Message from the president
September 23, 2020
This morning, the Administration announced a new $650,000 grant program to support our black and brown communities that have been hit hardest by COVID-19, including Springfield and Holyoke here in western Massachusetts. The MA COVID-19 Community Grant programs will provide grants between $10,000 and $50,000 for community and faith-based organizations serving communities of color to raise awareness about COVID-19 and educate populations on physical distancing, mask wearing, and other risk-reduction behaviors and activities. These grants will also promote development and provide training and messaging for staff, volunteers, and members who provide support and in-home services such as meals assistance and wellness checks to people at higher risk of severe illness. Applications are due by October 14, 2020.
The Administration issued updated sector-specific protocols for restaurants effective September 28, 2020. The new protocols increase the number of patrons at a table from 6 to 10 and allow for bar seating at restaurants with restrictions. Bar seating will be permitted as long as there are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least 6 feet away or there is a physical barrier separating customers from the bar space. The barrier must be at least 30 inches high with a gap at the bottom no more than 8 inches high to allow food and drink service. Standing at the bar will still not be permitted and seated parties must be spaced 6 feet apart. Restaurants may continue to reconfigure their bar area for table seating with spacing requirements.
As well, recreation amenities which were allowed in Step 1 of Phase III (VIGILANT) may be open under the sector-specific protocols for Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Game & Recreation Businesses that were released September 17. Pool and billiard tables and other games involving patrons not seated at tables is not permitted in areas where food service is provided.
The new restaurant protocols also clarify that events hosted at restaurants must follow the Indoor and Outdoor Events guidance, including the capacity limitations. These limitations remain capped at 25 for indoor events and 50 for outdoor events under the revised gathering order but, as of September 28, 2020, table seating for these types of events may now accommodate up to 10 people.
This is good news for our restaurant sector as the temperatures cool, for families attending weddings and celebrations wishing to be seated together, and for those, like me, who enjoy dining at the bar of a restaurant.
While travel advisories remain in effect, Bradley International Airport offered another glimpse of hope announcing that it has expanded JetBlue service with the addition of four new non-stop routes: Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco beginning December 18, 2020, and Cancun, Mexico beginning November 19, 2020. This is but another sign of what can come with our continued commitment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, socially distancing, and practicing good hygiene.
Nancy Creed
President
September 22, 2020
Over the weekend, Wyoming was removed from the list of low-risk states. Travelers or Massachusetts residents returning home must now quarantine or produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Commonwealth. This is another stark reminder of how quickly the virus can spread as Wyoming was just recently added to the list of low-risk states.
Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we are seeing small signs of economic recovery. State and federal officials released the August unemployment data indicating a nearly 5-percentage point drop in the state’s unemployment rate – from 16.2 percent in July to 11.3 percent in August – the largest decrease in the country. As well, the data reported that Massachusetts employers added 51,600 jobs last month with the largest gains in education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Here in our region, the unemployment rate saw a similar decrease – from 16.5 to 11.5. This is good news for all of us.
As we follow this critical economic data and hope for a positive trend, just this morning the Senate Revenue Working Group convened to further its work to review opportunities to modernize the tax code and to develop a set of recommendations for closing the state’s budget shortfall. Our recent poll suggests that respondents are split as to their appetite for an increase in the income tax as one tool to close this shortfall. As a member of this this broad-based Working Group, we are in the room and will continue to lend your voice to the discussion. We know our regional economy continues to be fragile, and we will work hard on your behalf for protect it.
In the meantime, the best way we can support our economic recovery is to stay safe, stay well, wear a mask, wash your hands, and support your local businesses. #MaskUpMA #FindMyLocalMA
Nancy Creed
President
September 17, 2020
The Administration announced additional tax relief for our restaurant and hospitality sectors. Sales, meals, and room occupancy taxes for qualifying businesses for March 2020 through April 2021 will not be due to the state until May 2021, and those that wait will not face any penalties or interest. Without the change, these taxes would have been due this month. Any businesses that paid less than $150,000 in regular sales plus meal taxes or less than $150,000 in room occupancy taxes in the year ending February 29, 2020 will qualify for relief. Businesses that do not qualify but have meals tax and room occupancy tax obligations will have late-file and late-pay penalties waived. This is welcome news for these hard hit sectors.
Locally, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has requested relief for the City’s restaurant sector and has asked its License Commission to waive the 2021 liquor license renewal fees for restaurants and pouring establishments. The Commission is expected to take this request up at its meeting next week.
Worcester, Nantucket, Plainville, Saugus, Tyngsborough, and Wrentham have been added to the list of high-risk communitieswhere COVID-19 cases and transmission rates have been persistently high and which require new supports to bring the rates down. As cases in some communities continue to rise, the Stop the Spread strategic testing initiative has been extended through October. The initiative provides free testing of asymptomatic individuals.
To continue to keep our economy moving from reopening to recovery, MassDevelopment has announced another round of funding under its Site Readiness Program to help municipalities get larger development parcels ready for activity. The program offers grants to finance land acquisition, feasibility studies, master planning, environmental permitting, site improvements, and other work and is geared toward boosting investments in industrial and commercial projects, and supporting the conversion of abandoned sites and facilities. Responses to the request for proposals are due by Nov. 12.
As we continue our path toward recovery and with flu season on the horizon, it is even more important for our forward progress to stay local, visit your neighborhood shops, enjoy local outdoor dining and wear a mask, social distance, and maintain good hygiene. #MaskUpMA #FindMyLocalMA
Nancy Creed
President
September 15, 2020
Today, the Governor announced the Commonwealth met a new milestone – more than 3 million tests conducted with more than 2 million people tested and the second lowest COVID-rate in the country. This is great news as we move into the cooler months and as schools reopen, lending hope to our continued economic recovery.
