COVID-19 - Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, WA

Offering Support During Recovery

Your Chamber is comprised of nearly 1,500 businesses in the SW Washington region that are all facing this pandemic in different ways. And with recent orders from Governor Jay Inslee for the Safe Start Phased Reopening plan, this unique time is more challenging than ever. One thing that remains constant however, is connection. This can be a business transaction, a client referral, a moment with your loved ones, and a share on social media. These connections are more important than ever to remind us that we aren't in this alone, and that we will get through this together.

As updates are announced near-hourly of COVID-19, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce team is working diligently to assure our community has pertinent information that will benefit the recently titled 'essential' industries, as well as those businesses and employers required to temporarily shut their doors. Although our office is closed for walk-ins, the Chamber team is still working to update our signature programming and workshops to fit social distancing efforts and remote-work applications. Additionally, all previously 'in-person' events outside of the Chamber office will be postponed. Please review the Chamber Events Calendar for date changes. Those inquiring about a Certificate of Origin may visit the COO webpage and submit your application online.

You can learn more of how Your Chamber is keeping you up-to-date by visiting our Facebook Page, as well as VancouverUSA.com/Blog.

Ultimately, we want to say thank you. Not only for supporting fellow businesses, but for joining in the efforts to keep Washington healthy. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We know that this is an unprecedented situation that we are all dealing with and we want to be a pillar of strength and support for our members during this time. Therefore, we have created tool-kits and informational resources to arm yourselves and your employees with consistent messaging. We encourage all employers to alert the Chamber of accommodations your business is making so we are able to communicate these ideas to members around the community. Please read below for information that may benefit your families and businesses.
Assistance for Businesses & Nonprofits:

Additional COVID-19 Relief Grants for Clark County

Using CARES Act dollars, the County has funded an additional round of $8.1 million in grants to support Clark County businesses and nonprofits with up to 100 employees. The Columbia River Economic Development Council (CREDC) is collaborating with the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (GVCC) to administer the new grant, which will provide additional funds of up to $30,000 for each business or nonprofit to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Funds can be used to cover expenses incurred from March 1st through November 30th, 2020. Learn more here.

UPDATE: The application is now closed (November 3, 2020). Should there continue to be fund capacity, we will open additional grant application windows until there are no longer funds available through partners at the County.

Rebound & Recovery Grant

The Chamber's Rebound & Recovery Assistance Grant will offer 50 unique businesses $100 toward membership renewal in 2020, easing the financial burden for those interested in continuing their valued membership. Additionally, members who receive the grant will also be offered a 60-day deferred payment option, or an opportunity to divide renewal into quarterly payments depending on preference and need. Learn more and apply, here.

Members and Future Members: this is your chance to utilize external resources for quicker recovery, focusing on stimulating local economic growth within the SW Washington business community.

Phase 2: Distanced Retail, Restaurants & Recreation

Click Here for your Re-Opening Checklist provided by the CDC.

As of October 7, 2020, Washington State is still in Phase 2 which re-introduces business/employer opportunities, allowing:
- Social gatherings of up to 5 people outside of your household (per week)
- Manufacturing to remain
- New Construction
- In-home/domestic services
- Retail (in-store purchases allowed with restrictions)
- Real Estate
- Professional services/office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
- Hair and nail salons/barbers
- Housecleaning
- Restaurants <50% capacity table size no larger than 5
- Prohibited: live entertainment, indoor or outdoor, statewide. This includes drive-in concerts, comedy clubs, and music in restaurants.
Effective Friday, June 26, facial coverings are mandatory statewide:

L&I Guides:
- Which Mask for Which Task?
- Risk Assessment, Proper Face Covering Selection
Public Guides:
Source: Medium.com/@WAStateGov

Rebound & Recovery Business Tool Kit

Prepared by the Association of Washington Business (AWB)

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has created a Business Toolkit for employers to prepare for the Phase 2 reopening. Businesses can use this guide as a planning measure to assure your business has the tools to succeed for when businesses will open again.

How to Use This Tool Kit:
The AWB developed customizable materials to support your reopening – to help you communicate new COVID-19 requirements with your employees and customers. These materials aim to help you:
- Share personalized messages with your employees about new requirements for employees and customers who are entering your facility.
- Post signs in your workplace to inform employees about new requirements and safety guidelines in place.
- Post signs around your facility to inform customers about requirements in place at your business and help them follow the guidance.
- Share messages on your social media platforms to inform customers about what they can expect when they come to visit your facility.
Click the links below to collect AWB's comprehensive toolkit!

Guidelines from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)

Helping You Plan for a Successful Re-Opening: Safe Work Plan Template
Employee Communication & Safety:
Posters & Handouts
Employee Safety Poster

CDC Print Resources
DOH Print Resources
Employee Training Video

Employee & Visitor Logs
Log Guidance

Log Template
Customer Communication & Safety:
Posters

Floor Stickers - Black, Blue, Gradient
Social Media Posts

Letters/Emails/Website Copy
The above resources have been collected from the Association of Washington Business (AWB). For more information about the AWB, please visit ReboundAndRecovery.org or AWB.org.
Donations For Our Community

In support of our local medical professionals, the Chamber has partnered with manufacturers in the area to create and distribute medical-grade PPE materials including masks and surgical caps. Each of these items are available at VancouverUSA.com/Donate to be offered to medical and veterinary clinics in the area, and with each donation made, WellHaven Pet Health has pledged to MATCH every contribution.

This is just one way we can come together to support our community. For more ways you can help, visit our blogpost here.

Information Resource Hub

Each listing below will redirect to the appropriate website. We encourage you to bookmark this webpage to stay up-to-date with changing protocol.
Chamber Blog Posts:
- How You Can Help - Chamber nonprofits and community foundations looking for donations and in-kind support.
- They're Hiring! - Listings of local businesses that are hiring for temporary and full-time employment! Are you hiring? Let us know!
- Takeout & Delivery List - Chamber Members & Future Members that are still up and running, providing adjusted ways to serve our community.
- 7 Ways to Support Local Biz - Tips to #SupportLocal in SW Washington.
- Social Distancing 101 - An easy guide on how to socially distance yourself from others.
Chamber Press Releases:
- Chamber Supports Local Mask Manufacturing for Veterinary and Medical Professionals
- Chamber Complies with Washington State's "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" Order
Assistance for Washington Residents:
- Washington State Department of Financial Institutions
- Department of Revenue Business Relief
- Paid Family & Medical Leave
- PeaceHealth Southwest Washington COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund
- For in-kind donations and resources, follow this link.
Assistance for Businesses:
Employment:
- Temporary Layoff & Furlough Assistance for Workers
- Layoff Assistance for Workers
- SharedWork Program
- Workforce Southwest Washington
- Unemployment Benefits
- WorkSource & NEXT
- Remote-Work Job Listings
- Entercom Portland
  - Through Entercom you can also post job opportunities and business hours to further promote your business' needs.
Transportation:
Utilities:
Government Updates:
- Cities' Responses: Camas, Ridgefield, Vancouver, Washougal, Battle Ground
- City of Vancouver, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle's Facebook Page
- Governor Jay Inslee's Website
- Stay Safe & Stay Healthy Proclamation
General Health Resources:
(Last updated: November 3, 2020)

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Offering Support During Recovery