The following is our latest on coronavirus response and news:
TEXANS BACK TO WORK TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT: The Texans Back to Work Task Force presented its final report to Lt. Gov. Patrick yesterday. The Texans Back to Work Task Force final report is a 113 page document that includes over 400 recommendations for employers, employees, state and local government and the public. The report includes immediate recommendations, recommendations for the next 100 days and long-term strategies for the future. Patrick established the Task Force from his Business Advisory Council to begin to work on a set of recommendations for re-starting the economy, once President Trump and Governor Abbott announced that businesses could begin the re-opening process.To view the report, click here.
ABILENE-TAYLOR COUNTY CHANGES CASE NUMBER REPORTING: Yesterday the City of Abilene announced on their Facebook page that the way they report their cases would be changing due to state requirement. Abilene Taylor County Public Health District Director Annette Lerma explains the changes, and what you'll see moving forward here.
UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS CONTINUE TO RISE: Workforce Solutions of West Texas reported unemployment claims have increased by almost 1,714 since the previous report. You can view their full update here.
REPRESENTATIVE LAMBERT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS: Yesterday during the Chamber's Wake Up Wednesday Small Business Week edition, Representative Lambert provided an update and answered member questions regarding Governor Abbott's press conference. You can view the video 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.
5/7 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.