New Mexico has been added to the lower-risk states so travelers and returning residents neither need to quarantine upon arrival nor provide a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival. However, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware have been removed from this list requiring these travelers and returning residents to adhere to the travel order.
On September 30, the U.S. Census Bureau will close its data collection. Every 10 years, the Bureau conducts a national survey to determine how many people are living in the United States and in each state. This count determines how many representatives each state will have in Congress for the next ten years and how much federal funding communities will receive for roads, schools, housing, and social programs. With the current economic crisis and an estimated $6 billion shortfall in the state’s budget, it is even more critical today to participate so that we can continue to fund necessary programs and services. If you haven’t already completed your census form, I encourage you to be counted and to share with your employees the importance that they be counted, too.
With the estimated shortfall in the state budget and no federal support in sight, the Legislature will need to find ways to close that gap. Your Legislative Steering Committee and its Budget and Tax Policy subcommittee are anticipating what options the state could deploy – from borrowing to use of its “rainy day” fund to the broad-based income tax to specific tax policy changes. As these conversations take place, know that your Chamber is in the room where it happens representing your needs and interests.
Stay safe and stay well and be counted – now more than ever.
Nancy Creed
President
September 11, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Baker announced another $5 million in Massachusetts Department of Transportation and federal CARES Act funding for the state’s Shared Streets and Spaces program. This new allocation will provide additional grants to municipalities for improvements to sidewalks, curbs, streets, on-street parking, and off-street parking to help create space for socially distant retail, dining, and walking. To date, grants have been used to expand sidewalk capacity for retail, increase safe spaces for walking and biking on streets, and to purchase jersey barriers and heaters and special lighting to support outdoor dining. Municipalities have until September 22 to apply for funding. If your business has an innovative idea, we encourage you to speak with your municipal economic development team to take advantage of the program.
The Governor signed executive order to extend the time frame for municipal permitting for expanded outdoor dining so that restaurants can continue to provide this dining experience and extend their outdoor season.
As well, the Governor signed an executive order to allow indoor and outdoor arcades to open next week with sector specific protocols. These businesses were slated to reopen in Phase 4 (NEW NORMAL) when development of a vaccine and/or therapy is available.
Here in our own backyard, the City of Springfield announced that permitting will now be allowed for individuals seeking to hold tag sales. Restrictions will be in place including face coverings, limits on the number of people at a tag sale, gloves, and more.
All this good news is encouraging for our continued recovery and demonstrates that we are all working together to live, work, and play safely by socially distancing, continuing good hygiene, and wearing a mask.
Stay safe and well this weekend and please remember to “find your local” and shop, dine, and travel in and around your neighborhoods to support our local businesses and our regional economy.
Nancy Creed
President
September 9, 2020
Over the weekend, Massachusetts added Oregon, Washington and Wyoming to its list of low-risk states which do not require quarantine for travelers or Massachusetts residents returning home, bringing the total of exempt states to thirteen. This is not only good news for our travel and tourism industry, but signals a continued reopening of our national economy.
The Administration announced today that the city of Framingham has now been added to the communities where COVID-19 cases and transmission rates have been persistently high and which require new supports to bring the rates down. While eastern communities may continue to be hit harder by the pandemic, the Governor commended the city of Springfield as it continues to see success at keeping its levels at bay. This is significant to our regional economy and speaks to the commitment of our community as a whole.
Yesterday, Senate Republicans unveiled a new version of its stimulus COVID-19 relief bill but reports indicate there is not enough Senate support for passage. The bill would allow small businesses to receive additional funding from the Paycheck Protection Program and it would provide expanded unemployment benefits and funding for schools, contact tracing, and vaccine development. However, the bill does not provide funding for states and municipalities. This funding is critical for Massachusetts to continue to maintain programs and services without significant cuts. As well, with unemployment at an all-time high, businesses could be facing a significant increase come 2021 in unemployment insurance taxes as the UI trust fund may be confronted with a multi-billion shortfall. The Legislature is looking at freezing the UI rates to support the business community as they recognize an increase would be detrimental to our recovery, but a freeze could only be made possible through federal support. We will continue to watch this issue and weigh in on your behalf.
As always, stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
September 4, 2020
In anticipation of the holiday weekend and with COVID-19 cases and transmission rates persistently high in five eastern communities (Chelsea, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, and Revere), the Governor announced today new support for these communities. An enhanced communications strategy, in collaboration with the COVID-19 Enforcement and Intervention Team, municipal leadership and community organizations, will be deployed to raise further awareness of the health and safety measures necessary to bring these rates down. The campaign will include enhanced advertising communications, multilingual field teams, phone and text outreach, as well as a new website. The Commonwealth is prepared to deploy these resources to other communities if the public health data warrants.
And with just months to go before the Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits begin, the Department has developed an employer toolkit to help employers understand the new benefits program, employer requirements, employee communications, and more. The Department is also developing a new benefits portal for employers and employees to determine eligibility and manage benefits. On January 1, 2021, benefits will be available for paid family leave in order to bond with a new child, to address needs relating to a family member who is a covered service member of the armed forces, and paid medical leave for personal serious health conditions. On July 1, 2021, the benefits program will be extended to include paid family leave to care for any family member with a serious health condition.
As we head into a long weekend for many, I send a special thanks to our business community and our residents. Given our region is not impacted in the same way as those communities in the eastern part of the state speaks volumes to the efforts and support of all of you as we #MaskUpMA. We ARE in this together and our public health data demonstrates just that.
I hope you have an opportunity this weekend to take some time to safely enjoy family and friends and to safely shop, dine, and travel local.
Stay well this Labor Day.
