COVID-19 Update - as of May 22
Dear Friends,

I hope everyone is well and safe this Memorial Day Weekend. Governor Murphy took the first step towards reopening our businesses.  It is a three-stage process aptly named “ The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health through Public Health." We are currently in Stage 1. I will go into details below. This week’s newsletter will have the following topics:

1)       Governor Murphy’s three stages road back to reopen our businesses
2)       New available NJ Economic Development Agency (EDA) Funding
3)       Plexiglass Vendors
4)       Rental Relief – UPDATE
5)       Cranford Strong Video
6)       Cranford Distant but United video – Check it out!
7)       Virtual Bingo
8)       Cut for a Cause
9)       Zoom Meeting – Thursday 10 am
1)       Three Stages Road Back
 
Governor Murphy has released the three stages The Road Back: Restoring Economic Health through Public Health. We are currently in Stage 1 . So, what does that mean for our businesses? Also, no guidelines have been provided on what safe guard measurements are required for each business.

1)     Stage 1 – Work activities at physical locations if they meet safeguarding and modifications.  Who can open: Essential businesses (medical, food stores, restaurants-curbside, delivery, retail for curbside pickup and delivery). IMO this is not clearly defined but as per regulations it does not permit in-store activities with customers in beauty, retail or dining businesses

2)     Stage 2 – Who can open: More work activities are allowed at physical locations only if they adhere to safeguarding and modification guidelines . What does this mean. Outdoor dining, limited personal care (beauty, nail, spas)

3)      Stage 3- More work activities, including in-person meetings, are allowed at physical locations only if they can adhere to safeguarding guidelines and modifications. Work activities to be phased-in over the course of Stage 3 may include expanded dining, critical in-office work, limited entertainment, expanded personal care, and bars with limited capacity.
2) New $50 million available NJ Economic Development Agency (EDA) Funding

There is new available $50 million of EDA funding. Here is link to available funding. If you have already applied you are in queue. If not please apply.
·          Small business grants up to $5k
·          Small business emergency assistance loans – up to $100k
3) Plexiglass Vendors

Plexiglass will most likely be the new norm. As mentioned we are still waiting for safety guidelines from the state. Here are some links to vendors that I was forwarded.
·          Hawkgraphics Inc . Owner lives in Cranford
·          Fastsigns
4) Rental Relief – Update – Use your security deposit to Pay for rent

I mentioned last week that you are permitted to use your rental security deposit to pay for your rent. This only applies to residential properties at this time. In the future this may apply to commercial businesses as well. I will keep everyone updated.
5) Cranford Strong Video

Thanks to every business that participated in our Cranford Strong video and our DMC Board member Ashley Legg in putting this together. We are coordinating on filming another Cranford Strong video with additional business owners.  
6) Cranford Distant but United Video

Local videographer Foreverett Stories put together a great video of how all of our businesses tell the story of Cranford and how the community goes above and beyond to help all of us during these times. 
7) Virtual Bingo

Our office is promoting a virtual bingo game that runs through May 29. There will be 16 different activities that you are able to complete on the bingo card. To win you have to complete four tiles in a row.
8) Cut for a Cause

Keep on promoting Cut for a Cause to help our our Beauty/Spa businesses. All gift cards purchased will be donated to Cranford Family Care
9) Zoom Meeting

We continue to have our weekly Zoom meeting every Thursday at 10 am. Be on the lookout for guest speakers. 
Please reach out to us at any time if there is any way we can assist you during this time. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend!

Best,
Downtown Cranford Office