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COVID-19 Update - as of May 8

Dear Friends, Happy Friday! We made it through another week. Below is our weekly email addressing new updates learned throughout the week. There has been no official statement on whether all businesses can re-open and what that entails. We hope Governor Murphy announces next week a June 1 st starting date. 1)    Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) 2)    PPP Update 3)    Business Interruption Insurance 4)    Reopening Task Force Meeting 5)    UCEDC Resource Guide Book 6)    Cut for a Cause 7)    Downtown Live 8)    Wear Masks – Requirement 9)    Zoom Meeting – Thursday 10 am

1) Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) As of May 5th 2020, the Government approved the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program for to those not normally covered. These are independent contractors, self-employed individuals’ sole proprietors, "gig" economy workers and other "covered individuals" impacted by COVID-19 who would otherwise be without any income or unemployment benefits during the pandemic. However, to be eligible you first must go through the normal process of applying for unemployment insurance and be rejected. Once you apply you are already in the system. You should receive an email that you will be eligible. PUA is available retroactively. So, you can claim when you stopped being able to work. ***Please note that if you received the PPP loan then you are ineligible to receive PUA as well. My recommendation is to apply to both, hopefully you are approved for both, then making a decision which option is better financially.

2) PPP Updates It is good to hear that several businesses have received PPP loans, however it’s frustrating that several businesses have not received, and had a tough time with the financial institution where they have applied. PayPal is prime example. Some businesses received with no issue; some have been rejected without clarification. Please be aware that several businesses are now hesitant to spend these funds . The quandary? In order for the PPP loan to be forgivable 75% of your employees must be able to keep their jobs.

3) Business Interruption Insurance There is a push from lobbying groups that insurance companies should pay businesses for their business interruption claims. I suggest you formally apply to your insurance broker and get rejected. If the government then puts regulations that insurance companies must pay interruption insurance you will be already in the queue. Also, several law firms are contacting businesses about representing them to assist in their claims. It could be of interest to talk to these firms about any possibility.

4) Reopening Task Force We had our first reopening task force meeting this week. A lot is dependent on what the eventual rules and regulations may be from the State. However, ideas that were discussed were a marketing campaign showing businesses taking precautions in cleaning, creating a slogan such as “socially active but physically distant," making streets open for outdoor dining, creating a flex space of gym use and others. We will have at least two more meetings and the goal is to put together a document and present it to the Township Committee.

5) Union County Economic Develop Corporation (UCEDC Business Resource Guide) UCEDC has put together a business resource guide for organizations and contacts that can assist your business. Here is the link .

6) Cut for a Cause 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. We will be contacting businesses for business owner spotlights to further promote this.

7) Downtown Live We had our first Downtown Live class this week with King Strength and Performance. It worked out very well. We would like to do this weekly. All you need is a smartphone and something to mount it to and you can teach a virtual class. If you are interested, please let us know.

8) Reminder 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 purchasing food again.

9) 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.

Please reach out to us at any time if there is any way we can assist you during this time. Happy Mother’s Day! Best, Downtown Cranford Office