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Staying informed during a pandemic

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During the COVID-19 crisis, businesses and employees have faced a whole new series of questions. How long will this last? What does the future hold? Is there help available, and how do I access that help?

They have also been inundated with information – from myriad sources, sometimes conflicting or confusing.

The Chamber has tried to use its position as a “reliable source” and “prudent filter” of information for the community. Chamber President Matt Morrow has put together a weekly video update for Chamber members, offering the latest updates on the situation in our community.

Part of the Chamber’s role in recent weeks also has included bringing together expert sources to present the latest intelligence about resources and best practices. Take a look at all of the special virtual presentations offered by the Chamber since the beginning of the pandemic.

Note: All the items listed below, as well as the most recent editions of the Chamber’s weekly video updates, are available on our coronavirus webpage.

  • Road to Recovery: Employer Considerations for Reopening - As the community enters the first phase of reopening and recovery, our members and employers needed guidance on how to keep employees and customers safe and on considerations with human resource implications. City of Springfield Director of Planning and Development Mary Lilly Smith, Springfield-Greene County Health Dept. Assistant Director Katie Towns and CoxHealth Vice President of Human Resources Andrew Hedgpeth provided very substantive guidance during this call and answered many “top-of-mind” questions submitted by businesses about compliance and best practices during Phase 1 of the city and county reopening orders.
  • An Overview of the CARES Act with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in late March, it included numerous potential sources of assistance for employees and small businesses affected by the coronavirus. But it also had numerous sections and rules to navigate. The Chamber was fortunate to bring in Ron Eidshaug, VP of the Congressional and Public Affairs Division for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to explain best practices of the first phase of the Paycheck Protection Act (PPP) and small businesses’ eligibility for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.
  • Navigating Employment Impacts of COVID-19 – The Chamber partnered with the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association to bring in attorneys Paul Satterwhite and Elizabeth Wente of Spencer Fane. They discussed employment issues related to the pandemic, as well as the potential legal impacts for employers.
  • Insights into the Federal Response to COVID-19 with Sen. Josh Hawley – Missouri’s junior senator joined the Chamber to talk about the latest on federal funding plans. He talked about discussions for Phase 4 funding and long-term recovery plans.
  • State Policy Update with Speaker Elijah Haahr and Sen. Lincoln Hough – The pandemic has taken a toll on the state’s economy, which has in turn made significant impact on the state budgeting process. The leader of the state House of Representatives and Greene County’s member of the state Senate joined the Chamber to talk about how what the future might hold for Missouri’s fiscal process.
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