Nancy Creed
President
September 1, 2020
As they say in the business, Friday was a busy day behind the news desk.
The Administration updated its Travel Order guidance to add Colorado, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia to the list of lower-risk states, joining Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey and Vermont. Travelers and Massachusetts residents returning from these states are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form and do not need to quarantine.
The Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and Lever, Inc. have announced the COVID-19 Health & Safety Challenge, the third in a series of innovation pitch competitions to identify and grow solutions to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Challenge will select established Massachusetts companies to participate in a five-week accelerator with the potential for winning a $25,000 prize to kick start commercial development. Solutions can include UV disinfecting technology; air purification & ventilation technology; sanitization tunnels/booths; smart fabrics; innovations for restaurants and offices; touchless payment technology; touchless door openers, elevator panels, etc.; social distancing monitors; or other innovation that can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Final submissions are due on Friday, September 18th.
The IRS published an updated Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness FAQ document with respect to interaction between the PPP loan and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. It also issued an Interim Final Rule covering owner-employees, certain rental and mortgage interest payments, and related-party rent.
The IRS also issued minimal guidance on the Payroll Tax Holiday which takes effect today. Signed by President Trump under Executive Order, the Payroll Tax Holiday defers the employees’ portion of payroll tax from September 1 through the end of the year with payment due April 30, 2021 before penalties kick in. Employers also have the option of making other arrangements to collect the deferred taxes. Given what little guidance has been issued, employers should seek advice from their accountant.
Last weekend’s sales tax-free weekend kicked off the statewide MyLocalMA advertising campaign to encourage people to shop, dine, and travel local. By keeping your dollars local, you are not only supporting our local economy, you are helping to create jobs. In last year alone, more than 53,000 net new jobs were created by our local small businesses. Your Chamber is pleased to support this new campaign, and we hope you do to.
So stay safe, stay well, and stay local. Our poll results show that it is working.
Nancy Creed
President
August 27, 2020
Today, Governor Baker, Chairman Neal, and Springfield’s Mayor Sarno officially launched the $51.3 million Elm Street Redevelopment and Preservation Project. Through a unique public/private partnership with funding made possible by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, MassMutual, MGM, the Commonwealth, OPAL/Winn Development, Pioneer Valley Building Trades, and state and federal tax credits secured by the Chairman, the project will restore and transform the former Court Square Hotel building and the Byers Block into 74 new market rate and workforce housing units as well as ground floor retail for restaurant, retail, and commercial space. This project was a critical component of the revitalization of downtown Springfield coming out of the Urban Land Institute study which your Chamber supported and is a key investment in the City’s Court Square Urban Renewal Plan. The project which has been in the works for nearly 25 years is expected to be completed in 2022.
Amidst the challenges we continue to face with COVID-19, today we see a bright spot in our economic future. Today, we have a reason to celebrate.
Stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
August 25, 2020
The Governor has announced that the state’s application to FEMA for grant funding under the Lost Wages Assistance Program has been approved. This Program, signed through Executive Order by President Trump, provides eligible unemployment recipients with an additional UI benefit. Massachusetts claimants will receive $300 per week for three weeks: the week of August 1, 8 and 15.
The Administration officially launched the sales tax holiday weekend. On August 29 and 30, most retail purchases up to $2,500 will not be subject to the Massachusetts sales tax. This is a critical economic development tool and one which strengthens our retail sector. The Governor also announced a new $2 million statewide “MyLocalMA” advertising campaign to run this weekend through the end of the year to encourage people to dine, shop, and travel locally. Your Chamber is part of this initiative, so help us spread the word by downloading a toolkit of logos and badges to show your business is part of this movement.
The Administration has also announced it will extend its wireless internet program to the end of the year. The program provides free wireless hot spots to 26 rural Western Massachusetts communities that lack high-speed internet to support individuals and students working and going to school remotely.
MassDevelopment has announced a new grant program specifically for taxi, livery, and hackney operators. The Taxi & Livery Business Support Grant Program will provide grants of up to $50,000 for expenses associated with improving the competitiveness of these businesses and enhancing safety capabilities, including dispatch systems, technology-enabled ride-hailing systems, safety enhancements, workforce training programs, business consultant services, and other equipment. Transportation is critical to our economy, so this is good news for these small businesses.
We encourage you take advantage of the tax savings this weekend and to stay local, eat local, shop local and remember to stay safe to help keep our economy growing. #MaskUpMA
Nancy Creed
President
August 20, 2020
As the Commonwealth prepares to bring students back to school, the Administration has announced new initiatives to support a safe and healthy return to the classroom.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced that the flu vaccine will be required for all children 6 months of age or older who are attending Massachusetts child care, pre-school, kindergarten, and K-12, as well as colleges and universities. Students will be expected to have received the vaccine by December 31, 2020 for the 2020-2021 flu season, unless either a medical or religious exemption is provided. Students in K-12 who are home schooled and students in higher education who are remote learning only and completely off-campus are also exempt. This new flu immunization requirement to enter school in January is in addition to existing vaccine requirements for all those attending child care, preschool, K-12, and colleges and universities in Massachusetts. Elementary and secondary students in districts and schools that are using a remote education model are not exempt.
A new rapid response mobile testing program will be launched to support municipalities in need of rapid testing at schools as a result of multiple cases of COVID-19. Guidance on how to request support will be issued prior to the school year.
The Stop the Spread initiative will extend through the end of September. This program opens strategic testing locations to asymptomatic individuals at no charge. These sites join hundreds of other testing sites across the Commonwealth that are open to individuals who have symptoms of or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Yesterday, your Chamber submitted testimony to the Joint Committee on Education opposing a moratorium on the MCAS on the basis that we believe it will diminish the progress we have made and hinder future progress in closing the racial and socio-economic achievement gaps. As education continues to be challenged by COVID, the MCAS is the only statewide solution we have at our disposal to assess student academic growth, and it is a critical tool for schools and policymakers - especially now given the disruptions student learning has faced and will continue to face.
