COVID-19 Updates

Click HERE for details.

To View or Print the document HERE.

To view the Shuttered Venue Grant Frequently Asked Questions, click HERE.

Click HERE for update

Click BELOW information on upcoming Informational webinars:

-with Bangor Savings Bank

Click HERE for information.

for final COVID-19 Updates of 2020, click HERE.

Late last night, Congress passed a new relief package and omnibus spending bill and the President is expected to sign the full package soon, but before he can it must be enrolled on parchment paper and physically taken to the White House. The administrations’ lawyers will then review it, which could be complicated by the pandemic and the Christmas holiday. Trump signed a 7-day piece of legislation that keeps the government open in the meantime

Click HERE to read more.

Click HERE for information.

Following record covid-19 cases, Gov. Mills announces new face covering executive order, stating masks must now be worn in public setting regardless of social distancing. Read the update HERE.

For update, click HERE.

Recovery Grant Deadline Extended to Oct 29th! Click HERE for details.

In an effort to keep our region healthy amidst Covid-19, the Maine Highlands Investment Partnership and the Town of Dover-Foxcroft created a poster contest that teach and remind people to:
• Wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, several times a day;
• Stay at least six feet away from people who do not live in the same house;
• Wear a mask to keep others safe; and/or
• And to be kind and respect one another because this is a hard time for everyone.

Prizes were awarded for the most colorful and creative hand-drawn and digitally designed posters covering one or more of those topics.

Winning works of art were printed into posters for display at businesses, restaurants, grocery stores, public buildings and schools throughout this region!

To view the winning works of art, click HERE.

Stage 4 Reopening Begins, Indoor Seating Increases, Mask Mandate Expanded. Click HERE.

Phase 2 Economic Recovery Grants, Min. Wage increase, Paid Leave Law & more. Click HERE.

Click here to learn more about available grants.

Click HERE for information and to register for the grant webinar(s).

Click HERE to view.

The chamber has an inventory of masks, sanitizer, medical gloves, floor decals and front door decals for businesses (see examples below)

A custom rack card has also been created for business owners to hand out to customers.

To place your order, click HERE.

Directional FLOOR DECAL:

Social Distance FLOOR DECAL:

Front Door WINDOW Decal:

MSCC CALL TO ACTION!

CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION NOW!

Good morning,

COVID-19 has presented Maine businesses with numerous challenges over the past few months.  As a result, many companies in Maine have gone beyond the scope of their operations to begin producing products that help protect the health and safety of Maine citizens, health care workers, and employees. These businesses have continued to provide these much-needed services to our state, during this time of crisis.  We believe it is only appropriate that we provide these businesses with the ability to continue their efforts, without the threat of unreasonable or unprincipled liability or litigation.

Due to the pressing nature of this issue, the Maine State Chamber has put together a statewide coalition, comprised of numerous associations representing thousands of businesses, to address this issue.

Right now, Congress is considering adopting time limited safe harbor protections, for businesses to operate during the pandemic, in the next stimulus recovery bill which Congress is currently negotiating.  This is NOT a done deal!  

Time is of the essence!  We strongly urge you to contact your state congressional delegation and urge them to support legislation that adopts time limited safe harbor protection for businesses during this pandemic.   The phone numbers to Congressional Washington D.C. offices are as follows:

                Senator Susan Collins:  202-224-2523

                Senator Angus King: 202-224-5344

                Rep. Chellie Pingree: 202-225-6116

                Rep. Jared Golden: 202-225-6306

If you have any questions, please contact me at 207-623-4568 ext. 106.

Thank you for your help!

The Keep Maine Healthy Grant offers funding to businesses to provide relief for costs associated with the purchase of personal protective supplies and equipment required by the state.

Recently, the town of Dover-Foxcroft was awarded approximately $250,000 to reimburse businesses in Dover-Foxcroft and other municipalities throughout Piscataquis County for expenses incurred for PPE equipment and supplies purchased and/or investments made by businesses for protection from Covid-19.

The Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce will act as ambassador for the town, receiving and approving the grant requests and meeting with businesses to determine their needs.

Grant funds are available until October 31st.

To apply for the grant, click HERE.

Click HERE for UPDATE

For update click HERE.

Information on all open businesses, checklists for stage three, updated checklists, new Power Up grants for small businesses and funding for municipalities from EMDC.

Click HERE to see update.

Read update HERE.

Click here for update.

Click here for June 4th update regarding Bars, Tasting Rooms, Tattoo Parlors, Gyms and Fitness Centers, and nail salons - scheduled to open on June 12th.

Click HERE.

Click HERE for PDF Checklist

Large gatherings, Public Community Buildings, Updated Restaurant and Lodging checklists, day camps, overnight summer camps, and more.

Update to plan with links to checklists, Osha Information for business owners, and more.

New rural plan with links to checklists

Click here to view

Click here for link to all information

Chamber's update

PPP loan amount calculations information

Specifics on the FMLA under the Cares Act.

PDF Presentation on the CARES ACT

Paid Leave Guide

Employee Retention Credit Guide

Updated Paycheck Protection Loan Guide

Paycheck Protection Program FAQ's

Updated SBA Disaster Loan Guide

What every business needs to know / Answers to your Employment Questions

Small Business Guide & Checklist

Program recording & slides

Organizational Health Check-up

PDF FLowchart with Live Links - All Covid-19 Relief Programs

Paycheck Protection Borrower Application

Paycheck Protection Lender Application

Most updated details of the program

Programs Summary

To apply for unemployment, click HERE.

PDF - Maine State Chamber FACT SHEET

SBA guidance & Loan Resources

Updated Resource list, general description of the stimulus package

Bill S 3548 - The Federal Cares Act - in its entirety

Resource links, webinars and more.

Governor Mill's Executive Order

Impact Survey, Guidebook Extension, SBA Working Capital Loans, Bill: H.R.-6201, Piscataquis Take-Out & Delivery, Upcoming Webinars

Chamber Response, Reliable Resources, Tips & Printables

Dana Connors Announcement

State..Chambers of Commerce Support Businesses

Apply for an SBA working Capital DISASTER RELIEF loan here.

Link to Retail Assoc. of Maine - one-stop resource for Maine retailers.

Only 1,000 applications will be approved. CLICK HERE to apply.

Special video presentation by the Destination Development Assoc.

Summary of Bill
Explanation of Bill