37705 Kerrville Daily Times

BUSINESS LINK THE HILL COUNTRY’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION

Vol. 8, Issue 4 • April 2020

COVER STORY

MANAGING

COVID-19 Businesses have been hammered by the virus, many fighting to survive, while others are offering messages of inspiration. Page 8

ALSO INSIDE: Resource guide to navigate Small Business Administration resources available. Page 4

Business Link London’s calling is to head the chamber KERRVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100, Kerrville, TX 78028 PHONE: 830-896-1155 | FAX: 830-896-1175 | kerrvilletx.com

CHAMBER LEADERSHIP CHAMBER STAFF Tim Rye | Chair Peterson Medical Associates Lisa Winters | Past Board Chair Peterson Health Allison Bueche | Leadership Kerr County Kerrville Public Utility Board Tricia Byrom | Secretary Guadalupe Bank Mike Wittler | Chair Elect, Policy & Governance Kerrville Public Utility Board Justin Foster | Treasurer Community First National Bank Brian Bowers | 1st Vice Chair Government Affairs Centennial Bank Michael Anglin | Communications ARTIFEX42 Summer West | Events and Fundraising Alegria Barn E Kerry Sutton | Membership HCTC Shawna Fahrenthold | Education Alamo Colleges Sue Tiemann Brinkman Preferred Properties David Reast Schreiner University Rose Bradshaw So Fast Printing Clint Fiore Texas Business Buyers, LLC Colby Johle Brookdale Guadalupe River Plaza

Rachel London|President and CEO walt@kerrvilletx.com Penni Coggins | Director of Finance penni@kerrvilletx.com Angela North | Director of Membership angela@kerrvilletx.com Sydney Blain | Marketing Manager sydney@kerrvilletx.com Jennifer Lord | Receptionist info@kerrvilletx.com

BUSINESS LINK STAFF Carlina Villalpando, Publisher Louis Amestoy, Managing Editor Jeanette Nash, Asst. anaging Editor Tom Holden, Photographer John Doran, Advertising Director Advertising: Brandon Baldwin, Valerie Tucker and Luly Bliss Composing: Manager Dean Heep and Johanna Rangel

A PUBLICATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

We asked business owners how they were dealing with the unexpected during the coronavirus pandemic. Many remain optimistic. Page 8

2 BusinessLink • April 2020

Koenig leaves for San Angelo, opening way for London, who has long served the chamber, but who now faces daunting task of leading during coronavirus

A

fter more than three years in Kerrville, Walt Koenig resignedhis roles as Chief Executive Officer of the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Kerrville Economic Development Corporation.

However, his replacement is someone very familiar to the chamber — Rachel London, who has served as vice president and chief operating officer.

London, however, is taking over at what may be the most challenging period in the chamber’s history.

“I understand that everyone is uncertain regarding the seriousness and danger of COVID-19,” London said. “I will be fully engaged and will continue to support our members and the community at large.

“Additionally, I will be working with state and city leadership as well as Peterson Health to work as a team and focus on minimizing the negative impacts of COVID-19. The Chamber will be your premier source of information to support your business during this crisis and the recovery.

Always remember …. you don’t have to go it alone.

“The Kerrville Chamber is committed to keeping our local business community informed and supporting our members in any possible way.

We invite your input as to how we can help you and your businesses during these unprecedented times. When you are a Member of the Chamber, you don’t have to go it alone. Your entire chamber team remains solid in this commitment.

Koenig will be heading to San Angelo to take a comparable position, but in his new role, he will add leadership of the San Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau to his plate, overseeing the chamber of commerce, economic development and tourism for the city.

Koenig stepped into the chamber CEO role in January 2017.

Table of CONTENTS Membership

Get to Know People & Places Events Leadership & Education

It’s all right here • Kerrvilletx.com 3

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses.Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are selfemployed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.

Under this program: • Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount.

• Loan payments will be deferred for six months.

• If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan Advance In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000.

The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid.

SBA Debt Relief The SBA Debt Relief program will provide a reprieve to small businesses as they overcome the challenges created by this health crisis.

Under this program: • The SBA will also pay the principal and interest of new 7(a) loans issued prior to September 27, 2020.

• The SBA will pay the principal and interest of current 7(a) loans for a period of six months.

SBA Express Bridge Loans Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program allows small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 with less paperwork. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing and can be a term loans or used to bridge the gap while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster loan. If a small business has an urgent need for cash while waiting for decision and disbursement on Economic Injury Disaster Loan, they may qualify for an SBA Express Disaster Bridge Loan.

4 BusinessLink • April 2020

Terms • Up to $25,000 • Fast turnaround • Will be repaid in full or in part by proceeds from the EIDL loan Find an Express Bridge Loan Lender by connecting with your local SBA District Office.

Guidance for Businesses and Employers • The President's Coronavirus Guidelines for America - 15 Days to Slow the Spread • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the most up-to-date information on COVID-19. This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). For updates from CDC, please see the following:

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RESOURCES

SBA.gov/Coronavirus • Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) • Preventing Stigma Related to COVID-19 • Share Facts about COVID-19 • CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Web page

Information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Prevention, Symptoms and FAQ

The following interim guidance may help prevent workplace exposures to acute respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, in non-healthcare settings. The guidance also provides planning considerations if there are more widespread, community outbreaks of COVID-19.

