FIRST THINGS FIRST: LET'S HONOR OUR HEROES
Memorial Day is just around the corner. We hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy holiday weekend as we reflect on the sacrifices of our countrymen and women who served our nation.
ABILENE OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Earlier this week, Governor Abbott announced more openings in phase II of the State’s plan to Re-Open Texas, and many of those openings will begin today. In light of this news, the Abilene Chamber of Commerce wants to encourage all Abilenians to get out and support local businesses during this time of recovery and reopening. Read more | Business Directory
ABBOTT TERMINATES AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order (GA-24) terminating air travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor's new order immediately terminates all restrictions contained in the Governor's previous Executive Order (GA-20) that mandated temporary quarantines for air travelers arriving from the following areas of the United States: California; Connecticut; New York; New Jersey; Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; or Miami, Florida. View the Governor's Executive Order (GA-24) relating to the termination of air travel restrictions as part of the safe, strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 disaster.
HARDIN-SIMMONS UNIVERSITY CAMPUS OPEN
Local businesses and organizations are opening including Hardin-Simmons University (HSU). Their COVID-19 Team continues to meet each week and make plans for a safe return to campus. Currently, 50 percent of faculty and staff are back on campus. In addition, HSU is evaluating building openings and resuming certain campus activities while anticipating majority of staff to return to campus by June 8, 2020. For more on Hardin-Simmons University's plan to open, click here.
PUT YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS MAP!
Texas Highways is a longtime resource for road-trippers, and the Texas Department of Transportation Tourism magazine has created one of those cool interactive maps where Abilene’s museums and facilities, restaurants, retailers, hotels, etc., can be listed at their location, along with current hours, any special hours, anticipated opening dates, etc. Take advantage of this opportunity here.
SURVEY RESULTS FROM CHAMBER MEMBERS
Earlier this week, Chamber members were asked to complete a survey to help the Chamber keep a pulse on what's happening in the business community. You can find a summary of the results below. Read more.
WHAT WE'RE READING Analysis: Breaking Down the Unemployment Crisis by Industry "New analysis produced by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce explores five of the most heavily affected industries, where many businesses have been forced to reduce staffing or close their doors altogether, resulting in steep job losses. In total, these five industries represent 80 percent of America’s job losses in April.” Read more. New Dallas Fed Social Distancing Index Gives Insight Into Covid-19’s Economic Impact "As the human and economic toll from the COVID-19 pandemic mounts, near-term forecasts of output and employment are crucial for assessing appropriate monetary, fiscal and health policy responses." Read more.
NEW RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Guide Under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the funds to maintain their payrolls and pay other specified expenses. Click here to download this step-by-step guide to calculate your loan forgiveness amount, navigate record-keeping requirements, and determine repayment terms on amounts not forgiven. Reopening Business Digital Resources Center The U.S. Chamber has unveiled its Reopening Business Digital Resources Center to equip America's business community with the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources as we look to reopen safely and keep employees and customers healthy and informed. Now, the resources center also includes a customizable workplace flyer to help you and your members communicate the steps your company is taking to keep them safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19 to employees and customers.
You don't want to miss these upcoming events for your business. 5/27 WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE PANDEMONIUM IN THIS PANDEMIC? Join Parkway Advisors as they discuss the current market and the economic and financial impacts of COVID-19 on the investment landscape. Register here. 5/28 THE STATE OF THE BASIN: An online discussion about the economic outlook for the Permain Basin, the role critical infrastructure can play, and what you can do to product yourself and your community. Featuring Nobel-nominated economist, Dr. Ray Perryman, Texas Tech University Rawls College of Business Dr. Bradley Ewing and more. 11:45 am login here.
MORE FROM THE CHAMBER:
Abilene Chamber helps Combat Unemployment Rate with Abilene-centric job portal
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau launches digital coloring book