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Start the new year in your new home! Cogir of Rohnert Park is a beautiful community nestled at the foot of the Sonoma Mountains. We enjoy a breathtaking agricultural setting while being just minutes from shopping, performing arts venues, parks and restaurants. If you are considering a transition into a senior living community, Cogir of Rohnert Park offers exceptional value right here in the heart of Wine Country! Call (707) 585-7878 for your opportunity to see what makes us unique or visit our website at CogirofRohnertParkSeniorLiving.com.
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In this edition:
*Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - Reopens
*California Relief Grant - Deadline extended to Jan 13
*New Laws Employers need to know about - Jay Putnam, Attorney at Law
*Harassment Prevention Training - 5+ Employees - Deadline Jan 1, 2021
*Making Sense of Mondays Article - 'More Than Another Resolution'
*Welcome New Members & Thank you for renewing
*Chamber Members Events & News - Support our members
*Covid-19 Resources - Regional Stay Home Order - See what's new
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Reopens
PPP & CA Relief Grant info from Sonoma County Economic Development Board
The Small Business Administration and US Department of Treasury released new guidance for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP provides cash-flow assistance through 100 % federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic.
To promote access to capital, initially only community financial institutions will be able to make First Draw PPP Loans on Monday, January 11 and Second Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, January 13. Community financial institutions include:
The PPP will open to all participating lenders shortly thereafter.
This round of the PPP continues to prioritize millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $284 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Key PPP Updates:
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PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s covered period to be any length between 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business needs;
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PPP loans will cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs, and worker protection expenditures;
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The Program’s eligibility is expanded to include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations, among other types of organizations;
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The PPP provides greater flexibility for seasonal employees;
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Certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount; and
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Certain existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan.
Borrower eligibility for a Second Draw PPP Loan:
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Previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will or has used the full amount only for authorized uses;
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Has no more than 300 employees; and
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Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020.
Additional PPP and CARES Information:
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Thank you Paul Benton, Managing Director of The Light Digital for sharing this interview on PPP forgiveness and the release of more PPP money with a senior banker and a CPA conducted on December 23: Click here to watch.
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California Relief Grant
Does NOT have to be repaid - this is NOT a loan
Deadline to apply extended to Jan 13
Application Deadline: January 13th
Please note, this is NOT a first come first serve grant. All applications will be processed by Lendistry.
GRANT DEADLINES (ROUND 1)
- Application Opens December 30, 2020 at 8:00 AM
- Application Closes January 13, 2021 at 11:59 PM
- Start of Approval Notifications January 15, 2021
There will be two rounds of applications. However, one complete application will qualify you to be considered for both rounds, please only apply once. Round 2 timeline has not been announced.
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Check out this video interview from Paul Benton, Managing Director of The Light Digital on the CA Relief Grant with Scott Rogalski, SBDC Sacramento conducted on January 6: Click here to watch.
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New Laws for 2021: A Perfect Storm for Employers
Representing Employers in Labor and Employment Law Matters
Watch this video interview from Paul Benton, Managing Director of The Light Digital with Jay G. Putnam, Attorney at Law on what employers need to know heading into 2021. This interview was conducted on January 5: Click here to watch.
This was covered in the interview with Jay Putnam:
"Starting January 1, employers must promptly notify employees of a potential COVID-19 exposure in the workplace, and local health authorities in the event of an outbreak. Newly-enacted Labor Code, section 6409.6 (AB 685) will require employers who receive notice of a potential exposure to take action within one business day"...Read more.
See the Jay's website for several detailed newsletters explaining the potent protection such policies offer employers.
Jay G. Putnam is a Petaluma labor lawyer who has specialized in representing California employers for over 39 years. His practice is devoted to preventing lawsuits against his clients, without sacrificing workplace authority or management prerogatives. He has a remarkable record of success.
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Harassment Prevention Training
Did you know businesses with 5+ employees must complete training by 1/1/2021?
Supervisors two hours / Nonsupervisory one hour
Online Training offered by CalChamber
20% Member Discount - Discount applied at check out
Supvs - $35.19 / NonSupvs - $20.79
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This week's Making Sense of Mondays Article:
by Andy Springer, Business Consultant and Coach
Check out this new Making Sense of Mondays Article:
"It was January 3, 2016. I was participating in a professional development program. The presenter was narrowing in on setting and achieving goals. I was not into it.