To prevent stigma and discrimination in the workplace, use the guidance described below and on the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers web page.

Below are recommended strategies for employers to use now. Indepth guidance is available on the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers web page: • Actively encourage sick employees to stay home

• • • •

Separate sick employees Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees Perform routine environmental cleaning Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps

Check the CDC’s Traveler’s Health Notices for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel.

Specific travel information for travelers going to and returning from designated countries with risk of community spread of Coronavirus, and information for aircrew, can be found on the CDC website.

Additional Measures in Response to Currently Occurring Sporadic Importations of the COVID-19: • Employees who are well but who have a sick family member at home with COVID-19 should notify their supervisor and refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

• If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, employers should inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Quarter Page Community First 0190 In a world full of chaos and uncertainty we know for sure, God is still in Control, His Sovereignty Reigns, Jesus is Risen.

May you and your family find hope and peace this Easter Season.

We will be closed Good Friday

5

Employees exposed to a co-worker with confirmed COVID-19 should refer to CDC guidance for how to conduct a risk assessment of their potential exposure.

Common Issues Small Businesses May Encounter: • Capital Access – Incidents can strain a small business's financial capacity to make payroll, maintain inventory and respond to market fluctuations (both sudden drops and surges in demand). Businesses should prepare by exploring and testing their capital access options so they have what they need when they need it. See SBA’s capital access resources.

• Workforce Capacity – Incidents have just as much impact on your workers as they do your clientele. It’s critical to ensure they have the ability to fulfill their duties while protected.

• Inventory and Supply Chain Shortfalls – While the possibility could be remote, it is a prudent preparedness measure to ensure you have either adequate supplies of inventory for a sustained period and/or diversify your distributor sources in the event one supplier cannot meet an order request.

• Facility Remediation/Clean-up Costs – Depending on the incident, there may be a need to enhance the protection of customers and staff by increasing the frequency and intensity by which your business conducts cleaning of surfaces frequently touched by occupants and visitors.

Check your maintenance contracts and supplies of cleaning materials to ensure they can meet increases in demand.

• Insurance Coverage Issues – Many businesses have business interruption insurance; Now is the time to contact your insurance agent to review your policy to understand precisely what you are and are not covered for in the event of an extended incident.

• Changing Market Demand – Depending on the incident, there may be access controls or movement restrictions established which can impede your customers from reaching your business. Additionally, there may be public concerns about public exposure to an incident and they may decide not to go to your business out of concern of exposing themselves to greater risk. SBA’s Resources Partners and District Offices have trained experts who can help you craft a plan specific to your situation to help navigate any rapid changes in demand.

• Marketing – It’s critical to communicate openly with your customers about the status of your operations, what protective measures you’ve implemented, and how they (as customers) will be protected when they visit your business.

Promotions may also help incentivize customers who may be reluctant to patronize your business.

• Plan – As a business, bring your staff together and prepare a plan for what you will do if the incident worsens or improves. It’s also helpful to conduct a tabletop exercise to simulate potential scenarios and how your business management and staff might respond to the hypothetical scenario in the exercise. For examples of tabletop exercises, visit FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/emergencyplanning-exercises SBA Products and Resources SBA is here to assist small businesses with accessing federal

6 BusinessLink • April 2020

resources and navigating their own preparedness plans as described by the CDC’s Guidance for Businesses and Employers.

SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor and train small businesses. The SBA has 68 District Offices, as well as support provided by its Resource Partners, such as SCORE offices, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. When faced with a business need, use the SBA’s Local Assistance Directory to locate the office nearest you.

Access to Capital SBA provides a number of loan resources for small businesses to utilize when operating their business. For more information on loans or how to connect with a lender, visit: https://www.sba.gov/ funding-programs/loans.

7(a) program offers loan amounts up to $5,000,000 and is an allinclusive loan program deployed by lending partners for eligible small businesses within the U.S. States and its territories. The uses of proceeds include: working capital; expansion/renovation; new construction; purchase of land or buildings; purchase of equipment, fixtures; lease-hold improvements; refinancing debt for compelling reasons; seasonal line of credit; inventory; or starting a business.

• Express loan program provides loans up to $350,000 for no more than 7 years with an option to revolve. There is a turnaround time of 36 hours for approval or denial of a completed application. The uses of proceeds are the same as the standard 7(a) loan.

• Community Advantage loan pilot program allows missionbased lenders to assist small businesses in underserved markets with a maximum loan size of $250,000. The uses of proceeds are the same as the standard 7(a) loan.

• 504 loan program is designed to foster economic development and job creation and/or retention. The eligible use of proceeds is limited to the acquisition or eligible refinance of fixed assets.

• Microloan program involves making loans through nonprofit lending organizations to underserved markets.

Authorized use of loan proceeds includes working capital, supplies, machinery & equipment, and fixtures (does not include real estate). The maximum loan amount is $50,000 with the average loan size of $14,000.

Exporting Assistance SBA provides export loans to help small businesses achieve sales through exports and can help these businesses respond to opportunities and challenges associated with trade, such as COVID-19. The loans are available to U.S. small businesses that export directly overseas, or those that export indirectly by selling to a customer that then exports their products.

• Export Express loan program allows access to capital quickly for businesses that need financing up to $500,000.

Businesses can apply for a line of credit or term note prior to finalizing an export sale or while pursuing opportunities overseas, such as identifying a new overseas customer should an export sale be lost due to COVID-19.

