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Updates for Women-Owned Small Businesses
Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting programThe federal government's goal is to award at least five percent of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. Upcoming WOSB and EDWOSB certification improvementsStarting on July 15, 2020, the certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) will begin to change as SBA implements Congress’ changes to the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program
Duke Energy rolls out ‘Hire North Carolina’ Program for Major Construction Projects
Media Contact: Meredith Archie 24-hour: 800.559.3853 June 15, 2020 Duke Energy rolls out ‘Hire North Carolina’ program for major construction projects ▪ Innovative program to promote economic development and job growth ▪ North Carolina-based and minority-owned contractors and subcontractors encouraged to join listCHARLOTTE, N.C. – In an effort to promote economic development and support North Carolina communities, Duke Energy is implementing the new program – ‘Hire North Carolina’ – to
Agritourism--Ask The Experts!
Register TODAY! "Ask the expert." Webinar series. 11 am-Noon: Tuesday, June 9 - Jake Parker, Secretary, and General Counsel NC Farm Bureau FederationWednesday, June 10 - Marlise Taylor, Research Analyst with Visit NCThursday, June 11 - Ben Chapman, Ph.D., Food Safety Specialist with NC State, NC Cooperative Extension You need help. You need guidance. The learning sessions are organized by the Visit NC Farms App Team featuring guest speakers ready to offer their expertise centered around the specifics of
House Passes Bill Amending PPP Program
May 28, 2020, the House of Representatives near-unanimously (417-1) passed HR 7010, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act. It is uncertain if the Senate will pass these measures, though there are clear indications of bipartisan support to relax the current terms of the PPP loan program. Here are the key changes proposed in this bill: Extend the loan application deadline from June 30 to December 31, 2020.For new loans, the minimum loan term would be 5 years instead of the current 2-year term. For
The Ultimate Camp Guide To Reopen Safely
MAY 21, 2020--The American Camp Association (ACA) and the YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) announce the release of Camp Operations Guide--Summer 2020, a groundbreaking educational resource developed to support day and overnight summer camp operations this summer.CA and Y-USA engaged Environmental Health & Engineering, Inc. (EH&E), a Boston-based consulting firm specializing in environmental health, to convene an independent expert panel of specialists to create this educational resource. The panel included support
SBA Releases Loan Forgiveness Application & Tools
SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance
Virtual Food Drive Helps Those In Need
Help feed your neighbors in need! When COVID-19 hit, everyone’s life was turned upside down, but for those who lost their jobs or the elderly who rely on their retirement funds to survive and the thousands of children who get fed at school, but only during the week, this became a fight for survival. These are your neighbors in western North Carolina, many of whom are not that financially stable and this pandemic just pushed them over the edge with nothing to fall back on. Anything you can do to help us
Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program
Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program President Trump has signed legislation, passed by the U.S. Congress, that will provide an additional $484 billion in funding for various COVID-19 related programs. Of the total, $310 billion will go to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) while $60 billion will replenish the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. In order to ensure underserved communities are not overlooked, the legislation authorizes appropriations as follows: At least
NC Unemployment Insurance Information Update
April 27, 2020 MARION NC—The North Carolina Division of Employment Security is providing the following guidance to help people understand the impacts of the COVID-19 coronavirus on unemployment insurance benefits. Before you file a claim …The fastest and most efficient way to apply for unemployment benefits is to create an online account and file online at des.nc.gov. If you’re temporarily out of work or your working hours have been reduced due to COVID-19, choose ‘coronavirus’ as your reason for
COVID-19 McDowell Cases Updated
The McDowell County Health Department has been notified that one additional McDowell County resident has tested positive for novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The initial investigation links these individual positive cases to contact with other known positive cases. Public health staff have already initiated an investigation and will be identifying close contacts to contain the spread of disease. To protect individual privacy, no further information about the case will be released. This brings the total number
CARES Act: Relief for Hospitals, Physician Practices & Other Providers
The CARES Act includes relief to physician practices who are suffering financial loss due to COVID-19 by designating funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. CARES Act provides relief to individuals, businesses, nonprofits and others affected by COVID-19. On April 10, 2020, HHS announced the immediate
North Carolina PPP Payouts by The Numbers
Paycheck Protection Program: NC Approved Loans and Dollars On April 3, 2020, SBA approved lenders were able to start processing loan applications under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The SBA will forgive these loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. As of April 13, 2020, more than 1
