Friday Update
May 22nd, 2020
An update on reopening from Secretary Kennealy
"We've said from the beginning that the reopening will be driven by public health data and that the reopening will be phased," said Kennealy, who co-chairs the state's task force guiding Gov. Charlie Baker's decisions on operations for businesses and public gathering.

Construction and manufacturing operations restarted on Monday in the first phase, which opened non-essential businesses where there isn't as much physical proximity, especially to the public. By May 25, more businesses will be set to re-open including offices, laboratories, hair salons and barbershops. Restaurants are not yet able to reopen for dine-in services but will be included in a second phase with expected limits on capacity to keep people appropriately distanced.
"We're asked quite a bit about when phase two will start and the answer is, we don't know," Kennealy said.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to an individual who has exhausted all rights to any regular unemployment compensation and who meets other eligibility requirements of the CARES Act. Claimants may be eligible for these federal benefits and these benefits are now available through UI Online.
Please visit the following link for more information:
PPP Loan Forgiveness
This week the small business administration released the paycheck protection program loan forgiveness application.

If you qualified for the paycheck protection program loan -- and qualify for the forgiveness -- you must apply through this application and submit it through your lender.

The SBA will not except these loan forgiveness applications unless it is received by an approved lender.

RMV Implements Further License and Other Credential Extensions
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has implemented further extensions to the renewal timelines for expiring motor vehicle inspection stickers, passenger plate registrations, professional credentials, and driver's licenses and learner's permits, including Commercial Driver’s Licenses and Commercial Permits (CDLs / CLPs).
While the RMV previously announced extensions for most credentials, passenger plate registrations, and inspection stickers expired or expiring in March, April, and May, an additional extension has been applied to those credentials, and an extension has been added to some credentials expiring in June, July, and August.
These extensions replicate the ongoing measures the RMV has taken to reduce the need for customers to physically visit an RMV Service Center or one of its business partners’ facilities, allowing for "social-distancing" by decreasing non-essential travel and customer volume. Additional longer-term extensions will also allow the RMV to ensure "social-distancing" guidelines are met as demand for in-person service and renewals resumes during the Commonwealth’s reopening phases.
Mondays at Pleasant Valley are open to the Public
Book now, call our Pro Shop at 508-865-5244
Get a chance to play the prestigious Pleasant Valley Country Club, New England's Home of Professional Golf. Our private club is closed on Mondays to our membership and with Covid-19 restrictions we are in the unique place to open the course to the public on specific Monday dates.

The following dates in June are available for tee times for the public:
Monday’s , June 1st; 8th, 15th and 29th
Book your tee time by calling the Pro Shop directly at 508-865-5244. Tee times available, 8 am - 3 pm
$75 per player includes green fee and cart

We are adhering to all state and local guidelines due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We will revise our restrictions based on the guidelines given to us.

Don't miss out on your chance to experience the high quality of a magnificent golf course that is rich in history and tradition.
Do You Have Advisory Board Input?
Send us your suggestions.

Business owners understand their industries better than anyone.
As the Advisory Board continues to discuss reopening businesses, we want to be sure that you have input into the policies and procedures that come out of this group. The Chamber is facilitating input from members to the board.

Submit your ideas about safe, responsible reopening plans to Jeannie Hebert , Blackstone Valley Chamber's President & CEO
UPCOMING WEBINARS
InThink Webinar Series
Running Your Business in Quarantine: A Survival Guide
Week 8: Drive Results with Talent
Friday, May 22, 2020 2:00 p.m.

Next up, we have Joe Warrino and Sandy Knight, from Modern Business Solutions. Now that we have transitioned to a virtual format, how can we empower our remote team? Joe and Sandy will share unique tips on how to use Microsoft Power Platform to modernize collaboration!
Webinar Agenda
  • Who we are (Modern Business Solutions)
  • Microsoft Power Platform Overview
  • Business and IT Challenges - normal issues and new issues due to COVID-19
  • Empowering Remote Workers
  • Case Studies
  • Q&A
Managing Business Within a Constantly Evolving New Reality
Wednesday, May 27, 202011:00 a.m.

Complete and utter disruption has been thrusted upon our lives. As we deal with a New Reality that is constantly evolving with every minute of every hour of each day, maintaining focus can be challenging not knowing what is changing within the world of business or how long it will last. For many, survival is at the forefront of our minds. The stability and predictability of Business as Usual has vanished. And just as Hope is not a Strategy, nor is Panic. This session will focus on:
  • Identifying what is in your control and what is not

  • Focusing on what is needed immediately

  • Brainstorming beyond survival to recovery
Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) Pre-Certification
Thursday, June 4, 2020 10:00 a.m. - Noon
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This FREE workshop is designed for businesses that are interested in learning how to apply for SDO certification. Attendance at a Pre-Certification Workshop is required before a business may apply for certification as a Minority, Woman, and/or Veteran Business Enterprise. This workshop will provide information on how to begin the certification process. Certification may help your business to:
• Become more marketable for government entities
• Learn about new government bidding opportunities
• Create Business to Business (B2B) partnerships
MassHire is hosting a virtual Job Fair June 4th at 10:00am to help connect manufacturers with job seekers in the community.
New Members of the BVCC
Please take moment and check out our most recent new members. Support them if you are able by purchasing gift cards, ordering take-out, or scheduling an appointment for a later date. We thank you all! Welcome New BVCC Members!
?Nor’Easter Roofing Inc. · Rob Chaille · 508-341-3261 · rob@noreasterroofing.com · www.noreasterroofing.com · Roofing

The Crafty Nest DIY · Lesley Woods · 508-341-3781 · Thecraftynestdiy@gmail.com · www.thecraftydiy.com · Retail – Arts and Crafts

Berry Insurance · Kaitlyn Pintarich · 508-528-5200 · kpintarich@berryinsurance.com · www.berryinsurance.com ·

The Candy Shoppe · Todd Wellette · 508-865-0085 · twillette@berizon.net · Retail – Candy Shop

SERVPRO Worcester · Angelique Harvey · 508-757-7885 · Jess.bly@praesdium-security.com · www.praesidium-security.com · Security

Olympus Scientific Solutions Americas · Daniel Shapiro · 781-419-3704 · Daniel.shapiro@olympus.com · www.olympus-ims.com · Industrial Equipment Supplies

Human Power Solutions · Sandra Kearney · 617-575-9959 · skearney@hpowersolutions.com · www.hpowersolutions.com · Consulting
As a reminder, the BVCC Office is closed to in person meetings this week, but please do not hesitate to contact the staff of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. We are here to ensure your questions get answered, and your business needs are met.

Remote contact info:

Jeannie Hebert President & CEO cell #: (508) 981 5782 jhebert@blackstonevalley.org
Liz O’Neil Programs and Events Coordinator loneil@blackstonevalley.org
Julia Juskavitch Marketing Coordinator jjuskavitch@blackstonevalley.org