Newsletter
Our COVID-19 Page Link
Webinar Thursday, June 11th at 10am
Is Your Business Following the NH Universal Guidelines?
Governor Sununu has just announced the next phase of opening and/or continuing to operate your business. Are you ready to comply with the NH Guidelines and Federal Compliance?
In this 1 hour webinar we’ll review the primary things you need to do as an employer in the State of New Hampshire to ensure you're in compliance with State and Federal Guidelines. 

We'll cover topics such as:
   - Employee Screening
   - Action if your employee is showing symptoms
   - Employee Illness Policy
   - FFCRA - Paid Leave Requirements
   - Mandatory Communications
   - And more

The Greater Sullivan County Community Relief Fund Continues to Accept Requests
The Funding Steering Committee is still accepting requests for non-profits to access community relief funds. As the current state continues to evolve, the Committee wants to ensure that any non-profit organization in need assistance due to COVID-19 is able to apply for these funds.

We are asking partners to begin to anticipate their needs during the recovery phase of COVID-19.  Click here  to access the request form if your agencies has unmet needs of any kind, current or anticipated. Please reach out to  GSCPHN@hitchcock.org  with questions. 

More about the Community Relief Fund 

Click here  for a list of agencies who have been funded.  

Our most recent press release can he found   here .
   
A huge thank you to Sullivan County government, Region 1 IDN and our new partner Sullivan County United Way for their work on this project! 
The Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be a survey partner on the  NH SBDC Business Resiliency Survey   that NH Small Business Development Center (SBDC) developed with the UNH Survey Center.
The survey will help us understand the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses throughout New Hampshire. By leveraging the results, NH’s economic development partners can more effectively assist in the recovery and reopening of NH businesses. Our goal is to distribute the survey statewide across a diverse range of industries and communities. This initiative is made possible with funds from the CARES Act. 

The survey will be live through June 24 and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Click here to take the   NH SBDC Business Resiliency Survey.
Many business organizations throughout the state are partnering to share the survey to their constituents, so if you have already taken it, thank you for participating!

Together - with your input - we can help NH businesses better manage recovery, reopening and future resiliency.
Pandemic Small Business Navigator
Do you or your business need help navigating these extraordinary times? Pandemic Small Business Navigator services have been added at Vital Communities and the Grafton Regional Development Corporation. Navigators are available to listen, discuss decisions and identify resources necessary to meet the challenges facing the current economy. This free service is available through the end of June and all small businesses in the greater Upper Valley area are eligible ( this includes Claremont! ).

At Vital Communities Denise Anderson brings 31 years of experience in business law and advising as well as expertise in assisting restaurants, childcare centers and non-profit organizations. At Grafton RDC services are provided in partnership with the Upper Valley Business Alliance. If you have questions or would like to set up a consultation, contact Denise Anderson at denise@vitalcommunities.org , 917-683-8823, or Tracy Hutchins at tracy@uppervalleybusinessalliance.com , 603-448-1203.  
The Local Crowd (TLC) 4WARD Launch
All local businesses are essential! Our small businesses make the Upper Valley unique, and many are struggling. TLC 4WARD is a local way to pay it forward and give them financial support so they can make it through this emergency. Visit the newly launched  TLC 4WARD  Upper Valley pages and give to the businesses and organizations you love with one easy and secure checkout. Businesses are joining every day, so bookmark  TLC 4WARD  and give what you can to keep your favorite businesses in business. Local businesses interested in joining can learn more  here .
News from the U.S. Small Business Administration
Main Street Lending Program and PPP Update Conference Call on June 11, 2020 at 1pm. Learn More Here

Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act and Additional Information Online Here
Sullivan County Transportation Survey
Sullivan County Transportation is conducting a survey on where you'd like to see bus stops in Lebanon, what times of day should runs take place and if you'd be more likely to depart from Newport or Claremont. Share your thoughts online here.
LATEST BEA COVID-19 UPDATE
What you need to know this week:
  • The Governor’s Economic Reopening Task Force continues its work providing guidance for the safe reopening of the New Hampshire economy. For a comprehensive list of sectors and the guidance under which they can open, click here.
  • All New Hampshire residents are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. For information about testing options and locations, click here.
The Department of Business and Economic Affairs is working with its state and federal partners to provide resources to New Hampshire businesses affected by COVID-19. For information, visit  www.nheconomy.com/covid19   or email us at  info@nheconomy.com

Mental Health Tips from West Central Behavioral Health
Isolation and quarantine can lead to fear. Fear of the unknown coupled with financial stresses, child and family care pressures, being alone, or trying to find time for yourself can lead to anxiety and depression. In times of fear, breathe deeply, and know there is help just a phone call away. Our region's community mental health center is West Central Behavioral Health with clinics in Claremont, Lebanon, and Newport. Through teletherapy (phone and video) and in-person, West Central clinicians continue to help people of all ages during this pandemic. You can visit its website at:  https://www.wcbh.org/  and call to schedule an appointment if necessary. If you are in immediate crisis, or know someone who is, which includes suicide, self-harm, or severe depressive symptoms, please call West Central's 24/7 Emergency Services crisis line at: 1-800-564-2578. West Central, through it's collaboration with other NH behavioral health centers offers these mental health wellness tips during quarantine .
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