We will work to keep this newsletter with as much up-to-date relatable information as possible. We plan to publish on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you know of someone who needs to receive this newsletter, please let us know: info@spenceriowachamber.org

We are Vigilant Against the Virus, Confident in Commerce!
Health & Business Related Information
Restaurant Workers Relief Fund
The Restaurant Workers Relief Foundation has created as COVID-19 relief fund for workers impacted by COVID-19 information can be found here.

The Governor just issued disaster declaration to the SBA yesterday for all 99 counties in Iowa. Here is a link to encourage small businesses and private non-profits to start applying for disaster relief. This does not apply to churches unfortunately. An injured business is defined as a business that cannot make payroll or PTO due to lack of commerce. I hope this helps!
 
Testing Not Required and Not Feasible for Return to Work
Spencer Hospital's Emergency Department and Avera Medical Group Spencer have been contacted by local citizens who state they are being required by their business to be screened for COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 19) prior to being permitted to return to work following an illness. Testing of people who do not meet the Iowa Department of Public Health's screening protocol is not necessary or feasible.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines are:
Employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [38.0° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick. /www.s
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Additional Information
The Chamber suggests local businesses seek information from the resources provided below while trying to navigate through the challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic. We will continue to update this page as more resources and information become available. Please call us at (712) 262-5680 if you have any questions.

Iowa Department of Public Health Link for Businesses:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Link:

Small Business Administration (SBA) Guidance & Resources Link:

SBA Disaster Assistance in Response to the Coronavirus:

Iowa Workforce Development link for filing unemployment:

COVID- 19 Main Street America Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Remember, there are still things you can do to get exercise and stay healthy: get out for a walk or a bike ride (remain at least 6' of social distance), yoga, meditation, rake leaves, etc...Unfortunately, this is not the time to visit playgrounds. You could even learn a new language!
Business Resources
Local Business Updates

Farmers Bank: Starting, Monday, March 23, 2020, Farmers Bank lobby will be closed to the public. Drive‐thru, ATM and night deposit will remain open, and as of now, our staff will be split to have half staff available during normal business hours via phone and email to continue assisting customers. If you are unable to complete your business online, contact us at 800‐249‐3340 or 262‐3340 to make an appointment with the appropriate st aff. More information.

Mall Stores CLOSED until further notice: JCPenney, Maurices, The Buckle, Claire's, and Christopher & Banks.

Visit Spencer Chamber of Commerce for more information.

Chamber Updates
Chamber of Commerce - Office Changes
To keep everyone safe the Chamber will be closed to walk-in traffic effective Tuesday, March 17th until further notice. Phones will be answered from 8-11:30am M-F as our staff maybe working remotely otherwise.

Please contact us at: info@spenceriowachamber.org for any needs and community updates. We will be setting up regular communication through our website and Facebook pages.
Spencer Chamber of Commerce
1805 Highway Blvd
Spencer, IA 51301
(712) 262-5680

Becky Fear - Hatting: programs@spenceriowachamber.org