2020
APRIL
NEWSLETTER
Photo: Brad Christensen
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INTRODUCTION
From the Executive Director
T
his April issue of our newsletter is devoted exclusively to the resources available to local businesses and non-profits to help them weather the storm we’re all facing due to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We realize that it might be overwhelming, but we have many different kinds of businesses here in Lander that need access to different kinds of resources. The Chamber staff has been working closely with our partners at the Wyoming Business Council, the Small Business Development Center Network, the Lander Economic Development Association, the Lander Community Foundation as well as the Fremont County Commission, Lander City Council, and the Mayor’s Office to focus on assisting businesses and their employees while avoiding duplication of efforts. Countless volunteers and business owners also have been selflessly pouring themselves into helping their friends, neighbors, and fellow business owners. It is something to behold. The best practices and resources listed here are from primarily state and federal organizations. On the local front, the Chamber is working with Lander United to set up an emergency relief fund to support Lander community members who’ve lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. These funds will help your friends, family, and neighbors fill a critical gap, allowing people who are out of work to access funds for groceries and medicine and pay their bills in the short-term while more longer-term solutions are arranged. Bridging the gap between immediate need and long-term solutions is critical to sustaining a healthy, safe Lander workforce and community. More information about how applications will be accepted and how funds will be distributed will be forthcoming. It is a time such as this to remember “that each line of industry, business, or profession is in the Chamber of Commerce, not for direct benefits — aside from certain direct benefits — but for what it could contribute in the way of brains and energy to the broad community situation, the condition of which spells success or failure for any and all of its participants.” ~ pg. 4, Chamber of Commerce Administration, 1942 What this crisis has shown is that there sure are a lot of “brains and energy” in Lander. May God bless our efforts.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Michelle Mazur, President Elevate Rehab
Jonathan Tonkowich, Vice Pres. Wyoming Catholic College
Eric Andrews, Treasurer Fagnant, Lewis & Brinda P.C.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ann Espinosa Home Source Realty Inc. Inter Mountain Builders
Dave Fehringer WH Smith & Associates, Inc.
Suzanne Norris Wyoming Life Resource Center
Rick Bestul NAPA Auto Parts
James Whiting Whiting Law PC
Joanne Slingerland Central Wyoming College
Mika Baker, Past President Central Bank & Trust
PROFESSIONAL STAFF Owen Sweeney Executive Director
Carol King Associate Director
Kelsey Ball
Owen Sweeney Executive Director Lander Chamber of Commerce
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EMPLOYER RESOURCES
AFTER COVID-19 Resources forBUSINESS Employers Technical Assistance Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network - The SBDC is available to help you prepare federal U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application packages for free. They can provide virtual advising and consulting sessions to assess potential pinch points in your business plan as well as opportunities for growth and expansion. Contact your regional director: https://www.wyomingsbdc.org. Also: https:// www.wyomingsbdc.org/covid19/ Wyoming Business Council - The WBC’s regional directors are available to steer you to the right resources, offer advice, and provide business expertise. Find your regional director here: https://wyomingbusiness.org/contactus Manufacturing-Works - The M-W team has engineers and business consultants on staff who can guide you through prototyping, supply chains, manufacturing efficiencies, and more. https://manufacturing-works.com/ Finance Checklist - Check with your local bank to see how they can help. - For credit card clients, options may include rescheduling payments or waiving interest or late payment charges. - If you have a consumer or business loan, your lender may be able to defer your loan payments or accept interest-only payments for a period of time. They may also waive the change fee for deferrals. New loans or extending existing credit may also be options for you. - In addition to deferral options, if you own a small business, SBA lenders can help you navigate disaster relief options. The best solution for you may be a combination of bank assistance and SBA relief. - Homeowners concerned about their mortgage may be able to work with their bank to receive a reduced mortgage payment or no mortgage payment for a short period. In addition, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus. The agency has also added flexibility for appraisals and employment verifications. - Rental Assistance - Mortgage counseling and rental assistance may be available through one of Wyoming’s federally approved housing counseling agencies. The FHFA has provided eviction suspension relief for renters in multifamily properties. - Your bank may waive penalties for early Certificate of Deposit withdrawals. Federal Loans (more on page 4) The SBA has Economic Injury Disaster Loans, access to capital, export assistance, and more, along with useful advice for small business owners: https://www.sba.gov/page/ coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
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EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
