To: Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce Members and Community
Business News & Resources:
U.S. Senate Passes Historic Relief Bill. By unanimous vote late Wednesday the Senate approved a $2 trillion stimulus bill that includes direct payments to individuals and families, enhanced unemployment benefits and a fund to assist distressed businesses. The bill will provide federally guaranteed loans to small businesses, including a provision to forgive loans for employers who continue to pay their workers for the duration of the crisis. The bill now moves to the House where, according to today’s New York Times: “Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California endorsed the deal, and planned to push it through the House on Friday by voice vote…” Read the full article article here.
Important Webinars. Please Join Us Today. The Chamber is partnering with the city of Gloucester and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development for two webinars on Thursday 3/26.
The first is at 10:30AM with the SBA on their Emergency Loan Program. Join the online meeting here. Conference ID: 50855974. Join by phone at 617-433-9269 Pin: 50855974.
The second is at 1PM on WorkShare and other workforce programs. Due to limited space for this call we are asking attendees to sign up via eventbrite.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act: At 2 PM today The Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce has invited our member to join with theirs for this webinar at 2PM today. For information and to register click here.
The Enterprise Center at Salem State is conducting a survey of North Shore business impacts of COVID-19. Please click here to view and complete this survey by Thursday, March 26.
Governor Baker has filed legislation to address challenges faced by municipalities. Key provisions of the bill would:
Allow municipalities to waive late-payment penalties for the 4th quarter tax bills, due May 1, and allow municipalities to change their tax bill due date from April 1 to June 1.
Allow municipalities to extend the deadline for property tax exemptions and deferrals. The current statutory deadline is April 1; this would allow municipalities to extend to June 1.
Permit establishments licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to sell wine and beer by take-out with a food order, with certain restrictions and limitations.
Governor Baker has ordered that all “non-essential” businesses cease in-person operations until April 7. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations “remotely”.
For the list of “COVID-19 essential services” click here.
Businesses that are NOT covered under current guidance can submit an online request to be designated as essential for the purposes of the Emergency Order.
Federal Tax-Filing Deadlines Extended to July 15. Read details from the IRS here.
Unemployment Benefits: For the latest information about unemployment benefits and how to apply, please click here. For a step-by-step guide click here.
Cape Ann Emergency Relief Fund: In partnership with the City of Gloucester and the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, and working with local municipalities, Action Inc. is launching the Cape Ann Emergency Relief Fund to allow us to help hourly workers impacted by the crisis. Your support will help food service, retail, hospitality, childcare and other hourly workers struggling with lost income.
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