Thank you to the countless organizations who are leading their community by providing pertinent information to the public. At particular this time, we'd like to call attention to the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry and the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center, who have been incredibly diligent in making sure the business community of Louisiana at large receives up to date information. Click on their organization names to read more.
Louisiana Economic Development Launches Business Hotline
Louisiana Economic Development has launched a hotline to answer questions from the state's business community during the Coronavirus crisis.
IRS Implements Tax Credits for Paid Leave Program
Small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. 

Special COVID-19 Blanket Employment Certificates for Minors to work in Louisiana
In response to the current COVID-19 event, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:184.1 the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) will begin issuing sixty (60) day blanket Employment Certificates for employers desiring to employ minors in the State of Louisiana.

Employers desiring to obtain an Employment Certificate pursuant to this memorandum must submit a completed and signed "Application to Employ Minors under 18" along with proof of age here . The application can be downloaded here .
Louisiana Department of Revenue Extends Tax Filing Deadlines
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Louisiana Department of Revenue (LDR) announced today that they will be extending both the filing and payment deadlines for income and franchise taxes to July 15. 

SBA Loans Up To $2mil for Small Businesses

If you are having trouble accessing the portal, you can find sample documents by clicking here.

"The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing."

OSHA Workplace Guidelines
OSHA developed this COVID-19 planning guidance based on traditional infection prevention and industrial hygiene practices.

Businesses Seeking to Provide Commodities to the State
Businesses seeking to help meet the needs of the state during this challenging time, should access the LaGov vendor system to register as a vendor with the State of Louisiana. During the registration process, you will be able to select all of the commodities that your company is able to provide.

Please DO NOT CALL the state EOC for sales/vendor inquiries. This is impacting the crisis response activities. 
** Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) PROCUREMENT.
All PPE & medical supply vendors must register with the State Procurement office. They are releasing new bids every 24-48 hours. GOHSEP, LED, LDH, and LABEOC cannot accept bids or make offers.
Business and Restaurant Changes
Your chamber is still hard at work to help keep our community connected and in positive spirits. Please find a list of local business changes at the link below.

Local Highlights
Innovative Service & a February Celebration
Not only is our local Raising Canes location open and ready to serve your family in this time of need, but in 2019, the New Iberia location was awarded for winning top crew performance for Raising Canes! They are also opening at 9am currently, to accommodate anyone looking to beat he lunch rush!

This kind of service and devotion to the community is certainly #positivelyiberia!

From Chamber Member 180 Cajun Blendz and Seasonings:

"We know many of you are doing more cooking at home than usual and ...We understand the challenges for some to get out and the challenges of finding all the essentials in the produce section. So our cooking blends are perfect for capturing those flavors for those without onions, celery and bell peppers or taco and fajitas or just Cajun seasoning in general..."
Gulotta's Work Wear is Selling Face Masks
Gullotta's is selling face masks online! Click here to visit their Facebook page, where they are making announcements.