Review & Compare Loan Options With Easy Chart
We've heard the concern: There is so much information! The CARES Act is more than 800 pages long and it seems that new information comes out on loan assistance programs daily. It can be overwhelming when you are trying to decide what options are best suited to your business model. We found this helpful guide that compares the different relief loans available to businesses during this COVID-19 crisis. Paychex, a payroll and human resource company, has put out a handy tool that presents all the options and
Mountain Bizworks and Dogwood Trust Open Funding for Minority-owned Businesses in the Region
Asheville (April 8, 2020) – Mountain BizWorks, working with Dogwood Health Trust, announced today a targeted effort to provide increased access to the highly anticipated Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for nonprofits and small businesses in the region, with a focus on rural and minority and women-led organizations. The PPP was created to provide loans to organizations impacted by COVID-19 and are forgivable if they are used to cover payroll, mortgage, rent, and utility
McDowell County Emergency Management Releases Online Screening Tool
McDowell County Emergency Services, working with the Gateway Foundation and Dogwood Health Trust have partnered to launch an online COVID-19 screening tool McDowell.ClearStep.Health (found at https://mcdowell.clearstep.health) for use in stopping the spread of the coronavirus in McDowell County. McDowell County Emergency Services deployed the new tool on April 2, with a goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19. The easy to use screening tool is able to provide individuals with clear and accurate guidance
NC RURAL CENTER ROLLS OUT NEW AID
The North Carolina Rural Center has a few grant and loan opportunities for nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and vulnerable worker populations. The link below shows a full list of resources and opportunities: Visit https://bit.ly/COVID-NCIDR. Paycheck Protection Program applications open TODAY, APRIL 3. Federal forgivable loan program to small businesses to pay their employees during the COVID-19 crisis. Loans will be forgiven if “(1) The loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and most
Facebook Live: Loan Options Explained
Watch the McDowell Chamber's Facebook page for a live event featuring local financial professionals presenting key points of the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan and the Paycheck Protection Program loan. We'll be covering the pros and cons of each, walk through the application process, and have a Q&A session to wrap things up. The Facebook Live event will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2020 at https://www.facebook.com/myhometownchamber/. The City of Marion, the Marion Business Association, and the
SBA Loans & PPP Loans Town Hall Zoom Now Available Online
The Chamber of Commerce hosted SBA Regional Director Sharon K. Harvey in an online Town Hall Meeting for members and residents of McDowell County on Tuesday, March 30, 2020. More than 50 people attended to learn about the emergency funding options available through the SBA and any details on the new Paycheck Protection Program that was part of the recently approved CARES Act. The SBA has been working on handling the thousands of applications coming in from every state and have a new site link and a more
SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization of $349 Million
With $349 Billion in Emergency Small Business Capital Cleared, SBA and Treasury Begin Unprecedented Public-Private Mobilization Effort to Distribute FundsWASHINGTON – Following President Trump’s signing of the historic Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today announced that the SBA and Treasury Department have initiated a robust mobilization effort of banks and other lending institutions to provide small
Federal Rerserve Programs Enhance Liquidity and Flow of Credit
WASHINGTON – The spread of coronavirus has disrupted economic activity and put significant liquidity pressure on U.S. businesses. To immediately enhance liquidity and support American workers, households, and businesses through this challenging period, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin today authorized the expansion of two recently launched facilities and the establishment of three new facilities to provide liquidity to the financial system pursuant to section 13(3) of the Federal Reserve
Internet Providers Roll Out Assistance Programs
McDowell County-Report submitted by Chris Revis, Connect McDowell Co-founder As we experience this unprecedented need for internet access during the COVID-19 crisis, here are the resources that we have confirmed are available for our members and the community at large. Verizon Wireless:Verizon is offering multiple programs and accommodations for customers during the COVID-19 crisis. These include additional data allowances at no charge and other late. Please click for more
Governor Orders Shelter In Place Effective 3-30-20
Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121, a statewide Stay At Home Order beginning Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. until April 29, 2020. The Executive Order directs people to stay at home except to visit essential businesses, to exercise outdoors, or to help a family member. Specifically, the order bans gatherings of more than 10 people and directs everyone to physically stay at least six feet apart from others. The Order provides for essential businesses to continue to operate while prioritizing social
COVID-19 Cases In McDowell County
