We want to stay in touch.
I hope this message finds you and your family healthy and safe – while these are trying times, we will get through this together! So that we can continue to support our members, I wanted to provide you with some resources that may help you. My hope is this communication will assist you during this unprecedented and challenging time for all of us.

RECENT NEWS

The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on payroll by providing each small business a loan for payroll and certain other expenses. 

If all employees are kept on payroll for eight weeks, SBA will forgive the portion of the loans used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Up to 100 percent of the loan is forgivable.

 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced new programs for workers affected by COVID-19. The governor, under the federal CARES Act, signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Dept. of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs that grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits.

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.

This advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application. This loan advance will not have to be repaid.

The Act requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

It is critical we all do our part to slow the spread of the coronavirus and stick with the plan for another 30 days.

You can make a difference! All Michiganders can volunteer their compassion and commitment to fighting this virus, and saving health and lives. Your time, talent and donations will have an impact now.

ESD RESOURCES

Stay informed. ESD offers Members a great discount on a subscription which incudes print and digital access. Crain's Detroit Business serves Southeast Michigan's business influencers and decisionmakers with must-have news and information that can't be found anywhere else.

As an ESD Member, we can help you get the health plan that best meets your needs, including plans available with office visits, prescription drug coverage, dental and maternity. Whether you’re looking for insurance for yourself or your family, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have the coverage you want from the company you can trust.

Auto and Homeowner’s Insurance
Looking to lower your household expenses? ESD Members can save up to 48% on auto and 26% on homeowners through Citizen’s Insurance Company of America. For details, call your insurance agent or Hartland Insurance Group at 1-800-682-6881.

Join us virtually on April 9 for the first session in a series of one-hour, expert-led online educational sessions. This session, led by Thomas Doran, explores the question, “Can we prevent rather than merely manage crises, as we are with the current Coronavirus calamity?” Limited slots, register early.

I hope you find this information helpful. I will continue to share these updates with you on a regular basis. Please reach out if I can help in any way. Now more than ever, supporting one another is top priority - w e appreciate your support and value you as a member.

Stay Healthy,

Heather Lilley
Membership Director
The Engineering Society of Detroit
248-353-0735, ext. 120
Not an ESD Member? Join today.
The Engineering Society of Detroit | www.esd.org