And a special shout-out to Chamber member Square One for making its debut on the national stage as the backdrop for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s remarks at last night’s Democratic National Convention.
As we wind down the summer, remember to stay safe and stay well so that our kids can get back in the classroom and get back to learning. Our future workforce depends on it.
Nancy Creed
President
August 18, 2020
Today, the Governor announced the expansion of free COVID-19 testing sites as part of the Commonwealth’s Stop the Spread strategic testing initiative to include Holyoke, Salem, and Saugus. Through September 12, asymptomatic individuals can be tested free of charge to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These additional communities were identified because cases and positive test rates far exceed the statewide average, and the volume of testing being conducted has declined significantly over recent months.
These three cities join 17 other communities throughout the Commonwealth, including Agawamand Springfield here in our region. As well, Springfield has added additional locations to its testing capacity.
As a result of significant disruption in the food supply chain, the Commonwealth awarded more than $3 million in new grant support to provide local farmers, fishers, food banks, and more with funding to invest in technology, equipment, increased capacity, and safety protocols so that the food grown and caught in Massachusetts reaches all residents.
This morning, the Springfield Regional Chamber met with its colleagues on the Senate Revenue Working Group to begin looking at the state’s budget deficit and find collaborative and innovative ways to close that gap. While our business colleagues across the Commonwealth agree that we must avail ourselves of all the tools in our toolbox to balance the state budget, we are not naïve to the fact that raising revenue is one of those tools and has been used in past recessions. We lent our collective voice to ensure that any consideration of raising revenue must be done simply and in a fair and transparent manner; must recognize the varying economies across the state and support regional equity; must prioritize job creation and job retention; and must maintain our state’s competitiveness and must be temporary. And we lent our collective voice to ensure that raising revenue is not the only tool that can be used and that the business community, which is already suffering, must not bear the sole burden.
While we continue to reopen safely, we still have a long way to go to get our economy back on track, and your Chamber will continue to work on your behalf.
Stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
August 14, 2020
Yesterday, the Commonwealth updated its guidance for residents who live along the Rhode Island border, exempting certain activities such as visiting a doctor or attending to the care needs of a family member. Low-risk states that do not currently fall under the state’s Travel Order include Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Vermont, and New Jersey. Hawaii has since been removed from the list.
On Monday, new guidance will take effect for youth and adult amateur sports activities. This guidance issued by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs covers K-12 school and other youth sports activities. It applies to organizations, businesses, schools, and government entities that operate outdoor or indoor sports facilities such as athletic fields, courts, other playing surfaces, pools, and sailing and boating facilities.
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has launched a new round of grant funding for nonprofits impacted by COVID-19. Stabilization Grants of up to $50,000 will provide general operating support to nonprofits who demonstrate a financial need as a result of the pandemic. These organizations must be in or serve Hampden, Hampshire or Franklin Counties, with a preference to those that serve the most vulnerable populations in the region, work to advance equity and opportunity, and have deep roots in the community. Deadline for applications is September 1.
Springfield has announced a delay in the implementation of its plastic bag ban. The ban was set to take effect June 1 for larger retailers and December 1 for smaller retailers but was suspended under the Commonwealth’s emergency orders. The city will now implement this ban for retailers of all sizes on January 1, 2021. At that time, retailers will need to either switch to recyclable paper bags, compostable and marine-degradable plastic bags, or reusable checkout bags as defined by the ordinance.
While we continue to follow all things COVID-19, we encourage you to do the same. Stay safe, stay well, socially distance, practice good hygiene, join your colleagues in wearing a mask, and enjoy the weekend.
Nancy Creed
President
August 12, 2020
Updated restaurant sector-specific protocols and new limits on size gatherings took effect yesterday. These protocols now further defining “restaurant” and what is considered food prepared on site as well as requiring a food order to be placed with an initial alcoholic beverage order.
The new gathering restrictions reduce the number of individuals to 50 for an outdoor gathering while keeping the cap on indoor events at 25. These limits apply to private and public spaces, as well as events hosted at restaurants under the sector-specific protocols for indoor and outdoor events.
Face coverings and six feet of separation are now required at all events when 10 or more people from different households are in attendance. This includes gatherings on private property.
The Governor announced that the Commonwealth will now publish enhanced data to identify the infection level of each of the 351 communities across the state. This new public health data will be published on a weekly basis in an effort to raise public awareness, further identify where clusters have occurred and - through contact tracing – why, and to provide this additional information to municipal officials to help them control the spread within their city or town. Thirty-three communities across the state have been identified as having a medium or high risk of infection. In our region, these communities include: Belchertown, Chicopee, Granby, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Northampton, and Springfield. The state will work with each municipality to develop additional enforcement and intervention mitigation strategies unique to each community to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The Small Business Administration has opened its Payroll Protection Program loan forgiveness portal to area lenders. While additional guidance is expected, businesses and organizations that received PPP funding should work directly with their lender. The SBA has issued a new FAQ document on loan forgiveness. You can find this information as well as the loan forgiveness application and more in our Resources Center of our Web site.
And with back to school around the corner, Comcast has announced additional Internet service support to help low-income families have access to remote learning.
With 60% of small businesses across the state seeing revenue reductions of at least 25%, nearly half reporting revenue reductions of 50% or more*, our business community is already in a challenging position. With infections on the rise in some communities in our area and the potential for mitigation measures which could include future rollbacks, we can help the business community and our economy by staying safe, staying well, and following the guidance.