• Export Working Capital program enables small businesses to fulfill export orders and finance international sales by providing revolving lines of credit or transaction-based financing of up to $5 million. Businesses could use a loan to obtain or retain overseas customers by offering attractive

QUESTION: I'M STRUGGLING TO PAY MY STATE TAXES

➤ ANSWER: The Comptroller’s Office recognizes these are challenging times. During periods of economic hardship, paying or remitting taxes and fees on time can feel like an extra burden when there’s so much uncertainty. The Comptroller’s Office is offering assistance to those businesses that are struggling to pay the full amount of sales taxes they collected in February. This assistance is in the form of short-term payment agreements and, in most instances, waivers of penalties and interest. In addition, the Comptroller’s Office is temporarily suspending the 60-day deadline for businesses to contest audit results. This applies to both redetermination and refund hearings. The Office will waive interest accrued during this period, and will notify businesses to reestablish a request deadline at a later date. For more information on requesting a hearing, visit: https://bit.ly/2UA2Gqy payment terms.

• International Trade loan program helps small businesses engaged in international trade to retool or expand to better compete and react to changing business conditions. It can also help exporting firms to expand their sales to new markets or to re-shore operations back to the U.S. • Government Contracting • SBA is focused on assisting with the continuity of operations for small business contracting programs and small businesses with federal contracts. For more information on federal contracting, visit https://www.sba.gov/federalcontracting/contracting-guide • More specifically: • 8(a) Business Development program serves to help provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities, and the government limits competition for certain contracts

to businesses that participate. The 8(a) program offer and acceptance process is available nationwide, and the SBA continues to work with federal agencies to ensure maximum practicable opportunity to small businesses.

8(a) program participants should stay in touch with their Business Opportunity Specialist (BOS).

HUBZone program offers eligibility assistance every Thursday from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET at 1-202-765-1264; access code 63068189#. Members of the HUBZone team answer questions to help firms navigate the certification process. For specific questions regarding an application, please contact the HUBZone Help Desk at hubzone@sba.gov.

Women-owned Small Business firms who have questions, please visit www.sba.gov/wosbready or write to wosb@sba.gov.

UPPER GUADALUPE RIVER AUTHORITY

Cash

Prizes

Art Contest

Half Page UGRA Clean Up UGRA River ALL KERR COUNTY STUDENTS K-12TH GRADE ARE ELIGIBLE ENTRY DEADLINE IS MAY 8, 2020 7993

Winning Design Printed on All River Clean Up T-shirts

Entry Forms at www.ugra.org or Call (830) 896-5445 Join Us for the 17th Annual River Clean Up on July 25th!

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BUSINESS LINK SURVEY — COVID-19

MANAGING IN THE TIME OF

COVID-19

KERR COUNTY BUSINESS OWNERS SHARE THEIR FEARS ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS, MANY ARE FACING IT WITH OPTIMISM

T

he rapid deterioration of the economy as the coronavirus pandemic has impacted every business in Kerr County — some more dramatically than others — but every business owner or manager is dealing with the crisis differently.

The Kerrville Daily Times posted a voluntary survey for local businesses to share their experience managing the crisis. The questions were answered by 16 area businesses and they show a wide range of emotions and opinions from receiving federal loans, to dealing with employees and to the positive response they’ve had from customers.

Regardless, there is an underlying element of uncertainty for these owners as the pandemic invades every element of our daily lives.

“This too shall pass,” wrote Calvin Luck, the owner of Kerrville’s Apothecary Shoppe. “Stay the course, take this time to re-evaluate and come back stronger than before.”

Luck’s message seems to be the general consensus of those who responded, but there are those who are worried as the pandemic heads into shutting down the state and nation for much of April. President Trump has asked people to stay at home through April 30, and Texas is asking non-essential businesses to close.

The economic impact is yet to be determined on these decisions, but the early reports have been devastating. In the first weeks of the pandemic, more than three million Americans filed for unemployment.

The Texas Workforce Commission has been swamped with calls from worried employees and employers about how to navigate the situation.

When it comes to receiving federally-backed loans from the Small Business Administration, those surveyed were split on the idea, but

8 BusinessLink • April 2020

they were in agreement that they felt there were resources available to help with navigating the crisis once it was finished.

Nearly half said they “may” consider seeking aid, while 23% said they would not.

Over at JDS Leather, owner Jack Thorn said he worried if the customers would come back seeking his custom-made leather goods. It’s a worry that’s on the minds of others.

“I think when it’s all over we will be trying to dig ourselves out of a hole,” wrote Laura Ann Wagner, the owner of Ingram’s The Creek Boutique. “I have inventory for Easter, teacher appreciation and graduation (seasonal) and I probably won’t be able to sell those items. So I’ll take a bath on all that. January and February are tough months to get through on a good year — you are stretching your December profits.

Now we basically were only open for half of March and we will probably have to shelter in place in April. About the time this is lifted it will time to go to market and you have no money. So it’s hard to keep up with the trends when you have no money.”

Here are the answers to the questions answered by each business that participated in the survey:

What has been the hardest part of operating your business during this time?

Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery Paying our employees with little sales.

