please let us know ASAP. FYI Gift cards can now be created on Instagram.
5) Wear your Masks

If you are open as an essential business, it is State law to wear face masks while working. Also, customers must wear masks upon entering. If you are not wearing your masks and preparing food, customers may hesitate to purchase food again.
6) Tax Grace Period

The Township approved the grace period to pay your property taxes to June, 1 st 2020. Here is the article .
7) Survey

The survey will close the end of this week. It only takes five minutes and provides necessary feedback on what we can do to assist and information to help local government understand the impacts our small businesses are facing. Here is the link for survey .
8) Zoom Meeting

We will have our weekly Zoom meeting every Thursday at 10 am. We are looking to have upcoming guest speakers. We’ll let you know. 
If you have any questions, ideas, thoughts, or concerns, please contact us. We are here for you in any capacity during these times.

Best,
Gabe, Michelle, Caren