Orders OPEN through May 31st!
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Unique COVID-19 Relief Effort
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Support COVID-19 Relief Run for Local Businesses and...
My name is Jordan J. Phelan. For the past seven months I have served as the managing editor at the Eagle Times. Through this role I have been granted the marvelous opportunity to connect with members of the local and regional communities and...
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pledgeit.org
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Please visit our
COVID-19 Page
which includes links to area resources for both individuals and businesses including funding options as well as a listing of area businesses hours of operation. New additions to the website include:
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- Mask Order Form from the State of NH
- U.S. Department of Labor Guidance on COVID-19
- State of NH Main Street Relief Fund
- The Governor has authorized the allocation and expenditure of an initial $400 million in emergency funding from the CARES Act to provide emergency financial relief to New Hampshire small for-profit businesses due to the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
- New Hampshire small businesses desiring to obtain relief will be required to provide information concerning their possible COVID-19-related lost revenues and receipt of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans or any other federal relief. In order to be eligible, a business must have its principal place of business in New Hampshire and must have generated less than $20 million in revenue during the 2019 tax year.
Deadline to Submit Form is May 29
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Reopening Business Digital Resources Center
- Starting June 1st, the Capital Region Development Council will establish a Sullivan County Recovery Fund with a total of $300,000 set aside. Loans up to $25,000 for five years at 3 percent annual interest with payments deferred for three months will be offered to businesses with less than 20 employees throughout Sullivan County. Funds are restricted to payroll, inventory and payables.
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Restaurant Re-Opening Q&A
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How to be hospitable in a 'no-contact' hospitality industry? How many times do I need to wash the restrooms? Should I take reservations? These and other questions will be answered during a call for Upper Valley restaurateurs navigating re-opening. Join Denise Anderson, Vital Communities' Pandemic Small Business Navigator, for a virtual conversation on Wednesday, May 27, from 2-3 pm,
join via Zoom
, password
648623,
and
send pre-meeting questions to Denise
.
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News from the Small Business Association
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Important Changes to PPP for Seasonal Businesses and Partnerships
Allowable PPP Loan Increases for Seasonal Businesses:
To review this new Interim Final Rule, visit the Treasury website
HERE
SBA’s Review of Good-Faith Certifications:
Treasury has released an updated FAQ including two new questions offering further explanation of how SBA will review a borrowers’ required good-faith certification relative to their need for a PPP loan.
To review the updated FAQ document, visit the Treasury website
HERE
SBA Express Loan Amount Increased and Veteran Fees Dropped
The SBA Express loan maximum has been
temporarily
increased to $1 million through December 31, 2020. Using a simplified application and quick decision process, SBA Express authorized lenders can make the credit decision for the SBA. These can be term loans or revolving lines of credit.
And there's great news for Veterans – As a result of a CARES Act amendment to the Small Business Act, all SBA Express loans to veteran-owned small businesses approved on or after March 27, 2020, the upfront guaranty fee will permanently be zero. You can read the complete notice
here
.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we are hosting a free daily webinar from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday to Friday to discuss Paycheck Protection Program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance, and Loan Options.
Call in instructions: +1 (202) 765-1264, confirmation #522409519
Information from the IRS
Billions in PPP Funding Still Available
The U.S. Small Business Administration released an updated
Paycheck Protection Program Report
with data through May 16 from the second round of PPP funding provided in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. The latest data available shows that more than $135 billion in PPP funds still available for small businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and is available to businesses of all sizes.
SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application
The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including:
- Options for borrowers to calculate payroll costs using an “alternative payroll covered period” that aligns with borrowers’ regular payroll cycles
- Flexibility to include eligible payroll and non-payroll expenses paid or incurred during the eight-week period after receiving their PPP loan
- Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the calculations required by the CARES Act to confirm eligibility for loan forgiveness
- Borrower-friendly implementation of statutory exemptions from loan forgiveness reduction based on rehiring by June 30
- Addition of a new exemption from the loan forgiveness reduction for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined
The PPP was created by the CARES Act to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to keep American workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. The documents released today will help small businesses seek forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans.
Click here
to view the application and instructions.
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Sullivan County Board of Commissioners and Executive Finance Committee Meeting
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The Board of Commissioners will convene with the County Manager and the Executive Finance Committee members to continue their review of the FY21 County Manager's Proposed Budget on
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 8:30 AM
. Other county business may be conducted at this time. As noted previously, and reiterated here in this notice, we invite the general public to listen in on these work sessions ~ see notice for call-in information. A summary of the County Manager's budget, copies of these notices, with any handouts shared at the meeting, may also be accessed at
this link
.
Please feel free to circulate and post this message. Do not hesitate to contact
commissioners@sullivancountynh.gov
or, call 603-863-2560 if you experience any issues accessing the call-in information.
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News from Vital Communities
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Pandemic Small Business Navigator
We are pleased to welcome Denise Anderson to the Vital Communities staff as our
Pandemic Small Business Navigator
. Denise is available in May and June to provide advice to small businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Her work will be complementing the other small business advisory services offered at the state, regional, and local level. Does your business need help navigating the various loan programs as well as general business guidance in this extraordinary time? Email
Denise
today and get the help you need.