COVID-19 Resources for Employees Health Coverage and Child Care Workers who have lost their jobs are eligible to enroll in health insurance through the federal markeplace: https://enrollwyo.org/ Information for those who have lost health insurance for their children: https://enrollwyo.org/ The Department of Family Services is updating daily a map of licensed child care providers in the state who remain open: https://dfs.wyo.gov/services/family-services/ child-care/essential-personnel-childcare Workforce Information about filing for unemployment benefits in Wyoming: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/ Looking for work? Find a Wyoming-specific search engine here: https://www.wyomingatwork.com If you are ill, or caring for ill family members, here’s what you need to know about the Family Medical Leave Act: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic Here also is information about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act), which expands the FMLA for specified reasons related to COVID-19: https://www. dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave Financial Relief Mortgage Assistance - If you are concerned about your mortgage, contact your lender. Your bank may allow for a reduced mortgage payment, or no mortgage payment at all, for a short period of time. In addition, the Federal Housing Finance Agency directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days due to the coronavirus. The agency has also added flexibility for appraisals and employment verifications. Rental Assistance - Mortgage counseling and rental assistance may be available through one of Wyoming’s federally approved housing counseling agencies: https:// apps.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm?&webListAction=search&searchstate=WY The Federal Housing Finance Agency has provided eviction suspension relief for renters in multifamily properties. Utility Bill Assistance - Check with your utility providers and municipalities to see what options may exist for easing the financial strain of utility bills during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Disaster Loans Available Statewide Wyoming small businesses and private non-profit organizations in all 23 counties are now eligible to apply for up to $2 million per company in federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Loan Details The low-interest loans provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. Amount will be based on actual economic injury and financial needs, so owners are encouraged to prepare financial statements, tax returns, and revenue projections, and the like before applying. “Small businesses, private non-profit organizations of any size, small agricultural cooperatives and small aquaculture enterprises that have been financially impacted as a direct result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) since Jan. 31, 2020, may qualify for EIDLs of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred,” said Administrator Carranza. “These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.”
NEW MEMBER WELCOME FEDERAL LOANS
COVID-19 Disaster Loans Available to Wyoming Businesses and Private Non-Profit Organizations
Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loans is based on the financial impact of the COVID-19. The interest rate is 3.75 percent for small businesses and 2.75 percent for private non-profit organizations. SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable — up to a maximum of 30 years — and are available to entities without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship. The deadline to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan is Dec. 21, 2020. Wyoming SBA Director Amy Lea said applicants may apply for loans online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Help is Available at No Cost “Wyoming runs on small business, and we know how challenging these times can be. COVID-19 has placed many of us in uncharted territory, but the SBA remains committed to helping small businesses navigate this situation as it progresses,” said Lea. “We’re also incredibly fortunate to have our partners at the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. Their team of regional directors – located across the state – are the go-to resource when it comes to personalized small business assistance.”
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EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act What is WIOA? The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded, state mandated program administered by the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS). Through WIOA, DWS provides opportunities to help youth and adults prepare for a successful working career. Each program has different eligibility requirements. Services Offered: • Assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, interests, and service needs • Development of an individual employment plan to identify short and long term goals • Implementation of a plan to achieve employment goal • Work experience assistance • Occupational skills training • On-the-job training • Training in high demand, high growth occupations that pay a self-sufficient wage Training Opportunities WIOA provides comprehensive services to assist individuals enter industries that provide a self-sufficient wage. Targeted industries include: • Healthcare/Healthcare Technology • Construction/Trades • Transportation/CDL Licenses • Environmental Technology • Administrative Office Technology • With particular focus on occupations that have higher projected growth potential. Careers outside of these industries may also be considered. All funding requests in any key industry will be determined on a case by case basis. Eligibility Requirements: Youth Program • In-school: Ages 14- 21 • Out of school: Ages 16- 24 • Live in Wyoming • May be required to meet low-income eligibility or another state employment barrier Adult Program • Ages 18+ • Unemployed, under employed, or dislocated worker • Eligible for unemployment and unable to return to previous industry • Lacking skills necessary to obtain employment that pays a self-sufficient wage • Live in Wyoming • May be required to meet low- income eligibility For more information, contact the local Lander Workforce Center, 1295 12th Street, (307) 335-9224 or (307) 856-9231, email deanna.crofts@wyo.gov.
