Dear Friends
,
We are pleased to report that as of today the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan programs have been re-funded. If you have not already done so, we recommend that you contact your local bank to apply for the PPP and discuss the EIDL.
We encourage you to take some time this weekend for yourself and your family – enjoy the sunshine and this warming Spring.
Sincerely,
Your Chamber Team
As always, we are here to support you with information about disaster loans, unemployment assistance and business and community resource
s. Please call 978 283-1601 or email us as follows:
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News & Business Resources:
- Washington - Congress Approves $484 Billion to Aid Small Businesses and Hospitals. On Thursday, April 23 the House approved - by a vote of 388 to 5 - $310B to replenish funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, $60B for the EIDL program, $75B for hospitals and $25B for expanded COVID-19 testing. The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate on April 21 and was by the President today.
- Massachusetts Unemployment Benefits Update. The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now accepting and processing Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) applications from those who are self-employed, independent contractors or part of the gig economy. For further information and to apply click here.
- Governor Extends Massachusetts School Closures Through End of School Year. Read the full story here.
- Daily and Cumulative Data on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases and testing, and weekly data on confirmed cases by city/town and residents subject to COVID-19 quarantine is now available here.
- Guidelines for Opening Up America Again. The President’s Coronavirus Task Force yesterday announced a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. Read all the details here. To download a pdf of the Guidelines click here.
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- Resources for Cape Ann Businesses. The Chamber team is working diligently to assist our members and the community as we navigate these uncertain times together. We encourage you to review the Chamber’s compendium of Business Resources and Recommended Actions here and we invite you to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance.
- View the Chamber's special COVID-19 information and resource page on our website here. The page is updated regularly. Please send business updates to Olivia Perez-O’Dess ([email protected]).
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Member & Community Updates:
New Listings:
- Anchor Seal, Inc. announced today that they have temporarily transitioned part of their facility to the manufacture of FDA-approved hand sanitizer. As a courtesy they are first offering sales to their neighbors in the Blackburn Industrial Park before we begin more widespread marketing. For details on container options and pricing please click here.
- Toodeloo’s Offers Special Birthday Services. If your child is having a birthday in these times of social distancing Toodeloo’s can help. Contact them at 978.281.2011 and set up a birthday registry that you can then share with family and friends, near and far. Toodeloo’s will manage all the purchases, wrap all the presents, and deliver the gifts to the birthday recipient's door. A magical surprise for your child! They also have a lot of puzzles in stock, as well as art supplies.
Education & Training Resources:
Ongoing:
For listings of
education and training resources
please click
here
.
Community Services & Resources:
Ongoing:
For listings of
community services and resources
please click
here
.
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Members Helping Members & the Community:
New Items:
- Caffe Sicilia says THANK YOU “to all that have called, left messages of support, texted kind words, sent thoughtful pictures, and or just emailed to check in on how we are doing. We are truly BLESSED to be part of this amazing community. We can’t wait to get back to opening the doors and seeing the sun shine on Main Street. We miss you all, hope and pray that you are all well and staying safe. Thank for your continued support. Love, Caffe Sicilia”
- Children’s Friend & Family Services is offering several groups that are open to the public including laughter yoga, young adult groups, creative writing support groups, anxiety support group and more. They have groups for all ages. Click here to read CFFS’s newsletter for information on how to join.
- Dreamtime Wellness LLC- During this Global Health Crisis they have discounted offerings for relaxation, healthy coping, relief of stress, and hope. Please click here to learn more about their virtual services.
- Lobsta Land & Tonno have both re-opened and are offering take-out meals. Check out their hours and menus – and those of many more Cape Ann eateries – on our Cape Ann Take-Out & Delivery List. Treat yourself and your family this weekend while also showing your support for local restaurateurs. Check out all the Cape Ann business lists here and send your updates to [email protected].
- Savour’s Online Market makes shopping wine online easier and safer. In addition to their ongoing Curbside Pickup program they have expanded their website’s presentation of wines to select from their Online Store. For further information call 978-282-1455 or email [email protected].
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Ongoing:
For additional listings of
members helping members and the community
please click
here
.
As we learn of more creative ways that our members and our communities are adapting and responding, we will share them through all our Chamber communications channels.
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Information Resources:
For the most current information about the federal, state and local response to COVID-19 – including information of particular relevance to employers and employees, we recommend visiting the following websites:
- Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) provides helpful information and resources for Massachusetts businesses. Read their latest blog post here.
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For the latest COVID-19 news and information for Massachusetts, including public health advisories, business resources and government services, please visit here.
- Department of Public Health: Stay at Home Advisory. For details click here.
- MEMA: Read MEMA’s April 23 update here.
For information and updates specific to one’s local community, we recommend visiting the following city and town websites for Cape Ann:
Our goal as always is to serve as a trusted resource
in providing our business community and residents with helpful information and guidance during the Coronavirus pandemic.
The members of your team here at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce are here for you, as we all pull together to meet and overcome the challenges of COVID-19.
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