Member Brief Bytes
SOME HELPFUL TOOLS TO GET READY FOR REOPENING
PPP LOAN UPDATE

The SBA's updated numbers for the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program funding indicates the Great Lakes Region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, has supported nearly 308,000 small businesses and non-profits with a total of $22.8 billion in approved PPP loans. 

As of May 1, 2020, 37,267 Minnesota small businesses have been approved for $2.2 billion in second round of PPP funding. In total, 83,650 Minnesota small businesses will benefit from $11.2 billion to date from PPP loans. 

Many of our local banks are now able to help customers that are not current members, though typically you open an account for the loan to be received. Give any of our member banks a call if you were not able to get any funds from round one.

RETURN TO WORK CHECKLIST

Whether you have remained open throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, or you are now preparing to open you doors once again, businesses throughout Minnesota are adjusting their practices and workspaces to mitigate health risks and boost consumer confidence. The Grow Minnesota! Partnership team at the Minnesota Chamber developed this checklist based on feedback from hundreds of companies who have developed or executed “return to work” plans for their business. 


WRIGHT LUMBER BUILDING SHIELDS

If you need, as part of your return to work process, a shield between you and the customer, Wright Lumbar is making them. Just call Steve at 682-4441 for sizing and prices. Below is a great example of a desktop shield.
NEED A FACE MASK AS PART OF YOUR RETURN TO WORK PROTOCOL?

As a small office or small retailer starts to open their doors again, you may find having masks as part of your return to work protocol. Also, as more and more places require them to enter, it's wise to have for your own use. If you just need a few - knock on the door - I'm here! Thank you to Immanuel Lutheran Church for donating these to the Chamber for your use!
WHO'S THAT MEMBER BUSINESS/BUILDING?
WHO'S THAT MEMBER BUILDING

You can save time thinking about this one. Maybe you can borrow the answer from a friend!

Last weeks winner was Judy Maznio with Central MN Health! Thanks to the fine folks there everyone can stay balanced during times like this!

Email me at [email protected] if you think you have the right answer! First one in gets put in a quarterly drawing for $10 of Buffalo Bucks!
Chamber Events
ONE DOWN ONE TO GO - DID YOU MISS IT?
(check below if you did)

The first training on the 5 Types of Google Search was great yesterday! We had 15 people on the Zoom meeting who got to experiment and see just how strong their business SEO was, how fast their website was and the importance of targeting your website to your specific audience. If you missed this one click on the link below for the recording on Youtube. Then sign up for the next one in two weeks - a little more hands on about how to use our digital tools to reach people in the new norm.



REGISTER NOW!

Now What? How Do We Bounce Back From THIS? 
Hosted by: Kelly Baltzell of Positive Based Marketing

Tuesday, May 19th
11:30 to 12:30
Online ZOOM (Link will be sent after registration)

No one ever expected to have to run a business through a pandemic. We are writing the textbook as we go. Every day is a learning curve. As we adjust to this new normal of changing rules, with lifestyles and comfort levels we never imagined, what do we do now? How do we adjust to our current normal and plan for the future? What are some concrete things we can do now to help our business today, tomorrow, and months down the road? Come to this online webinar to learn: 

  • Key pieces of your digital business to make sure are correct and up-to-date. 
  • How to reach current and potential clients in the “new normal.”
  • Where to market depending on your demographic and suggested spending budgets.

Register here:
GOOD AFTERNOON BUFFALO
NEXT Thursday, May 14th
4:30 p.m.

ZOOM link below

Since the stay at home got extended, let's get together virtually! Sound like next week's weather will be nice for sitting in our backyards or on our decks for a virtual happy hour/Good Afternoon Buffalo!

No real topic - but a great way to check in and see how everyone is fairing during this time. It can be an opportunity to show our support for each other in our business community.

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GOOD TO KNOW
LOCAL RECREATION

Last week we spoke of the State of MN Outdoor Recreation Guidelines, but here are some things to know locally:
  • Signs were taken down at local playgrounds with new going up. No longer "closed" but use at your own discretion with some guidelines.
  • Tennis court nets have been down, but may go back up soon.
  • Fishing piers will not be going out anytime soon. Too easy to congregate.
  • Concerts in the park will more than likely not be happening in June and July. The City is holding out hopes that something could take place in August or September.
  • Still trying to determine if any boat rental will occur. Difficulty to control and sanitize equipment.
Buffalo Businesses
Operational Status During COVID-19

The list of business offerings and hours is changing daily. Please check our website for the most recent account here:

There was an update from our civic organizations last week as well as from our schools today, with the following to report:

The Lions : Currently freezing all donations as their charitable gambling has ceased due to closure of restaurants.

Food Shelf : They have changed their operation to shop for people vs people shopping themselves to keep only volunteers in the building. They are in need of volunteers so let them know.

Kiwanis : Their annual Mother's Day flower sale will not be happening. That is their main form of fundraising for scholarships.

Love Inc : Now officing out of United Faith's space downtown. Will be moving their thrift store from Maple Lake to Buffalo in June in the space currently occupied by the Havenwood office.

Bison Fishing Forever : Cancelled the 2020 fishing season.

Farmer's Market : Is open on Saturday with social distancing and hand sanitizers at the ready.

Fare For All : Postponed until June

Allina : There will be no Bike 4 Kids distribution this year, but if you know someone who needs a bike/helmet please contact Mona Volden and they will deliver directly!

BHM Schools : The student meal delivery or pick up has been growing to 5064 yesterday for a total to date of 121,875 meals! They are also to be doing meat and eat meals for the weekends as well so that number will continue to grow. Thank you BHM food service! They are now having students get all their belongings off campus so they can start their summer cleaning, now that distance learning has been extended until the last day of school, June 4th.

Buffalo Rotary : Made 2500 face masks - had over 140 sewers - supplying out healthcare workers.

Becky Waddell : In charge of getting 3-400 frozen meals to seniors. Call her at 612-961-0321 if you would like to volunteer to help.
MEMBER HAPPENINGS
The Buffalo American Legion Thanks Our Fire, Police, EMS and Healthcare Workers

THIS Friday, May 8th
Curbside Pick Up Fish Fry
5:00 until gone
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
BUTTERFLIES, BUTTERFLIES EVERYWHERE!

That's what Sue Davies wants to see! As a local artist, she received a grant and is helping share hope around the community. Did you see the butterflies at the movie theater? Hoping to see more around the community! A little color and hope is a good thing!
WRIGHT COUNTY PROPERTY TAX LATE PENALTY REDUCED

In an effort to help during this difficult time, the Wright County Board of Commissioners voted to reduce the penalty fee for paying property taxes late. If you pay late in May or June you will have a 1% late fee. If paid in July a 2% late fee. After July the late fee goes back to the standard 8%.
KEEPING YOU IN THE KNOW
Quicklink to the recent City of Buffalo meeting.

Did you know that the tongue is the only muscle in your body that is attached at only one end?
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Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce
763-682-4902
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