Brinkman Commercial Properties Limiting office visits, maintaining relationship with not so tech

SURVEY PARTICIPANTS ➤ Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery ➤ Brinkman Commercial Properties ➤ The Creek Boutique ➤ NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts ➤ Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce ➤ Rhodes Taxidermy ➤ Smoke N Outlaw BBQ ➤ The Center for Fitness ➤ KerrvillePhoto.com ➤ Superior Janitorial ➤ LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. ➤ Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q ➤ Texas Railing Systems ➤ Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck ➤ Apothecary Shoppe ➤ JDS Leather Lemeilleur’s RV Truck & Requipment Repair Co Inc. was one of the 16 businesses that responded to The Kerrville Daily Times survey about the economy. The business said they’re concerned about uncertainty of government decisions. savvy folks and reevaluating most our projects to best advise our clients during unprecedented uncertainty in the market place. The daily cleaning rituals are interesting, too.

The Creek Boutique I’m by appointment only. I don’t normally have 6 customers at a time but I know that what I am doing is the right thing to do. I have disinfectant foggers and Lysol spray but you don’t see every item that every customers touch.

NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts Keeping my employees and customers safe! We are offering curbside pick-up and deliveries within a 5 mile radius of both our Kerrville and Ingram NAPA. Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Reaching our membership and supporting their efforts.

Rhodes Taxidermy Lack of volume in clients Smoke N Outlaw BBQ Finding all the necessary supplies, we primarily shop locally The Center for Fitness Not being able to provide our members with the facilities, equipment, classes, and instructors/trainers to help them with their health and wellness goals. Exercise boosts your immune system, so it’s frustrating for

our members not to have the fitness options they enjoy. We all know, though, that it’s better to be safe than sorry.

KerrvillePhoto.com An increased need for communication with clients and other stakeholders has made it more difficult to actually get work done.

Superior Janitorial Clients closing, employees quitting LeMeilleur's RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. The uncertainity of the government, Federal and State. Do we do a mandatory Stay at Home, laid off workers and customer apprehension Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q Operating a Drive-up service.

Texas Railing Systems Staying out in front of information we are receiving in order to keep the company prosperous Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck Reduced income at same/higher expenses Apothecary Shoppe Reassuring our patients that we are not in danger of short supply.

HAVE YOU LAID OFF EMPLOYEES?

ARE YOU OPERATING ON REDUCED HOURS?

How have your employees responded to the crisis?

Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery Our marketing team and tasting room manager have adjusted to

9

BUSINESS LINK SURVEY — COVID-19 HAVE YOU DECIDED TO CLOSE AT THIS TIME?

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED FEDERAL AID?

Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery has had several challenges during this period of uncertainty, but the business remains optimistic about the future, including how it can serve the community. working from home. We are utilizing Zoom for meetings. Two of our employees are spending their work hours as students learning everything they can about wine and viticulture. Six employees as well as Dan and myself continue to work at Turtle Creek Olive Grove with the vines, olive trees, peaches, chickens and sheep. We just planted a spring garden. Our sons are at the tasting room M-F 10-2 to take and fill orders for our frozen ground lamb, olive oil, JoJu bakery loaves of frozen bread and of course wine by the bottle or case for curbside pickup.

Brinkman Commercial Properties Our team is awesome. They have found ways to work from home, meet clients only when necessary, and help each other out with the load.

The Creek Boutique My one employee is now working on our ranch until we can go back to business as usual.

NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts All our employees are being vigilant to continue to be healthy and have had little problems adjusting to new procedures and standards we are implementing. They are doing an awesome job!

We are very blessed to have such great people working for NAPA! Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Following the rules and keeping their morale strong.

Rhodes Taxidermy Very well.

Smoke N Outlaw BBQ Faithfully.

The Center for Fitness

10 BusinessLink • April 2020

DO YOU FEEL THERE ARE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO NAVIGATE FEDERAL AID?

They’ve stepped up and volunteered to do repair and maintenance projects as well as a spring cleaning when we are able to open up.

They’re also suggesting great ideas on how to weather this storm.

KerrvillePhoto.com All of my employees are part-time. They have lost a significant amount of income. While I haven’t had to “lay off” employees, my part-time employees have seen a significant reduction in available hours due to cancellations.

Superior Janitorial They are scared. Some quit, some want to stay home but we can’t. Most have dug in and tried to ramp up disinfection in our businesses LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. They are staying hopeful, stressed about the possibility of more layoffs.

Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q The staff at most risk are on paid leave. The staff that can work, do so at their discretion. I’m rather proud of the way they’ve “rolled up their sleeves” and jumped right in there to meet the city requirements, yet accomplish the needs of our community. We are considered an essential business so my staff is ready and willing to serve.

Texas Railing Systems Yes, we are currently still operating at full force.

Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck Just me and my husband.

Apothecary Shoppe

Total commitment to continued service, with even greater commitment to the best in sanitation practices.

How have your customers or clients responded during this crisis?

Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery We have had several regular guests order from our previous one day/week curbside pickup, but I was shortsighted in the length of the tasting room closure and now have decided to open for curbside 5 days/week to allow more opportunities to assist our community in meeting their needs.

Brinkman Commercial Properties They are still with us, none of our clients have pulled up stakes. They are working with us to find the best path forward, when no one really even has a map as yet. Where are we going to be in a month?

We are in this together.

The Creek Boutique I have customers who have made an appointment and have bought more just to support me.

NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts All our customers have been super patient about delays of product.