Free Local First Membership
In response to the pandemic-caused economic crisis, Vital Communities is welcoming all locally owned businesses to join
Local First
and take advantage of membership benefits to help your business on the road to recovery. A special “Economic Recovery Membership” will get you the benefits of Local First membership, including promotion in the Vital Communities Guide, free networking with other local businesses, and more. FREE or by donation if you join by June 30, 2020.
Learn more and join us!
Action through Collaboration
In the wake of 2011’s Tropical Storm Irene, Upper Valley organizations and volunteers scrambled to identify and support emergency needs in their communities. To better coordinate and serve, a coalition of over 45 human service agencies and faith-based organizations formed
Upper Valley Strong
. UV Strong is active only in times of crisis, and this spring the coalition came back together to respond to the pandemic. UV Strong works to determine the needs of the community, to increase coordination between those trying to help, and to gather and distribute funds to aid their efforts.
Learn more.
Leadership Upper Valley
(LUV) is extending the application deadline for our upcoming Class of 2021. Apply by May 30! Whether our class days are in person or virtual, LUV continues to be an excellent way to learn, connect, and serve. Scholarships available and diverse viewpoints encouraged. Contact
Rob
for more information.
Helpful Resources
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BHB&T Establishes Fund to Help Nonprofits Support Residents Impacted by COVID-19
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Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has established a dedicated fund to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations helping the residents of Central New Hampshire and the Upper Valley who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the fund is to help area residents address immediate, basic needs such as the provision of food.
“Many of our neighbors in Central New Hampshire and the Upper Valley are in need of basic supplies and services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Curtis C. Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “By supporting local nonprofits who are set up to deliver these services, we can help meet the increased demand for assistance and make sure that our neighbors do not go without.”
Jack Frost, Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, has been in contact with several nonprofits in the region to discuss their immediate needs and how the Bank can help. Nonprofits who are working to provide services to meet the basic needs of residents should contact Jack at 207-667-7100 ext. 10986 or
jfrost@barharbor.bank
to discuss ways the Bank may be able to assist.
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VRH Announces Plans to Phase in Services Previously Suspended
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With guidance from NH Department of Health and Human Services, The New Hampshire Hospital Association and our own Valley Regional Reopening Planning Task Force, Valley Regional Hospital is announcing that it will begin phasing in some services that were paused during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. This first stage started on May 11.
During the first phase of our reopening, we will be focusing on lower risk procedures, including some elective surgeries, imaging services, infusion, cardio/pulmonary rehabilitation and rehabilitation therapy services. As we begin the process of responsibly resuming health care services and work our way into a new normal in our health care environment, we have been vigilant in our planning to make sure that our patients coming back to receive the medical care they need will be doing so in a safe and secure environment.
Patients returning to Valley will notice new signage, screening procedures and safety protocols now in place, as well as vigilant cleaning and sanitizing. Patients are strongly encouraged to wear a cloth mask of their own when they enter a VRH facility. Any patients exhibiting symptoms who are seeking care will be provided a medical face mask for their clinical visit. In addition, all permitted visitors and patients will be screened at the entrance to VRH for symptoms of COVID-19.
“We will be co-existing with COVID-19 in our community into the foreseeable future. We need to remain vigilant in our COVID screening and care for COVID patients, and be able to safely treat the patients who have had their non-COVID related care delayed or gone untreated. Safety for our patients and staff will be our fundamental guiding principle”, said Interim CEO Deanna Howard.
We remind the public that Valley Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department is always open, and we encourage patients not to ignore the signs of a medical emergency – if you need medical care now, seek care now to avoid more serious repercussions to your long-term health. We are safe, and we are here for you.
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Covid-19 Mental Health Crisis Relief Fund
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Even as parts of our local community begin to emerge from lockdown and isolation, this remains a stressful time. We continue to care for vulnerable people of all ages who need mental health and substance use treatment. We are doctors, nurses, therapists, case workers, social workers, substance use counselors, and front-line responders, in and out of crisis situations.
Please help us meet our unanticipated Covid-19-related expenses for personal protective equipment, teletherapy, patient financial aid, and 24/7 crisis services as demands increase. We remain true to our non-profit mission as a community mental health center, serving our Upper Valley and Sullivan County neighbors, regardless of their financial need. We hope you will include
West Central
and our clients among your giving priorities.
Please stay safe, wash your hands often, wear a mask if you go out, practice kindness, and contact us if you are ever in crisis.
Our 24/7 Emergency Services number is 1-800-564-2578.
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New Hampshire Small Business Development Center has a wide range of free webinars available
online here.
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Effective March 24, 2020 the Valley Regional COVID Hotline phones,
603-542-7850, will be answered from 8a-12p. Any patient that meets the criteria for testing will be given a testing time slot between 12p-4p.
This will be 7 days per week.
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Message from the Chamber Director
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Like many of you I am working remotely in order to do my part of social distancing. I can be reached by phone (603-543-1296) or
email and will continue working to enhance, promote and support economic stability and growth in our community.
I invite you, individuals, businesses and organizations, to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns you might have. If I don't have the answers I will do my absolute best to find them for you.
In addition to standard phone service the Chamber also has Zoom video conferencing available if you'd like to connect face to face while maintaining social distancing.
While we all navigate these uncertain times lets all remember to be kind.
Elyse Crossman, Executive Director
Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce
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If you'd like to have an item appear in the newsletter please
email it by noon on Monday to appear in that week's regular issue.
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Greater Claremont Chamber of Commerce | 24 Opera House Sq. Claremont, NH 03743
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