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The situation that our business community is facing continues to be dynamic. At the chamber we are working hard to keep you all up to speed with the latest developments. It’s been an eventful week so let me get to the details.
The next tranche of funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been approved and the processing of forgivable loans under this program resumed last Monday. We look forward to more of our local businesses getting much needed support. We once again want to express our appreciation to our local banks for supporting this critical program. We invite your input on both successes and challenges that you have experienced with the PPP.
Our next in the series of informational webinars will be held on Friday, May 1 at 11:00 am. The topic of discussion will be COVID-19 Tax Updates. You will receive information on how to optimize your tax position during and after the crisis. There are important steps that you can be taking now to do just that!
Brad Fly, CPA at Armstrong, Backus and Co. LLP will be leading the discussion. Spaces are limited so please register here to take advantage of this important opportunity.
We will continue to hold informational webinars every Friday and will also schedule ad hoc sessions as appropriate. We encourage our membership to take advantage of these opportunities to learn about what efforts are underway to mitigate the negative effects in the near term and to facilitate recovery in the longer term.
We applaud our Governor’s efforts to lead us from crisis to recovery and there are some new developments on this front. Governor Abbott’s stay-at-home order will expire as scheduled. This move will have significant impact to our local businesses. On Friday, May 1st, select businesses will be allowed to open with limitations placed on the level of occupancy (25%). Businesses include retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters, malls and others. Hospitals will be able to conduct a wider range of procedures and services.
If all goes well, the next contemplated step towards reopening will be considered in the May 18th timeframe. These future steps will include the opening of gyms, hair salons and other critical businesses. Further re-openings will be contingent upon our continued success in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
This means that in order to continue to normalize our business environment, we all need to continue to be very vigilant and we must follow the CDC guidelines, including social distancing, sanitation and the wearing of masks. It is essential to remember that this crisis is not over. In fact, I believe that we are entering the most critical phase now. It’s crucial for us all to get back to work and we must continue to work together to make this happen.
The Chamber of Commerce will continue to be at your service while many of our staff members are working virtually. The entire team is focusing on how we can continue to reach and serve our membership and the community at large. We will continue to keep you all informed as to how we are adjusting our Events Schedule to achieve this important objective. In the meantime, continue to check our website, www.sanangelo.org regularly and, if you haven’t already, like and follow the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce on social media. This is the best way to stay in the loop on breaking developments.
We will continue to update the community, via social media and our website, on how you are currently operating during this very dynamic time. If you would like to convey changes in your hours or methods of operations, please let us know and we will assist in spreading the word. Additionally, if you are able, we would welcome an update on how you are doing personally. Please feel free to contact me or any of the Chamber team at any time. With the Chamber of Commerce, always remember, you don’t ever have to go it alone.
In the meantime, stay safe and keep well…We deeply appreciate you all.
Walt Koenig
President and CEO
San Angelo Chamber of Commerce
walt@sanangelo.org
Personal Cell: (321) 474 1332