Our wholesale customers, the repair shops, are doing a great job of ensuring that cars they work on have been properly disinfected before returning it to their customer. Our retail customers are using social distancing and opting for curbside assistance.

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce There are great efforts to modify business models and delivery

Petition Circulation begins April 1, 2020

We wish you a joyous Easter.

Claudia Richards, Program Director

830-777-3881

SHOP WHERE THE PROS BUY!

2202 Memorial Blvd • Kerrville, TX 78028 830-257-2300 • www.mgbuildingmaterials.com

crichards@precinct2prosperity.com info@precinct2prosperity.com www.precinct2prosperity.com 11

BUSINESS LINK SURVEY — COVID-19 mechanisms to allow commerce to happen despite the limitations imposed. The chamber has offered access to all of our communications modalities to support these businesses in the communication of their new models free of charge.

Rhodes Taxidermy First week things were normal but things are starting to slow down now. Local clients have been very good about picking up complete work Smoke N Outlaw BBQ Very supportive and understanding.

The Center for Fitness We’ve received notes from many saying they miss coming and wish us well during this trying time.

Several purposely paid their April dues early knowing we were going to be closed and did not intend to charge them until we reopen.

KerrvillePhoto.com Clients have been very understanding and have been flexible with deadlines, operating procedures, and other limitations. Recently we had to have an extension for a certain project due to delays associated with coronavirus. The client was patient and understanding, and their reaction is representative of all of our clients’ reactions to delays or other problems related to the outbreak.

Superior Janitorial Some have laid us off , one of those allowed us to deep clean for the remainder of the month . Support for the cleaning company is not generally something that Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q owner Buzzie Hughes shows off one of his masterfully clients think about smoked briskets, but now he’s facing the challenge of being a takeout only LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. Very little support, more of a concern if they can afford restaurant. However, he can cite several examples of kindness shown to his staff during this period. “One customer left a $60 tip on a $50 order,” he to spend money now not knowing if they will have wrote. “Another customer from Garrett Insurance Agency bought $200 in $20 money to support their families gift certificates to give as tokens of appreciation to her clients.”

Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q The support by our customers and our community has been heartwarming!! One customer left a $60 graduation (seasonal) and i probably won’t be able sell those tip on a $50 order. Another customer from Garrett Insurance items. So I’ll take a bath on all that. January and February are tough Agency bought $200 in $20 gift certificates to give as tokens of months to get through on a good year - you are stretching your appreciation to her clients.

December profits. Now we basically were only open for half of Texas Railing Systems March and we will probably have to shelter in place in April. About I have customers who have made an appointment and have the time this is lifted it will time to go to market and you have no bought more just to support me. money. So it’s hard to keep up with the trends when you have no Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck money. My goal this year was to be able to operate The Creek with Support of small local business the money it generated. This is my 6th year in business and I figured Apothecary Shoppe it was time it ran itself. So I guess my biggest concern is whether or One of our customers came in to get Christmas gifts ordered. not I stay open.

NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts What are your biggest concerns when it comes to It’s the unknown that is scary. A new normal, lost equity in our operating your business after the pandemic ends? business and keeping up with the legislation long after we curb Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery the curve of the virus. The bills that have been passed to help us As a winery and tasting room, our business is not viewed by the maintain during the pandemic come with a ton of audit style public as a necessity and therefore my primary concern is a slow reporting to the federal government from us in the coming year(s). start up when the pandemic ends.

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Brinkman Commercial Properties Our membership being able to restore their businesses to Did we mitigate the risks effectively, cashflow, mental health? prosperity quickly.

The Creek Boutique Rhodes Taxidermy I think when it’s all over we will be trying to dig ourselves out The financial burden on my clients and their ability to pay upon of a hole. I have inventory for Easter, teacher appreciation and completion of their work.

12 BusinessLink • April 2020

Smoke N Outlaw BBQ None.

The Center for Fitness Surviving the economic challenge for what looks to be like a long closure. To my knowledge, gyms are the only entire industry that’s been closed by Executive Order.

KerrvillePhoto.com After it ends, it will be hard to keep up with a huge spike in demand.

That demand will be sort of “seasonal” and won’t make sense to hire extra staff for long-term, so it will just be stressful for awhile.

Superior Janitorial If we will have survived the loss of business LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. Retaining key employees, Customer retention, paying bills.

Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q No concerns other than the cost to restock the walk-in cooler! My staff utilizes team work to make sure all daily objectives are met.

Texas Railing Systems The economic impact of these few weeks of panic.

Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck Recession. Lack of spending money from consumers.

Apothecary Shoppe Convincing our clientele to maintain their health and immunity between crises.

What’s one bit of advice you’d share with another business owner or one has shared with you?

Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Winery Fear Not! This too shall pass.

Brinkman Commercial Properties Follow your heart and never give up hope, miracles happen every day.

The Creek Boutique You don’t open a gift shop to get rich - you do it because you like it.

NAPA Kerrville Automotive and Ingram Auto Parts Stay positive. We are all in this together.

We have a couple of private Facebook pages for owners of small business to share insights and motivate others that are feeling anxious. Its a simple thing, but knowing others are going through the same thing is comforting.

Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Hang in there, we will get through this and will be both better people and a stronger community for having this shared hardship

and experience.