Nancy Creed
President
August 7, 2020
The Governor today announced that the Commonwealth has indefinitely paused progressing to step 2 of Phase 3 (VIGILANT). This updates comes as a consequence of an uptick in positive COVID-19 cases and escalation in noncompliance with the state guidance.
Sadly, the businesses that were waiting to be allowed to reopen in Phase 3 must now wait until the public health data warrants a change.
The Baker Administration has also decreased the size limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 people to 50. Size limits on indoor gatherings remain unchanged: based on square footage and capped at 25 people. These rules not only apply to businesses but also to gatherings on private property.
Guidance for restaurants has also been updated. The new guidance further defines “restaurants” and requires them to follow the Indoor and Outdoor Events guidance, including the capacity limitations.
These changes become effective on August 11.
Furthermore, the Governor has announced new state and local police enforcement efforts to ensure compliance, including significant fines for violations. A new COVID-19 enforcement and intervention team will be deployed into key communities determined as high risk. The communities will be announced next week and will be determined based on public health data.
This is all troubling news for our businesses and our recovering economy. While the Governor recognized the hard work and efforts of most, he acknowledged that the spread of the virus cannot be contained without everyone’s commitment.
For the sake of all of our businesses, please follow the sector-specific guidelines, travel only when necessary, socially distance, follow good hygiene, and wear a mask. Our economy is counting on all of us to pull together for the common good.
Nancy Creed
President
August 5, 2020
On Friday, both the House and the Senate agreed to extend their formal sessions. According to the joint rules governing the Legislature’s work, formal sessions end on July 31. Given COVID-19 and the significant pieces of legislation before them, both chambers agreed to suspend the rule and to continue to hold formal sessions through the end of the year. With proposed bills on economic development, health care, police reform, climate change, and transportation infrastructure still on the table, this is welcome news. These major pieces of legislation are critical to our continued path towards recovery. Each chamber has put forth their legislation, and conference committees have been set to find common ground.
The Legislature and the Administration also agreed to fund local aid and school aid at FY20 levels for FY21 and to provide an additional $107 million in school aid to cover inflation and enrollment factors. With municipalities across the state facing uncertainty about their own budgets and what state supports will be provided, this commitment will allow local governments to continue to deliver the essential services that drive our economy.
When it comes to COVID-19, the Governor has made it clear that if our positive infection rate continues to rise as a result of noncompliance with the health guidelines, we may see changes to size gatherings or additional restrictions placed on businesses. Stay well. #MaskUpMA.
Nancy Creed
President
July 30, 2020
Today, the Governor announced significant progress in the state’s efforts to find a vaccine. The Governor announced that Pfizer, Inc. in Andover has reached the final stage in its work to manufacture a vaccine and has launched an experimental testing program of 30,000 individuals with testing sites to be located in the Commonwealth. Since the Governor has said that we must wait for COVID-19 treatment before moving into Phase 4, this is welcome news.
As a reminder, the Commonwealth’s new travel order will take effect Saturday along with updated workplace standards and sector-specific protocols. Please be sure to review your specific sector should any changes be required.
As we continue to monitor COVID-19 adjustments and our reopening progress, we are closely following the latest legislation coming out of both the Massachusetts House and Senate. Both chambers have passed economic development and health care bills. As there are differences in each chamber’s proposed bills, they will need to find common ground to create final pieces of legislation. Your chamber is taking a deep dive into both bills and weighing in where needed.
As the weekend comes upon us, remember to stay safe and stay well and wear a mask. Our economy is counting on it.
Nancy Creed
President
July 27, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Baker announced 8 additional communities to serve as test sites as part of the Administration’s Stop the Spread Initiative: Agawam, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester. Through August 14, asymptomatic individuals can be tested free of charge to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These communities have been identified because cases and positive test rates far exceed the statewide average there, and the volume of testing being conducted has declined significantly over recent months.
As well, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced a delay in the reopening of schools to provide a 10-day period for districts to prepare for reopening school buildings. School districts must begin providing instruction to students by September 16, but can apply for a waiver if they cannot meet that requirement.
And your Chamber is making plans of its own for the fall. Planning is underway to bring you valuable virtual information and, using your feedback, the content you want. Stay tuned as we fine tune our programming for the months ahead.
While we are hopeful that we can resume in-person programming at some point in 2021, we must all remain vigilant over the coming months to make this possible. Continue to follow the guidelines, social distance where possible, wear a mask, and please continue to support your Chamber and your business community. We must all work together to stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
July 23, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Baker released the first round of grant funding to support food security efforts across the Commonwealth. 26 food sourcing organizations were awarded funding to provide access to fresh, local ingredients. Organizations in our region receiving funding include area schools, Red Apple Farm, Stone Soup, Chestnut Lot Farm, Pioneer Valley Growers Association, Clarkdale Fruit Farms, and Harvest Farm. Rich in agriculture, western Massachusetts was well positioned to receive funding. This is not only welcome assistance for our residents needing access to food, but welcome support for our struggling farmers.
The Administration also announced a new online platform to link food system channels and connect businesses with these local systems. MassGrown Exchange, which will be fully operational on July 29, is open to businesses looking to sell and purchase Massachusetts products and services. Sellers and buyers include farmers, fishers, wholesale specialty food producers, service and equipment providers, restaurants, retail outlets, grocery stores, and more. This is but another way to support our local economy.
We continue to watch activities on the federal level as Congress continues to negotiate the next stimulus package. Another extension of the Payroll Protection Program, liability protections for businesses, state and local aid and return-to-work incentives could be part of the Senate proposal. Time will tell.
