COVID-19

NOTE: If you have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), or are experiencing symptoms of the disease, call your doctor/medical professional. Resources are provided as information only. We are not doctors or legal experts and the information provided should not be accepted as medical, legal, or financial advice. Due to the evolving nature of this pandemic, the information provided could change often and without notice. We encourage you to reach out directly to the local, state or federal entities necessary with any questions.

#SupportLocalBoji

A Letter From Our CEO

Dear Members,

The purpose of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote the business, civic, tourism, and agricultural interests of our members and area residents. This includes serving as a resource for businesses during times of emergency. In response to the recent updates regarding community spread of the COVID-19 virus in our great state of Iowa, it is with great caution and concern for our community that we have decided to cancel Chamber events for the next few weeks.

We are aware that many of you have also made the difficult decision to cancel, postpone, or limit your events as well. During this challenging time, one of the most important things we can do is remember to stay positive and support each other. Our local businesses are the livelihood of our community and our community thrives because of the continued support and encouragement we give to each other.

With that said, we encourage you to find safe, creative, responsible ways to support our local business community. We have provided some ideas on our website and hope you will consider participating as you see fit. As always, you can reach out to us with questions regarding local business or event updates and we will do our best to assist you; however, moving forward, we strongly encourage you to visit the links provided below to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information related to COVID-19 in our area.

Warmest regards,

Blain Andera

#SupportLocalBoji

Show your support and help spread the word by using the #SupportLocalBoji hashtag on social media!

Spending more time online? Engage with your favorite businesses - it doesn't cost a thing! Like, Comment and Share their social media posts. It's free to you, but it helps to remind business that we haven't forgotten about them.

Social-Media-Icons-1024x226

Volunteer

image

IGL Corona Relief is a group of volunteers focused on providing for the needs of the sick and vulnerable in the Iowa Great Lakes during the spread and treatment of the corona virus. Please click HERE to enter your email address to volunteer, request assistance or donate.

Leave Reviews Online

Reviews help businesses all year long. They help customers decide where to eat, shop, stay, etc. Take some time to leave reviews for your favorite local businesses so everyone knows where to go once we're able to get back to business as usual!

image

Join the Iowa Great Lakes COVID-19 Local Guide Facebook Group

Click the image below to join!

Local Business Updates Spreadsheet

Local Business Spotlight

Sanitech- Logo

Sanitech Systems

Address: 1902 Hwy 71 N – Suite 102, Okoboji, IA 51355
Business Website Address: http://www.sanitechsystems.com
Business Phone Number: 712-330-5564
The COVID19 Pandemic caused widespread panic and disrupted every industry in the economy. With businesses big and small opening back up, we wanted to make it easier to ensure health and safety of employees and customers at all times. At Sanitech, we use cutting edge technologies to disinfect 99.9% of bacteria, germs and viruses in your building using electrostatic fogging in combination with our safe and effective sanitation formula.

Sanitech Systems is EPA, FDA, OSHA, & CDC approved. This locally owned business has sanitized over 900,000 sq. ft. of businesses in the area! Reach out to them today to get a quote on their services and help you and your employees stay safe.

Important Resources

Local and State Resources

State of Iowa

Lakes Regional Healthcare

Dickinson County Emergency Management

Iowa Department of Public Health

Iowa Economic Development

CARES Act Summary - Guidance for Iowans

FUNDING & PROGRAMS:

Iowa Workforce Development

Press Release: IOWA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OUTLINES CARES ACT BENEFITS AND IMPLEMENTATION

IWD frequently updates its FAQs for employers and claimants regarding this information and it can be found at their website here.

Food Assistance State Programs

Department of Human Services
Apply for food assistance and learn more about other COVID-19 resources through DHS.

Department of Public Health
Learn about the WIC program, a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or sign-up here.

Department of Education
Eligible schools and organizations across Iowa are providing USDA Child Nutrition Summer Food Program (SFSP) meals now to children 18 and under. Click here to find a summer meal site near you; call 211 or 1-866-3-HUNGRY; or text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877.

Department on Aging
The Area Agencies on Aging provide home delivered or drive-through meals, and emergency nutrition services for any Iowan age 60 and above regardless of income on a voluntary contribution basis. Find your local Agency on Aging or call the LifeLong Links hotline at 866-468-7887.

Volunteering
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at food banks and pantries across Iowa, go to volunteeriowa.org.

Local Food Bank Information
Find your local food bank service area information here.

Federal Resources

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Official Website & Announcements from the CDC

Department of Labor & OSHA

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.
image

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

World Health Organization

All employers should be implementing strategies to protect their workforce from the coronavirus while ensuring continuity of operations.
To learn more about how employers and employees can prepare for and address the impacts of the coronavirus, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has provided resources based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
We have provided download links below for your use.
Thank you to our partner, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, for providing these resources. For additional information and resources, visit https://www.uschamber.com/coronavirus.

Loans & Financial Aid

The CARES Act has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some—or possibly any—of the loan.
Click here to view our directory of chamber member banks & credit unions.
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 self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards.
image
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19.
Updates on the implementation of this credit, Frequently Asked Questions on Tax Credits for Required Paid Leave and other information can be found on the Coronavirus page of IRS.gov.

Multi-State Programs