Rhodes Taxidermy Be empathetic to clients and employees alike.Try to understand that we’re all in this together and will come out stronger on the other side Smoke N Outlaw BBQ Never give up The Center for Fitness We were able to reduce or eliminate some of our bills that were service-related such as phone, internet, software usage, and music licensing. Every vendor was understanding and concerned for our business and our personnel.

KerrvillePhoto.com Be transparent with your clients and explain the reasons for delays, shortages, or changes in your operations. Clients will forgive problems with supply or operations related to things you cannot control, but clients will not forgive dishonesty.

Superior Janitorial Everyone is feeling the pain from this. Be kind, try to keep your circle updated on changes you must make.as soon as you can.

LeMeilleur’s RV Truck & Equipment Repair Co Inc. Be positive, reach out to your customers and assure them you are here for them for whatever needs they may have, including bringing them food/etc.

Buzzie’s Bar-B-Q Do what you can with what you have available. Adjust accordingly and include your employees in the decision making process. You’d be amazed at how the different ideas will formulate into a plan that works!

Texas Railing Systems This may be a time where you were not prepared for the sudden change. On your next lap be prepared. One of my favorite quotes for these situations is from Warren Buffet. “Only when the tides goes out do you discover who has been swimming naked. Today, these conditions are in precedented, but still they will catch many businesses unprepared.

Bald Eagle Cafe Food Truck Don’t go into debt to try to keep a sinking ship.

Apothecary Shoppe Serve your clients to the best of your ability and remember that we are all in this together.

LAND CLEARING

& CONSTRUCTION

•Cedar Mulching •Land Clearing • General Construction – roads, ponds, fences

cactuscreekclearing.com

830-285-6576

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HOSPITALITY

Inn of the Hills has closed, moving bookings over to its sister property — the Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center. Photos by Samuel Beaver

Devastating impact Tourism, which is a major driver in the Hill Country, has collapsed and some are closing up in an effort to stem the losses from lost bookings and events

T

he Kerrville-area economy depends greatly on travel to the area, which has drastically decreased since governments and individuals began taking steps to fight the pandemic.

No more is this in evidence than in the reduced business local hotels are seeing. On the average Friday, the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center usually sees about 180 people checking in. But on Friday of this week, there were only five — even after transferring reservations from its sister property, The Inn of the Hills, which has closed until May. “We are struggling, our occupancy certainly is low,” said John Tait, who was working the YO’s front desk Friday afternoon. He said he’s never seen anything like it in his five years with the company.

Every week there’s at least some sort of big group in town — car clubs, motorcycle groups, weddings, conferences, reunions and the like -- but ever since the pandemic hit the U.S., cancellations have piled up. One of the largest recent blows to the company, which has had to furlough dozens of employees, was the cancellation of a group

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that had booked about 1,200 rooms — the Early Ford V8 Club.

Tait hopes some of the groups can be rescheduled.

“I don’t think there’s any way possible we’re ever going to recoup what we’ve lost so far, but we’re hoping and praying that it takes a turn for the better and that we have some sense of normalcy back in this industry,” Tait said.

It’s not just the hotels that take a hit with such cancellations. The average daytime-only visitor will put about $69 per day into the local economy, according to the Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau. The average overnight visitor spends from $150 to $200 per day.

Staff at the CVB are still crunching the numbers, but Friday’s estimate was that 7,000 to 8,000 room nights will be lost at a minimum, said Charlie McIlvain, the CVB’s executive director. He said the loss to the local economy from visitors canceling will likely run into the millions of dollars.

“Everything for March and April and the end of May is totally gone, and so if things don’t clear up pretty quick, we’ll see further off than that,” McIlvain said on Friday.

Hotels are still seeing some traffic from people in town for work, whether they’re truckers or construction workers, however.

BBB KERRVILLE AD 2020 COVID.pdf

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Events like car shows, a staple of the Hill Country, have all but disappeared as the state hunkers down to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re still up and going,” said one Kerrville Best Western employee. “We have a lot of people who have to continue to work.”

But business is clearly down, she added.

“It’s definitely quieter because we had tons of cancellations because this was Spring Break, and now it’s going to be Easter and the events around us in town have canceled,” she said.

McIlvain said CVB staff are hard at work trying to reschedule events or have groups back as soon as possible. Some groups, such as the V8 club, schedule their conferences years in advance, so they might not be able to visit Kerrville again for a while.

BBB STANDS WITH SMALL BUSINESS ®

BUSINESS-FOCUSED RESOURCES FOR THE COVID-19 CRISIS AT bbb.org/coronavirus 15

MIXERS/CHAMBER EVENTS VISIT THE CHAMBER’S WEBSITE TO ENSURE EVENTS ARE STILL HAPPENING DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC MAY 21 Sponsored by Emerald Cottages, 1501 Bandera Hwy JUNE 11 Membership / Networking Luncheon Sponsored by Ranch Radio, JUNE 18 Sponsored by the Dietert Center, 415 Guadalupe St JULY 16 Sponsored by Kerrville Hills Winery, 3600 Fredericksburg Rd AUGUST 20 Sponsored by Riverpoint of Kerrville, 1441 Bandera Hwy SEPTEMBER 17 Sponsored by Broadway Bank, 500 Main St OCTOBER 15 Sponsored by Ken Stoepel Ford, 400 Sidney Baker St. S NOVEMBER 19 Sponsored by State Farm – Amber Thomason, 221 Thompson Dr DECEMBER 10 Before Hours Breakfast Sponsored by: Peterson Medical, Location: TBD

Hurry...MayIssue Deadlines on April 17, 2020

BUSINESS LINK THE HILL COUNTRY’S PREMIER BUSINESS PUBLICATION

Monthly glossy magazine featuring business development in the Hill Country.

