Dear GMBHA Allied Upgrade Members,
We wanted to reach out to all of you during this very difficult time in history that is affecting our incredible hospitality and tourism industry. As you are aware, during the past couple of days the majority of our hotels’ occupancy rates have dropped significantly and the prediction is that it will only get worse before it gets better.
We know how much pressure this may have on your business. Please reach out to myself or Monica Walker, our Membership Sales and Relations Manager who will share with you some virtual opportunities so that you can promote your business. In the interest of keeping our team safe, our offices will be closed effective tomorrow but we are happy to set up a call with you at your convenience.
All the very best to you, your employees and families,
Wendy
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Wendy Kallergis
President & CEO
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GMBHA Team
Faheemah Garzon
Marketing & Events Manager
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Monica Walker
Membership Sales & Relations Manager
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources
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The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association are committed to helping local hotel operators respond to challenges presented by the coronavirus. This set of guidelines will help hotels maintain a healthy environment for guests and staff.
We have created information cards for display in lobbies, break rooms and other areas where guests and staff may congregate. These cards outline simple steps individuals can take that can help prevent the spread of illness:
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• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
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• Avoid touching your face. Infection can enter through your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Strengthen your immune system with a balanced diet, plenty of sleep, regular exercise and by not smoking.
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Business Resources
Emergency Business Damage Assessment Survey
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.
The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online
here
. Results from this survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Surveys submitted by small businesses can be used to access the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, made available for COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For inquiries or assistance with the survey, businesses can contact Emergency Support Function 18 at
ESF18@em.myflorida.com
.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Guidance
The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 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. Find more information on the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans
here
.
Mom and Pop Small Business Grants
For more information on small business grant opportunities available through County Commissioner Higgins’ Office
click here
.
Business Preparedness Tools
To assist with the potential financial impact on your business, please visit the following link for information to help maintain the continuity of your operations:
Business Pandemic Planning Checklist
It is important to keep your business and employees safe and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We encourage you to monitor the
city’s page
on coronavirus for the latest information, as the situation is rapidly changing.
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We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines from these agencies and local health departments. The well-being of our guests and associates is of paramount importance. We continue to recommend measures on appropriate hygiene standards and to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and local health authorities.
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Short Time Compensation Program for Employees
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Below is information that relates to your specific questions regarding the program. Because aspects of the program are so fact specific, formulating scenarios for Questions a
Benefit Amount:
- The weekly STC benefit amount payable to an individual is equal to the product of his or her weekly benefit amount as provided in section 443.111(3), Florida Statutes, and the ratio of the number of normal weekly hours of work for which the employer would not compensate the individual to the individual’s normal weekly hours of work.
- Example: An employee normally works a 40-hour work week. The employee’s work week is reduced by eight hours or 20 percent. If the employee had been laid off and totally unemployed and determined eligible for UC, the individual may have received a weekly benefit amount of $275.00 (Note: This amount is dependent on the employee’s total wages in the base period. The minimum amount is $32, and the maximum amount is $275). The employer submits an STC plan, and the plan is approved. Under the STC plan, the employee would receive $55.00 of benefits (or 20 percent of $275) in addition to the 32 hours of wages earned from the employer.
Benefit Charges:
- Short-time compensation benefits are charged to the employment record of the employer as provided in section 443.131(3), Florida Statutes.
- Tax rates are re-calculated every year. An employer’s tax rate is the sum of the benefit ratio, variable adjustment factor, and the final adjustment factor.
- The benefit ratio is calculated by dividing the previous three years of benefit charges for former employees by the taxable payroll for that same three-year period. The benefits charged and the size of the payroll have a direct effect on the employer's tax rate.
- The maximum tax rate for employers participating in STC is 6.4 percent (Note: 5.4 percent is the highest possible tax rate that may be assessed for non-STC employers).
Questions from businesses or the public regarding the STC Program should be directed to the Reemployment Assistance Hotline at 1-800-204-2418 or
http://racontactus.floridajobs.org/
for assistance from the Reemployment Assistance unit.
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U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION’S COVID-19 TOOLKIT
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Greater Miami & The Beaches
Hotel Association
1688 Meridian Ave, Suite 500
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305.531.3553
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