Business Updates for COVID-19
The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:
SURVEY - LAST CHANCE: We want to hear how your company is doing, and in turn, gain guidance on what is happening in the Abilene economy during this ever-changing time. By asking the same questions week-by-week, we will be looking for trends and inflection points. CLICK HERE to take this week's survey. New questions have been added!
GOVERNOR’S PRESS CONFERENCE: Governor Greg Abbott provided an update to all Texans yesterday regarding the status of COVID-19. Currently in Texas, 427.000 people have been tested, 33,369 positive tests, 15,672 people now with active Covid cases, 1,888 hospitalized now, 906 fatalities and 16,791 have recovered. Governor Abbott also provided clarification on last week's order including some changes for cosmetology, barbers, nail and tanning salons. You can read a full summary here.
CITY OF ABILENE UPDATE: Mayor Williams took to his Facebook page yesterday evening to give an update from the City on Governor Abbott's press conference. You can view the video here.
INTERACTIVE STATE-BY-STATE MAP ON REOPENING GUIDELINES: Today, the U.S. Chamber will release an interactive map with state-specific information to help business owners distill and navigate different state-based public health guidelines as they begin to reopen in communities across the nation.
SERVICE SECTOR FELL SHARPLY IN APRIL: Unsurprisingly, the ISM Non-Manufacturing Index for April shows the services sector of the economy dropped precipitously. Prior to the COVID-19 shock, services were driving growth, as manufacturing was in a slump. According to the index, services were still growing through March when it registered 52.5. A reading above 50 in the ISM index signifies growth. That is a testament to how well the economy was doing until a few short weeks ago that services were still growing through a half-month shutdown. Read more.
TAYLOR COUNTY NUMBERS: As of yesterday, the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District shows 235 active cases with 137 recovered. You can view and compare numbers from across the state here. Previously shared updates:
TRAVEL WEEK: Join the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau to celebrate #TravelWeek2020, May 3-9, by supporting the places that enrich our lives: Take a virtual tour. Buy a Round Up Pass to use later. Donations are already being accepted for Tuesday’s Abilene Gives event, a great opportunity to support your favorite venues. Read more about the value of travel to Abilene, National Travel Week 2020 and how this vital industry helps sustain a vibrant economy. The ACVB will offer an abbreviated, live Zoom version of its popular Abilene Champions Hospitality Training, May 14. It’s free. Reach out to tiffany@abilenevisitors.com or register here. The class builds skills for service industry employees and includes helpful knowledge to grow your appreciation of Abilene.
RECOVERY AND RE-OPEN TEXAS: We’ve updated our business resource website to include guidelines for reopening on Friday, May 1. Take a look here. Have a question you can’t find the answer to? Ask us!
HELP US GATHER A LOCAL RESOURCES: Do you have hand sanitizer, masks, gloves, etc. that would be beneficial to businesses working to re-open? We're gathering a list for the business community. Help us populate it! Click here for more.
UPDATE YOUR BUSINESS HOURS: We've been keeping track of business hours on businessresourceabilene.com. Help us share with the public of your changes by updating your hours of operation here.
Can you pencil us in? You don't want to miss these upcoming events.
5/5 COMMUNICATING AND BUILDING A BRAND THROUGH A CRISIS: Did you miss yesterday's seminar? No worries - we recorded it for you! You can view the recording by following the link here.
5/6 TXBIZ TALKS WITH CONGRESSMAN KEVIN BRADY: Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) is the lead Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee- considered by many to be the most powerful committee in Congress with jurisdiction over taxes, health care, Social Security, Medicare, international trade and welfare. Brady's focus is creating jobs, reducing Washington spending and sunsetting obsolete federal agencies. Register here.
5/7 MANAGING YOUR FINANCES AND BUDGET THROUGH A CRISIS: Join the Chamber and Eide Bailly, LLP for an in-depth look at managing your finances and budget through a crisis. Topics will include an overview of IRS relief programs (maximizing loan forgiveness and the next round of payroll protection, employee retention credit), managing cash flows, tax saving opportunities and what information your bank or lender will want and be looking for. Register here
5/8 TXBIZ TALKS WITH SENATOR TODD YOUNG: Senator Todd Young (R-IN) currently serves on the Senate Republican Leadership Team as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He also serves on three important Senate Committees: Senate Finance, Foreign Relations and Commerce, Science and Transportation. Senator Young was elected to the US Senate in 2016. Register here.