12x $550 $325 $180 $100

6x $640 $375 $210 $115

Half Page KDT Programs 6346

Full Page 1/2 Page 1/4 Page 1/8 Page

1x $850 $500 $275 $150

All rates are net.

Full Page 8.375” wide x 10.875” tall • Half Page 3.564” wide x 9.833” tall or 7.375” wide x 4.793” tall Quarter page 3.564” wide x 4.793” tall • Eighth Page 3.564” wide x 2.273” tall

APPLAUSE Ad Program Celebrating a business anniversary?

We want to help you celebrate with an ad at a special rate. $325/Full $100 Quarter $175/Half $55 Eighth Anniversary/Employee of the Month/Retirement

DECEMBER 17 Sponsored by Centennial Bank, 1145 Junction Hwy The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce Call your Advertising Representative at the Kerrville Daily Times to Reserve Your Spot!

Brandon Baldwin - 257-0310 brandon.baldwin@dailytimes.com

Valerie Tucker - 257-0309 valerie.tucker@dailytimes.com

Luly Bliss - 257-0308 luly.bliss@dailytimes.com

16 BusinessLink • April 2020

MEMBERS & RENEWALS New Members Bronze Jeana Brown Designs Decorating Den Interiors - 830896-9875 Traci Seymour Bookkeeping & Tax - 830-896-4033 Debbie J Anders Consulting - Deborah Anders - 281-3876808 Longhorn Bookkeeping & Business Services - Keri Heflin 830-343-7943 Kerr County Patriots Club Jerry Wolff - 832-545-5545 Renewals Individual Bullock, Jannell Bronze B.C. Collision Center Brinkman Preferred PropertiesSue Tiemann Broken Arrow Ranch Carlton Club Inn Christian Women's Job Corps Cowpokes Cartoons / Reid, Ace Enterprises Creative Cabinets, Inc. Edward Jones - Joyce Mechler El Sol de Mexico Friends Butt Holdsworth Memorial Library G and G Consulting Gazelle Computers - Kerrville Guild Mortgage Hill Country Dist. Jr. Livestock Show Hill Country Visitor Hill Country Windows and Doors Humane Society of Kerrville Joshua Cade Craftsman Kerrville Aviation Kerrville Drug Co., Inc. Kerrville Framing Kerrville Taxi Kerrville Title Co. McDonald's st#5703 Nami Kerrville Pint & Plow Brewing Co. Pipeline Skid Service Republic Services Rio 10 Cinemas Royal Pane Window Cleaning Solbrig Hearing Center, Inc. State Aire T.J. Moore Lumber Yard Tango Homes, LLC Trade-Mark Air Conditioning &

Sheet Metal Turtle Creek Olive Grove Vision Source Waterside Nursing and Rehab Western Beverages World Finance Corp Kerrville Silver Billy Gene's Restaurant First Insurance Agency of the Hill Countr Kickapoo Kamp for Girls Lakeside Apartments Lamb Creek Paseo de Paz Apartments Quest Publishing River Hills Health & Rehabilitation Cente The Gardens at Clearwater Platinum H.E.B. Food Turtle Creek Olives & Vines Windstream Communication Diamond Randolph - Brooks Federal Credit Union

Thank You to Our Diamond & Platinum Investors

Diamond Investors • Jam Broadcasting 94.3 • Adapting Online, LLC • Alamo Colleges • Alara Strategic and Creative • Ashley HOMESTORE • Brookdale Senior Living • Calvary Temple Church • Centennial Bank • Century 21 The Hills Realty • Comerica Bank • Community First National Bank • Cypress Roofing • Frost Bank • Ronnie Gesell Construction • Robert Glossop Jr. • Gravity Check Saloon & Arena • HCTC • H.E.B. Foods-Drug Store • Hill Country MHDD Centers • Inn of the Hills Resort & Conference Center • James Avery Artisan Jewelry • Ken Stoepel Ford • Kerr County Federal Credit Union • Kerrville Public Utility Board

• Martin Marietta • Mo-Ranch • Moore’s Home Furnishings • Nationwide Insurance Joe Cook & Associates, Inc. • Palate Thyme • Peterson Health • Precision Dentistry and Implants of Kerrville • Ragsdale Family Camps • Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union • Sam’s Club • Schreiner University • Security State Bank & Trust • Texas Lions Camp • Texas State Optical • United Hunting Heritage International • UTSA Small Business Development Center • Wal-Mart Store, Inc. #508 • Wells Fargo Bank • Wine-O-Bout It

Half Page Chamber Diamond & Platinum 6348

Platinum Investors • 72 Degrees Air Conditioning & Heating • Airtech A/C & Heating • All-Plastics • Broadway Bank • Douville, Goldman & Associates, PLLC • Guadalupe Bank • Heart of the Cards • Hilco Federal Credit Union • Hill Country Memorial • Hill Country Youth Event Center • Home Simple Goods • Kerrville Hills Winery • Laity Lodge Youth Camp H E Butt Family Foundation • LeMeilleur’s RV, Truck & Equipment Repair Co. • Precision Dermatology, PA -

