MONTHLY CHAMBER NEWSLETTER
This Months Newsletter is brought to you by:
Central Savings Bank
Thank You for your 2020 Sponsorship!
From the Desk of Executive Director
Tony Haller
March 18, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID -19) Update

From Sault Area Chamber of Commerce

In an effort to keep our membership and Business Community informed as much as possible during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation we will be doing extra newsletters/Chamber Blasts to help convey the latest information that we receive from either government, health care professionals, or chamber members across our entire region.

We will continue to send newsletters out as we get significant updates that we think should be shared with our community and members. In the meantime, though, we hope you find these updates useful.

We recognize that these are not easy times but encourage everyone to follow the recommended guidelines and be safe and cautious while this situation persists.

Thank you!
Tony Haller
Executive Director
Food for thought.......
Have you ever asked a local business for a donation? They are OUR cause now and need your support! Remember our small businesses during these uncertain times.
The link below details current operations from downtown businesses and select businesses affiliated with the  Sault Area Chamber of Commerce .

CLICK HERE for an updated list of Sault Ste Marie Businesses updated hours of operations.

Four Seasons Market
Ribbon Cutting!
Chamber Ambassadors and Board along with Bay Mills Indian Community Members held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4 Seasons Market and Deli. The Bay Mills Indian Community recently purchased 4 Seasons Market and Deli which is located across from the Brimley State Park. Cutting the ribbon is (L) Bryan Newland, Chairman, Bay Mills Indian Community and (R) Brandon Leapley, Retail Manager.
Renewed Members
February 2020
Click Here to view The Sault Area Chamber of Commerce renewed members for the month of February
If your thinking about joining the Chamber now is the time...
In order to get your business in the 2020 Membership Directory act fast as we are working on the Directory NOW!
Eastern Upper Peninsula Board of REALTORS
MLS February Sales Report
Reminders:
Members:
As a member benefit, all Chamber Members may submit events and press releases to be published in the Chamber E-Newsletter. Events may be submitted by emailing Office Manager Melissa At: office@saultstemarie.org. The Chamber publishes items that are sent to the Chamber by Chamber Members, Take advantage of this benefit like many members already are!
Business After 5:
Business After 5 is designed to help make valuable business contacts and enjoy a night of networking with fellow professionals in a fun, relaxed setting. This event is open to Members and Non-Members. Are you a Member interested in hosting a Business After 5? Please Contact the Chamber Director Tony Haller at director@saultstemarie.org or call (906) 632-3301
Ribbon Cuttings:
Are you a Chamber Member or are interested in becoming a Chamber Member and would like to have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony? Let us know about your Grand Opening or your Re-Grand Opening and be welcomed by Chamber Board Members, Chamber Ambassadors and the Chamber Executive Director in a celebratory Ribbon Cutting. Contact us at director@saultstemarie.org for more information.
Staff
Click Here for our Chamber Contact Information, Staff Directory, and The Chamber Office Hours
Board of Directors
Click Here for a list of our Chamber Board of Directors or if your interested in becoming a Chamber Board Member Click Here for an Application
Ambassadors
Click Here for a List of our Chamber Ambassadors or if your interested in joining the Chamber Ambassadors Click Here for an Application
Updates:
SBA Disaster Recovery Loans Available Soon!
  Yesterday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer formally requested the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue an Economic Injury Disaster declaration for the state. Once approved by the SBA, $1 billion in low-interest loans will become available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and nonprofits that have suffered substantial economic losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An SBA Economic Injury Disaster declaration will make disaster loans of up to $2 million available to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. We expect the declaration to be approved within the next 24 hours.
 
In the interim, small businesses that could benefit from SBA loans are encouraged to start collecting the information they’ll need to complete and submit their application. Examples of information needed can be found  here . For additional information or to obtain help preparing the loan application in advance of the declaration, please contact the  Michigan SBA offices  in Detroit or Grand Rapids. The official application for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan can be found  here .
Please be sure to check into this! Get your documents together and apply.
We realize there is so much information being passed around and it's confusing.
Simply click the link above to get the application and required documents list for your business.
 
 The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) call center stands ready to support businesses looking for assistance through other available state programs. For more information, visit MEDC’s  website  or call 888.522.0103. The Michigan Small Business Development Center can also provide resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Visit their  website  for additional information.
Tax Relief for Businesses
 State to Waive Penalty and Interest for Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes. We just received news that the State will be waiving penalty and interest on sales, use, and withholding taxes for 30 days in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Free Webinars
The State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is offering another round of informational webinars today (March 18, 2020). These webinars have been in high demand. Unfortunately, the state’s system caps attendance so we cannot guarantee access. The information is as follows:
3/18: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ONLY
Meeting ID - 494 668 484
Want to dial in from a phone? +1.866.226.4650 (US Toll Free)