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Business Best Practices Resilience in a Box - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has put together a thorough set of tools, checklists, best practices, questions and materials to help small businesses better prepare for disasters. Available here: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/resilience-box Protect Your Employees - Find steps you can take to mitigate the spread of the virus among your staff: http://www.wyomingworkforce.org/data/epidemiology/coronavirus/ Response Toolkit - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed a website with a wide array of resources for business owners: https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-coronavirus Family Medical Leave Act - If you or your employees are ill, or caring for ill family members, here’s what you need to know about the FMLA: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/pandemic Here is additional information about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which expands the FMLA for specified reasons related to COVID-19: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave Securing Your Supply Chain The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends businesses consider these steps when assessing their current supply chains and considering alternatives: - Assess your organization’s supply chain for potential impacts from disruption of transport logistics and international manufacturing slowdowns. - Discuss with those suppliers any challenges they may be facing, or may expect to face, due to the outbreak. - Identify potential alternate sources of supply, substitute products, and/or conservation measures to mitigate disruptions. - Communicate with key customers to keep them informed of any issues you have identified, and the steps you are taking to mitigate them. - Manufacturing-Works can provide technical assistance to secure supply chains. For more information: https://manufacturing-works.com/
EMPLOYER RESOURES
Resources for Employers (cont.)
Protect Your Community Your community needs your leadership as much as you need your community. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is using its Corporate Aid Tracker to provide details of how businesses are helping each other and their communities across the country: https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/aid-event/coronavirus-covid-19 Remember to align with your local government efforts - County Homeland Security Offices: https://hls.wyo.gov/contacts/county-contacts
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Lori Morrow 325 W Main, Riverton
Lander Church of Christ Tim Swenson, Pastor 1320 Sinks Canyon Road, Lander
Budget Blinds of Fremont County LLC, Pam Peterson 769 S 3rd St., Lander
Lander Community Foundation PO Box 1131, Lander
Child Development Services of Fremont County 100 Pushroot Court, Lander Clark’s Landscaping Brian Clark PO Box 1204, Lander Country Cottage Quilt Shoppe Judy Slinker 710 E. Washington, Riverton Farmers Insurance/Wurth Agency Todd & Kristi Wurth 450 Main St., Lander Fremont Orthopedics PC 815 E Main, Lander Hacking CPA & Associates, Bruce Hacking 704 Main St., Lander HDR Inc. Dave Myers 325 Main St., Lander
Lander Pioneer Days Parade & Rodeo PO Box 145, Lander Lander Valley Animal Hospital 1185 Hwy 287 N, Lander Maz’s House & Mobile Home Movers, Martin & Vic Mazurie 420 Fremont St., Lander
Porter’s Mountain View Supply Inc, Leo Kosirog, owner 750 E. Sunset Dr, Riverton Twin Pines RV Park & Campground Verna Worthey 7345 Hwy 789, Lander Wind River Climbing Guides LLC Rebecca Wallingford and Kyle Meier PO Box 2031, Lander Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine Kati Hime 1957 N 16 St, Laramie WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS!
Mountain Dental, PC 345 Garfield St., Lander
Fremont County Fair Pat Hart, director, 1010 Fairgrounds Road, Riverton
New York Life Insurance Beau Wendling 592 Main St., Suite B, Lander
J&S Enterprises LLC Sky & Jan Phifer, PO Box 1333, Lander
Oxbow Restaurant Yvonne Patterson 170 E. Main St., Lander
RENEWING MEMBERS
JACK FM-KTUG Radio Murray Ritland 2255 Brunton Ct, Suite A, Riverton
RENEWING MEMBERS
Bernard Plumbing Ryan Bernard, PO Box 545, Lander
Pizza Hut Joy Fink, manager 670 E. Main, Lander
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. Postage Paid LANDER, WY PERMIT NO. 78
This issue of the Chamber newsletter is printed by Western Printing. April 2020 newsletter redo 2 final.indd 8
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