Kerrville Dermatologist • Prime Capital Investment Advisors • Safeguard Business Systems • San Carlos Ranch • State Farm Insurance Justin Hamilton • Superior Services Tree Care • Talarico and Associates, A Wealth Management Firm • Texas Hill Country Bank - Kerrville • Turtle Creek Olive & Vines • Volunteer Services Council for Kerrville State Hospital • Windstream Communications • Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel and Conference Center • Y.O. Ranch Headquarters

Your Membership Is An Investment In Your Business The Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce 1700 Sidney Baker St., Suite 100 • Kerrville, TX 78028 Phone 830-896-1155 / Fax 830-896-1175

www.kerrvilletx.com

17

EMPLOYEES Please join us in extending a word of “Thanks!” to these businesses for sponsoring the major events being held in 2020 by the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Because of their generosity and support, we will be able to continue to educate and serve our membership and community about shared opportunities, issues and challenges.

Half 25 Page ANNUAL CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC Chamber Major Monday, June 22, 2020 Events 6347 ROBERT GLOSSOP JR. - INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR TH

SCOTT SCHREINER MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

BUSINESS EXPO WITH FRIDAY NIGHT WINE SHARE August 7-8, 2020

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

98TH ANNUAL CHAMBER CHOICE AWARDS BANQUET Thursday, October 29, 2020 • Location TBA

4TH ANNUAL HILL COUNTRY ECONOMIC SUMMIT Thursday, February 13, 2020

HILL COUNTRY YOUTH EVENT CENTER

1700 Sidney Baker St.,Suite 100 • Kerrville (830) 896-1155 • www.kerrvilletx.com

18 BusinessLink • April 2020

Texas Workforce Commission dealing with unprecedented calls for assistance The loss of jobs across the country — let alone Texas has been staggering — and there appears to be no end in sight to the damage that the coronavirus pandemic is doing to the U.S. economy.

In Texas, the number of unemployment has risen from 3,000-9,000 claims every day to now about 30,000 claims across the state.

During a Facebook Live chat on March 25, Texas Workforce Commission Executive Director Ed Serna described the crush of people seeking information about how to obtain unemployment benefits in the last two weeks. The four call centers the Workforce Commission uses took more than 100,000 calls on March 22, and he estimates 800,000 people have called seeking information.

“It’s different than anything we’ve ever faced in the state,” Serna said.

In the Facebook Live, which was viewed by 95,000 people, Serna described the strain the commission has been under since the coronavirus pandemic started, and how the commission is trying to cope with the volume of calls.

“We’re adding as many staff members as you can,” Serna said. “We are working with the private sector to add technology.”

Usually to add technology takes months for state agencies, Serna said they are trying to turn around solutions in day and doing it while nearly 80% of its employees work from home.

Serna also asks for patience and understands the frustration.

“We are addressing everything we can," Serna said. "We know it’s very scary for people who have been let go from work. We will help everyone who needs help. Have a little bit of patience with us."

The challenge for the commission remains the uncertainty of the economy even as Congress passed and President Trump signed a $2.2 trillion relief bill that extends unemployment benefits.

Just some of those federally-backed benefits would include, according to the Congressional Research Service, a non-partisan policy analyst: Providing 39 weeks of federally financed benefits for unemployed workers related to the pandemic, or unable to work because they’ve contracted COVID-19 or not able to work from home.

This also protects the self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers.

All assistance under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance would be augmented by an additional $600 per week through July.

The package also add $1 billion in emergency grant funding for states through the year to handle the impact of coronavirus claims.

If you’ve lost your job in Texas you will need the following: • Last employer's business name and address • First and last dates (month, day and year) you worked for your last employer • Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked this week (including Sunday) • Information related to your normal wage • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen or national)

AIR CONDITIONING State Aire 2472 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 367-4131

APARTMENTS Full Page

AUTO REPAIR AND SERVICE LeMeilleur’s RV Center 620 Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-4366

BOUTIQUE SHOPS

The Creek Boutique 3272 Junction Hwy. Ingram, Texas 78025 (830) 367-3281

CAMPS

Texas Lions Camp 4100 San Antonio Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 ( 830) 896-8500

INSURANCE

Farmers Insurance Rolando Lopez 1214 Bandera Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-7272

Farmers Insurance Renee Smith 1016D Junction Hwy. Kerrville, Texas 78028 Directory (830) 896-4100

JEWELERS

Taj Mahal Jewelers 200 Sidney Baker St., Suite #8 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-0335

LIGHTING FIXTURES & SUPPLIES TEU Services 228 Washington St. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 496-4090

TITLE ENTERPRISES Kerr County Abstract & Title Co. 712 Earl Garrett Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 257-5151

CHAMBER BUSINESS GUIDE

Wilson Asset Chamber Management, Inc. 231 Earl Garrett, Ste. 300 Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 792-4200

Farmers Insurance Nathaniel Turner 260 Thompson Dr. Kerrville, Texas 78028 (830) 896-4100

WINDOW COVERINGS Kerrville Window Fashions 507 Junction Highway Kerrville, TX 78028 (830) 733-0041 kerrvillewindowfashions.com Want to see your business featured here?

Contact Valerie Tucker at The Kerrville Daily Times 830-257-0333

19

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