In the meantime, continue to stay safe and stay well. And if you have a moment and think our value warrants it, the Springfield RegionalChamber would kindly ask for your vote in this year's Reader Raves Poll. We could all use something to rave about.
Nancy Creed
President
July 21, 2020
Yesterday, the Springfield Regional Chamber hosted Assistant Majority Leader Joseph Wagner for a virtual House Town Hall. Leader Wagner provided his insights into the activities of the House over the last few months and what we can expect over the remaining days of the legislative session. He discussed the challenges businesses are facing as a result of COVID-19, including childcare, transportation, and liability protections. With just 10 days left in the session, he was cautiously optimistic that we could see a final economic development bill, police reform legislation, and transportation bonding, but noted that the Legislature’s number one priority was the state budget. With an estimated $6-8 billion deficit, he suggested that, without significant federal support, the state may not likely see the same level of funding for services in the upcoming budget. Leader Wagner also teased a potential bill coming out on Friday so stay tuned.
While Representative Carlos Gonzalez was scheduled to join the event to provide an overview of the priorities of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, of which he chairs, Rep. Gonzalez got called into an unexpected caucus meeting and was unable to attend our Town Hall. We are hopeful to reschedule.
Last night, the Governor signed legislation allowing restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go with their takeout and delivery orders. With a projected 25% of restaurants closing as a result of COVID-19, this will provide some much needed revenue.
While businesses across the region continue to face workforce challenges heightened by the pandemic, your Chamber has joined forces with chambers across the Commonwealth to form the Massachusetts Businesses Coalition on Skills to develop policy solutions for filling current and future skills gaps.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Commission revised its draft regulations and issued a “save the date” for a virtual hearing on August 3. Among the changes: retail and packaging disclosures about vape products, licensing flexibility for delivery licenses; ability to add new groups to the Social Equity Program; patient expansion for medical marijuana caregivers; and bankruptcy regulations.
Lastly, we have been notified that the Massachusetts Department of Paid and Family Leave will be issuing its final regulations with an advance copy. Among the issues clarified: intermittent leave, the use of telehealth, covered individuals who are unemployed, retaliation, and the waiting period. Beginning January 1, 2021, employers will be required to provide paid family leave benefits for employees bonding with a new child, managing family affairs when a family member is on active duty in the armed forces, to care for a family member who is a covered service member, and paid medical leave benefits will be available for serious personal health conditions. Full benefits take effect July 1, 2021.
So while COVID-19 may be top of mind, there is plenty of other business challenges needed to be addressed, and we will continue to work on these and all the issues that matter most to you and our economy. Stay safe and stay well.
July 16, 2020
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July 14, 2020
| Yesterday, the Governor commended the continued efforts of businesses and residents alike to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He noted that the state remains at a low 7-day rolling average of under 2 percent. To continue that low rate, the Administration launched a new compliance Web portal which will allow residents to report non-compliance of the safety protocols in an effort to promote accountability
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July 9, 2020
Yesterday, Governor Baker announced a new testing initiative to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases and positive test rate, and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April. The initiative will provide free testing sites in Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, and New Bedford. These communities make up approximately 9% of the Commonwealth’s population, but have seen 27% of the Commonwealth’s positive tests in the last two weeks.
The statewide positive test rate over the past two weeks is approximately 2%, but in these eight communities, 8% of tests have been positive. Despite the continued elevated spread in these communities, total testing in these communities has declined 39% since the end of April, and the total cases as a percentage of population for these communities is nearly double the state average.
While these sites may be in these eight communities, the sites are open to all residents of the Commonwealth. The Governor noted that this new testing initiative could expand to other communities should the public health data warrant.
Continue to remain vigilant, wear a mask, and stay safe and well – the public health data demonstrates that our efforts in western Massachusetts are working.
Nancy Creed
President
July 7, 2020
On Saturday, while many were enjoying Independence Day celebrations, President Trump signed legislation extending the deadline for applications for the Payroll Protection Program through August 8. While more than $500 billion in loans were issued, approximately $130 billion in funding remains available. On Monday, the Small Business Administration reopened its application process. With the July 15 federal tax deadline looming, employers should speak with their tax professional about the Employee Retention Tax Credit and its interplay with the PPP program.
Yesterday, the Commonwealth officially entered Phase 3 (VIGILANT) further opening up the economy. Also on Monday, Governor Baker signed legislation expanding mail-in and early voting for the fall. The legislation will allow any voter to cast a ballot by mail without the need to qualify for an absentee ballot. All residents of the Commonwealth will receive a mail-in ballot for the primary election and another for the general election. The new law also allows for early voting for both the primary and the general elections. August 22-28 will be the early voting period for the September primary with October 17-30 for the November general election. While the public health data continues its positive trend, this new law is aimed at not only ensuring maximum participation in the voting process but to minimize the COVID-19 risks.
The Administration also issued new guidance to expand testing of asymptomatic individuals at the discretion of an individual’s health professional. With more than 1 million tests administered to date, Massachusetts remains at the forefront in its testing capacity, its contact tracing program, and -- most importantly -- its low positivity rate.
Continue to follow the public health guidelines, and we can continue to remain a leader.
Stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
June 30, 2020
Today, Governor Baker amended the travel advisory for the Commonwealth, effective July 1, 2020. The advisory, which directs travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days, now exempts Massachusetts residents returning home as well as travelers from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. With the holiday weekend approaching, this is good news for our hospitality, lodging, and tourism sectors. I encourage you to check out our region’s Convention and Visitors Bureau to enjoy what western Massachusetts has to offer or visit the web sites of the chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus where you may be headed.