There are now seven (7) cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) that have been confirmed in McDowell County as of Wednesday, April 1, 2020, according to the Foothills Health District. As of Monday, 100 people have been tested, 62 have returned negative and 31 tests are still pending, according to the McDowell County Emergency Management. "McDowell County has been preparing for this reality and anticipated that our community would likely be impacted at some point," a press release read. "Public health staff have
USDA Moretorium Offers Peace of Mind From Foreclosures & Evictions In Rural America
WASHINGTON, DC-MARCH 26, 2020 The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 crisis. With so many out of work and in fear of losing their business and/or homes, this news out of the office of the USDA gives rural homeowners that are worried about their ability to pay their USDA home loans permission to breathe. Effective March 19, 2020, borrowers with the USDA single-family
Treasury, IRS, and Labor Announce Plan to Implement Coronavirus-related Paid Leave for Workers
WASHINGTON – This week the U.S. Treasury Department, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor) announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing Coronavirus-related leave to their employees. This relief to employees and small and midsize businesses is provided under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act),
SBA Updates Criteria on States for Requesting Disaster Assistance Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
Contact: Jennifer.Kelly@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036 Trump Administration’s aggressive, whole-of-government efforts to combat the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) and minimize economic disruption to the nation’s 30 million small businesses, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Jovita Carranza issued revised criteria for states or territories seeking an economic injury declaration related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The relaxed criteria will have two immediate impacts: Faster, Easier Qualification
Watch the TSI Difference
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Working for McDowell Small Business - Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina
Knowing what matters to small businesses Aetna Funding Advantage (AFA) makes it easy for members of any Chamber of Commerce in 27 western North Carolina counties to save money on their benefits. And now, these businesses can save on average, and additional 2% on monthly costs through Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina*. $168 per employee average annual discount for businesses that are part of Chamber Health Insurance for Western North Carolina that enrolls in an Aetna Funding
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Feisty Crowd Joins in Celebrating Marion's New Retro-Arcade
On Thursday, January 30, 2020, one of Marion’s newest businesses drew a feisty crowd of supporters to celebrate in a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the McDowell Chamber of Commerce. The Feisty Goldfish, located in the Historic Depot District, is a Retro Arcade and Bar with a modern take on a classic idea. “The first month has been beyond our wildest dreams,” said co-owner Derek Poteat, who expressed gratitude to the entire community. Local dignitaries and community supporters filled the first floor
Goodwill to Open New Store in Marion
Marion, N.C. (January 28, 2020) – Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina will hold a grand opening for its first retail store in Marion, N.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Local officials and members of Goodwill’s executive management team will be on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 8:45 a.m., after which the public is invited to browse and shop in the store. “This new store will serve a dual purpose. It’s a place where folks can come in and shop for great bargains on a wide selection of items,
The Sweet Sound of Success
Who says old is out of style? Not the judges at the 2019 Asheville Food & Wine Festival who awarded Marion’s Keeper’s Cut Meadery with Double Gold, Gold, and Silver awards for their exquisite, flavorsome honey wines. The winning meads, 2016 Amarena (Double Gold), 2016 Anann Te (Gold), and their 2016 Autumn (Silver) stood out at the awards table rising to the top with other regional winemakers. Vintners such as DeTerra out of Tennessee, Jones von Drehle Vineyards in North Carolina, and Whitebarrel out of
New Address, New Look for Burkes Outlet
The line of eager shoppers flowed into the parking lot at the recent grand Re-Opening of the Burkes Outlet store on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 9 a.m. Even Bigfoot attended the festive event. Store Manager Charlotte Hawley was thrilled to welcome guests along with city and county officials at the Chamber Ribbon Cutting. "It's great to see so many people from the community here to support us and we are thrilled to continue serving McDowell County residents with even better brands and pricing in our new
McDowell County Announces Opening of Phase III of the Fonta Flora State Trail
County, chamber, and city officials gathered on Monday, September 16, 2019 to celebrate the opening of the Greenlee Park Section (Phase III) of the McDowell County Greenway Trails System. The new river-front greenway is also a connector section to the future Fonta Flora State Trail that was authorized in 2015 by the state legislature. The 2,000-foot Greenlee Park Section features a paved trail, renovated canoe launch, horseshoe pits, and a picnic shelter along the Catawba River. There is also a natural path
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