Then it happened – that moment that everything shifted for me. We were asked to complete the following statement- “For the sake of those I love, the year 2016 will be the year that I…”
Immediately, three aspirations appeared on my paper. – For the sake of those I love, the year 2016 will be the year that I,… 1.) LOCK IN MY LIFE’S DIRECTION, 2.) EARN MORE THAN I HAVE EVER EARNED, and 3.) LOVE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW. These were worthy aims, but I was certain that they, like others, would remain unfulfilled". ......Read more
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All-Guard Alarm Systems, Inc. is a locally owned and operated Security/Fire/CCTV/Access Control Company that has been servicing
North Bay Area homes and businesses since 1952.
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Roofing and Solar Installations - Serving residential customers in
Sonoma, Napa and Marin. Get a roof that pays for itself!
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Thank you for renewing your chamber membership! |
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Chamber Members Events & News
Members advertise here for FREE
97.7 The River and Roger Farah of Cross Country Mortgage are teaming up to recognize local community heroes in the North Bay. Nominate your Hero at www.977TheRiver.com.
Cathy's Healthy Vibes - Looking to get healthy, lose weight or have more energy? Check out this 3-day Challenge!
City of Rohnert Park - Subscribe to Business Updates
Hello 2021 - Order 3 items from Heirloom Cafe & get Family Delivery Punchcard
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What's New:
Here is a link to the latest briefing from Dr. Sundari Mase from Jan 6 - Click here
Here is a link to information about the vaccine on the County Website - Click here
Previously Shared:
Sonoma County activated the Regional Stay Home Order early on Sat, Dec 12 but now the entire Bay Area Region is in the Regional Stay Home Order, but no change in what we went to on Dec 12. More information and FAQs can be found on the State's Website
The Regional Stay Home Order will be implemented regionally once there is less than 15% ICU capacity remaining in the designated region. After three weeks from the start of the Regional Stay Home Order in the region, one of two situations would occur:
- The order will end in a region if the region’s ICU capacity projected out four weeks (from day 22 after the Regional Stay Home Order started in the region) is above or equal to 15%. Each county in the region will then be assigned to a tier based on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and the rules of the Blueprint will apply again.
- The order will remain in effect in a region if its ICU capacity projected out four weeks (from day 22 after the Regional Stay Home Order started in the region) is less than 15%. The order will remain in effect until the region’s projected ICU capacity is equal or greater than 15%. This would be assessed approximately twice a week.
These restrictions will remain in place until at least 11:59 p.m. on Sat, Jan 9, 2021.
- Keep to your household
- No gatherings are permitted
- Support local businesses and restaurants by ordering for pick-up or delivery
- Non-essential travel is not allowed
What does this mean for local businesses?
Under the order, the following sectors are allowed to remain open with safety precautions:
- Critical infrastructure (when remote option is not possible)
- Schools
- Non-urgent medical and dental care
- Child care and pre-K
The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:
- Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only for the purpose of facilitating physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise, without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
- Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity, and 35% of capacity for standalone grocery stores, with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Shopping centers: Allow indoor access at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Hotels and lodging: Allow for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures, treatment measures, provide accommodation for essential workers, or providing housing solutions, including measures to protect homeless populations.
- Restaurants: Allow only for take out or delivery.
- Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible.
- Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor activities only.
- Entertainment production: Industries, studios, and other related establishments such as establishments that provide content for professional broadcast can operate without live audiences.
Under the order, the following operations will be required to cease both indoor and outdoor services:
- Hair salons and barbershops
- Personal care services
- Museums, zoos, and aquariums
- Movie theaters (except drive-in)
- Wineries, bars, breweries, and distilleries (with exception for production, manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale for off-site consumption)
- Family entertainment centers
- Cardrooms and satellite wagering
- Limited services
- Live audience sports
- Amusement parks
Links to additional information:
Recently announced Financial Programs:
Main Street Small Business Tax Credit: Allows a small business hiring credit against California state income taxes or sales and use taxes. Eligible businesses must have 100 or fewer employees as of Dec. 31, 2019, and suffered a 50% decrease or more in income tax gross receipts, when comparing Q2 2020 to Q2 2019
Tax Relief & Extensions: Taxpayers returns due between Dec. 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021 (for all but the largest taxpayers) will be extended.
CURA Project - Covid-19 Urgent Response & Aid: Community project delivering supportive services, healthcare navigation and emergency financial assistance to Latinx and Indigenous residents of Sonoma County most affected by Covid-19.
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Thank you Chairman's Circle Members!
Click on logo to visit their website
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Click here or Text RohnertParkSPC to 555-888 to get an Office Depot Savings Card
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