The Administration also announced the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance program, a $20 million fund to support emergency housing for families in need. Eligible low-income families struggling to pay their rent or mortgage can apply for assistance through Wayfinders in Springfield, Berkshire Housing Development Corporation in Pittsfield, and Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority in Turners Falls.
In addition to housing assistance, a new round of collaborative workspace grants is available. Established co-working spaces can receive up to $100,000 to purchase equipment or make improvements necessary to support the COVID-19 sector-specific safety protocols, allowing them to continue to fuel our innovation economy. Applications must be submitted by August 10, 2020.
As we await word as to the next phase of our reopening, continue to stay safe and well, and welcome visitors to our region and our Commonwealth.
Stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
June 25, 2020
Today, the Commonwealth took another step towards reopening. The Administration issued its initial guidance for the safe return of our students to school this fall and the safety protocols required. Face coverings, socially distancing, smaller class sizes, and lunch in the classroom will become the norm. School districts will be required to draft three options for their reopening to include a mix of in-person and remote learning, exclusive remote learning, or a full-scale return to school. In the coming weeks, additional guidance will be provided to schools and districts.
We recognize and appreciate the challenges our teachers, school districts, and educational leadership faced to quickly employ remote learning. We understand the hurdles our employees faced while juggling the needs of working, parenting, and teaching. We appreciate the challenges our employers faced when balancing the needs of their employees with the needs of the business.
The disruption caused by the pandemic and the pivot to digital learning further illuminated our region’s digital equity gaps, achievement gaps, and disparities across the region and the Commonwealth. Reopening our school systems will make significant progress on our journey to COVID-19 recovery, but we will need to work together so that our student population can get back on track without leaving a generation of students behind.
We continue to hear of new grant opportunities for our small businesses. Some of the Springfield neighborhood councils are stepping up grant programs for businesses within those councils' geographic footprints. I encourage Springfield-based businesses to reach out to your neighborhood council to discover what opportunities may be available.
To better support the positive trajectory of our economic path, we want to be sure that we are developing economic recovery programs and policies that are informed by the real needs of our business community. And so, we have partnered with MassINC Polling Group and organizations across the state to conduct an important statewide survey about how the coronavirus has impacted small businesses in Massachusetts. We’re asking for your input to ensure our work is informed by your current needs.
The survey is targeting small businesses with 500 or fewer employees and is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin. It should take less than 10 minutes of your time and will be open through July 6.
Today, we will join some of the nation’s top business leaders to discuss closing the opportunity gaps in four critical areas: education, employment, entrepreneurship, and the criminal justice system. We all must work together, not only regionally, or even statewide, but on a national basis to move all parts of our community and economy forward.
Stay safe and stay well.
Nancy Creed
President
Quickly Evolving News
June 23, 2020
A Message from the President
Yesterday was an exciting day for our business community with many businesses coming back online for the first time along with our restaurant community being able to expand to indoor dining. The Administration will now monitor the next two weeks of public health data to make its determination as to when Phase 3 (VIGILANT) will begin. We can all support the reopening efforts by continuing to wear a mask, socially distance, and follow sector-specific guidelines.
The Administration also announced a tax-free holiday on the weekend of August 29 and 30. Retail items of up to $2,500, purchased in Massachusetts for personal use on these two days, will be exempt from sales tax.
The deadline is fast approaching for businesses to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program. All applications for the Program must be submitted by June 30.
The SBA has posted a new streamlined process to apply for the forgiveness of the PPP loan along with an EZ version for eligible businesses. To be eligible for the EZ version, businesses must be:
- Self-employed and have no employees; OR
- Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
- Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19, and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.
Continue to visit our Online Resource Center for additional information about funding programs, reopening support, and more.
Stay safe, stay well, and stay cool.
Nancy Creed
President
June 12, 2020
Today, your Chamber held its annual meeting – for the first time, virtually. Typically, this in-person meeting doubles as a grand celebration of our collective success. But, clearly, nothing is typical anymore. While anything pre COVID-19 seems like a distant blur, it is important that we still remember what we have accomplished together to drive the economic vitality of our region.
As your Board Chair Mark French remarked, coming into this pandemic, we were well positioned to weather the economic impact of COVID-19, due in part to adding 61 new members. We completed our second year of our three-year strategic plan, accomplishing more than 80% of our identified tactics; graduated our second cohort of RiseUp Springfield, our small business development program; held our first-ever cannabis conference to support this new economy, and launched a new website, which, now more than ever, will be critical to our members for accessing valuable information.
And then came COVID-19.
Within three days of the Commonwealth formulating a Command Center, your Chamber moved to remote operations without any glitches. We pivoted the Leadership Institute class of 2020 to an entirely online program; hosted more than 10 virtual events; developed a COVID-19 communications plan with over 50 valuable outreach messages while initiating a Good Newssection to market member businesses. We initiated relevant polling questions to attain the pulse of the business community, which has been used by all media outlets; connected members with more than 1.5 million pieces of PPE; met with the Baker/Polito Administration on a weekly basis; was the only area chamber that presented to the Reopening Advisory Board; launched a Spanish-language section of the website; developed a comprehensive Guide for Reopening, saving members thousands of dollars in time, energy, and consulting fees; identified more than 100 resources for businesses; completed more than 1,500 outreach calls and emails to members to check-in and offer assistance where possible; advocated for legislation supporting local businesses through this crisis, and participated in every single press conference held by Governor Baker all in just 12 weeks' time.
But our work is not done.
Today, the Baker/Polito Administration announced a new municipal grant program to support the efforts of municipalities in creating safe outdoor dining and commerce spaces for our struggling restaurant and retail sectors.
The Federal Reserve has expanded its Main Street Lending Program to make it possible for more small and midsize businesses to receive financial loan support.
National Grid and Eversource have doubled their incentives on energy efficiency programs, agreeing to pay up to 100% of these programs for small businesses.
Statewide workforce training fund grants are available to help employers and employees adapt to the new workplace.
And we have partnered with MassInc. to survey businesses on commuting and remote work to ensure that the Commonwealth develops strategic and smart transportation policies for our region moving forward. I encourage you to lend your voice to this process.
We may have a ways to go, but we will continue to be there alongside you.
Congratulations to our newly-elected Board of Directors, and thank you to all of our members. I am humbled by your continued support of our work.
Nancy Creed
President
June 6, 2020
Today was a great day for our business community, our visitors and our Commonwealth.
The Governor announced the onset of Phase 2 (CAUTIOUS).
As of Monday, June 8, restaurant, lodging, retail, childcare, summer camps and more will reopen under the new guidance required for each industry sector.
As well, preventative health care services may resume and sector-specific protocols for close contact personal services such as nail salons, massage therapy, personal training and other sectors not otherwise addressed in Phase 2, have been issued. These sectors, along with indoor dining, will be allowed to reopen later in the phase. The public health data will continue to guide when we take the next step in Phase 2.
Springfield has released its notice, application, and guidelines for restaurants interested in providing outdoor dining to customers. While the permitting process may take some time, Mayor Sarno has committed his administration to expedite the process as best it can while maintaining the safety of all involved. Applications and supporting documentation should be emailed. If a restaurant does not have access to email, an appointment may be made to drop off the application by calling the Licensing Department at (413) 787-6140.
We also learned of two new grant opportunities. The Red Backpack Fund will provide grants up to $5,000 for support majority-women owned and led businesses and nonprofits. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with MassDevelopment, has launched a new grant program for state and municipal agencies that coordinate transportation services; regional transit authorities, and Health and Human Services Transportation providers
MassMutual, in partnership with Western New England University, joined the COVID Relief Coalition to provide free legal support to small business and nonprofits.
And Peter Pan buses are hitting the road again.
Continue to stay safe and stay well. Continue to follow the guidance so that we can continue to make progress.
While we still have a ways to go, today was a great day.
June 4, 2020
Last night, the Payroll Protection Flexibility Act was passed. The Act, which will now go to the President for signature, makes changes to the original PPP program by:
- Extending the eight-week loan term, now allowing borrowers 24 weeks to use the PPP funding in order to be eligible for loan forgiveness
- Lowering the threshold of the required loan forgiveness payroll percentage from a 75/25 ratio to 60% or more of payroll and up to 40% on other costs.
- Extending the covered period from June 30 to December 31
- Extending the loan repayment period from two years to five years
- Allowing borrowers whose loan is forgiven to be able to defer payroll taxes
This much-needed flexibility is a welcome relief to our small business community who continues to be challenged by COVID-19.
We took another step yesterday towards our reopening with Governor Baker releasing guidance for outdoor sports, and indoor facilities for sports camps to open in Phase 2 (CAUTIOUS). This will be welcome news for the youth of our region and this sector of our economy. Guidance was also released for golf facilities to expand their operations in Phase 2. On Saturday, Governor Baker is expected to announce when this next phase will begin.
Your Chamber is working with the City of Springfield for restaurants to reopen in Phase 2 for outdoor dining. We expect the City to finalize its application process no later than tomorrow, June 5. In an effort to streamline the process, applications will be submitted to the City’s Licensing Commission via email. The Commission will then convene all appropriate City departments in an effort to quickly move an application through the process. Applicants will not need to apply through the state’s Alcohol and Beverage Control Commission; no public hearings will be required, and most fees will be waived.
While the City is still finalizing the application details, applicants will be required to provide a layout of the proposed outdoor space, note what safety barriers will be used to keep patrons safe if the outdoor dining will use on-street parking, sidewalks, etc., and include letters of support from landlords and neighboring businesses should the space needed be on properties not in direct control by the restaurant or spill out onto adjacent properties. If restaurants are proposing street closures, there will be an additional step in the process to work through those details. Restaurants which are currently licensed for outdoor dining/alcohol consumption will still need to apply as the permit will cover the new COVID-19 restrictions. We will post more information and the link to the application in our Resource Center once it is available.
When we met about this virtually yesterday, I was encouraged to see our City leaders working side by side with our restaurant community - committed to a successful reopening. It was clear that we are all working together.
Continue to stay safe and stay well.
A Brief Pause for In-Person Programming
All around us, our region is taking action to minimize the spread of COVID-19. In congruence with the guidance of Governor Baker as well as the actions of other chambers and organizations, the Springfield Regional Chamber will pause in-person programming until May 1, at which point we will determine next steps.
We intend to reschedule our current events, including Fire & Ice, the Mayors' Forum and our Beacon Hill Summit, when it is safe to do so. Just like you, we are taking this situation seriously and day-by-day.
BUSINESS DOESN'T STOP... AND NEITHER DO WE
Business hasn't stopped, and your Chamber hasn't either. Our legislative advocacy work in Boston continues. Board and Committee meetings will continue virtually. And our staff will continue to work, be it in the office or from home, to serve our members during this challenging time.
A NEW STRATEGY
New developments call for a new strategy. To that end, we're refocusing some of our resources to support digital member and community engagement.
Be on the lookout for webinars, our regular newsletters, as well as exciting member stories and engagement opportunities on our social platforms. We will continue to build community and support commerce, even "from home.”
REFUNDS
We will be processing refunds for anyone who has already purchased admission to events previously scheduled in the near future: Multi-Chamber Speed Networking Breakfast, Mayor's Forum 2020, Fire & Ice, Beacon Hill Summit 2020.
Thank you for your patience and support, and please reach out to us with questions or concerns.
