Friends,
The COVID -19 virus has undoubtedly changed our lives for this spring of 2020. Life was good in Carroll County, and we were on target for another outstanding year. Our Chamber was experiencing frequent ribbon cuttings, record-breaking attendance at our events and industries talking about new facilities, jobs, and equipment. Our volunteer board and committee and council members were hard at work. Folks here were enjoying the good life that we all have come to love and enjoy.
The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce started a new campaign- a Virtual Tip Jar. Donations or "tips" are collected from community members willing to help their hospitality-industry friends and neighbors stay afloat in this time of uncertainty. If you are a restaurant and want to be added, please click here. If you would like to make a donation, please click here. Currently, we are having raffles for every donation made per week, donors are entered into a raffle for a $50 gift card to a local restaurant.
In addition, JR Charles, VP of Economic Development for Carroll Tomorrow, may have issued a little challenge involving his beard and some possibilities for shaping if we do well with the fundraiser. Video here.
The Virtual Tip Jar is open to any local restaurant in Carroll County.
For a list of Chamber member restaurants including hours, specials and take out and delivery options, please click here.
As part of the #ThinkCarrollFirst program, we created a one-stop-shop for online shopping- Buy Now. Shop Local. We hope this initiative will encourage local residents to support local businesses and give them much needed revenue during this uncertain time. Many local retailers have online stores or will take orders over the phone. We have created a platform to market local online shopping from one location. If you don't currently offer mobile gift cards, there is some optional information for businesses that might want to add that service.
Check out the link here for a list of local merchants with online options which for many include gift cards or add your business to the list. (Non-member businesses will be added for a 3 month period.) Check back often, we are adding merchants to this list every day. Visit their websites and social media pages for even more information. Think of them for day-to-day needs as well as special occasions. Purchase a gift card from them for yourself, your family or maybe even for someone who is out of work right now. Even if you don't have the means to make purchases now, let businesses know you care. Show your appreciation by sharing social media posts, leaving comments and reviews, or simply telling them you appreciate them! Buy Now. Shop Local.
THINK CARROLL FIRST FACEBOOK GROUP Your Chamber is making every effort to help support our local business community with the consequences of COVID-19. The goal of this public group is to provide a platform to help connect residents and businesses by providing information on specials, hours of operation, special instructions for pick-up/delivery of merchandise or food, online gift card purchase options, and so much more. The information at the beginning was changing so rapidly this seemed like the most efficient way to get that information out there in a timely manner. It has gone on to include information as it pertains to food donations, and blood drives and to acknowledge the efforts of so many in the community willing and able to lend a hand. You can find this group here.
As we moved through this crisis, one thing resonated with our team, "We are in this together!" We wanted something to remind each of us, every day, we stand together. So, when you see our temporary logo, remember, we are here for you! We will face this crisis together and we will recover together.
RED RIBBONS TO BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Several houses, mailboxes, and porches across the nation are displaying red ribbons symbolizing faith during this chaotic time. Here in Carroll County, residents have been asked to display red ribbons reminiscent of the red cross of healthcare to salute healthcare workers and first responders on the front-lines reminding them that we appreciate what they do. It's a great way to show that we are paying homage to the people on the front-lines who are putting their own health and families at risk every day and they are in the prayers of the community. If you don't have a red ribbon, you can draw a thank you note and put it in your window. Or, you can drop a positive comment on social media. Some residents are displaying a lit candle on their porches or in their windows each night as a sign of support & prayer for our communities. In this time when an assembly is not allowed, the heart and faith of our communities find a way.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The Small Business Administration offers loans and forgivable loans to businesses that need money during this crisis. Businesses can apply for funds via the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan (receive up to $10,000 as a forgivable advance) and the Paycheck Protection Loan (converts to a forgivable loan when the money is spent on payroll, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities). Click here for more details.
Emergency Injury Disaster Loan Advance – This loan will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are experiencing temporary loss of revenue. This program is for all small businesses (less than 500 employees), private non-profit organizations, and certain industries with more than 500 employees (see Size Standards Table) Learn more by clicking this link.
Payroll Protection Program – This program is designed to provide money to small businesses (less than 500 employees) to cover payroll for employees that make less than $100,000 per year. The loan may be forgiven if the funds pay for payroll, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. It is strongly encouraged that at least 75% of the loan be used for payroll. Learn more by clicking this link.
SBA Bridge Loan – Quick access to $25,000, but only to small businesses that currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender. This loan is designed to bridge the gap until a lending decision is made for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan. Learn more by clicking this link.
SBA Debt Relief – SBA is providing financial relief to small businesses during the pandemic. SBA will automatically pay principal, interest, and fees of existing or new 7(a), 504, or microloans for a short period of time. These loans must be either: 1) currently in existence, or 2) are issued prior to September 27, 2020. Learn more by clicking this link.
Look out for a top 10 list of most valuable resources for small businesses to come out in an eblast later this week and as always we are updating the COVID-19 tab on our website.
The Carroll County Chamber Commerce seeks to provide access to recommendations, regulations, services and expertise to its members. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this mission remains constant. Prior to acting, members should consult their own professional advisors for information and counsel specific to the individual and unique situations faced by organizations, individuals and corporations. The opinions, interpretations and recommendations of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce makes no representations as to the accuracy or reliability of the content contained herein. Users of this information accept any and all risks associated with the use of such information and agree that the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce has no liability to user.
COVID 19 RESPONSE
The Carroll Chamber has compiled valuable and relevant resources for members to navigate unemployment, loan programs and grants offered throughout the state and the federal government. Our team is working diligently to continue serving our membership and partners, and we will continue communicating through our social media channels and our website during these uncertain times.
We have compiled a list of resources you can find with information to help ease financial burdens and help prepare businesses for recovery.
Some of those include:
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has adopted an emergency Rule 300-2-4-0.5 Partial Claims, effective March 16, 2020. The rule mandates all Georgia employers to file partial claims online on behalf of their employees for any week during which an employee (full-time/part-time) works less than full-time due to a partial or total company shutdown caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Any employer found to be in violation of this rule will be required to reimburse GDOL for the full amount of unemployment insurance benefits paid to the employee. Click here for details
C CORP TAX EXTENDED
For C Corporations, income tax payment deadlines are being automatically extended by the IRS until July 15, 2020, for up to $10 million of their 2019 tax due. This relief also includes estimated tax payments for the tax year 2020 that are due on April 15, 2020. Click here for details.
INSURANCE
The Georgia Insurance Commission issued a directive making additional Business Interruption Insurance available, specifically tailored toward potential losses due to COVID-19. Click here for details. As well as other directives to protect consumers and industry during the Coronavirus situation. Click here for details.
A full list can be found on our website (carroll-ga.org) under the COVID-19 tab. The information is changing it seems like daily so go back to the site often.
MISCELLANEOUS
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The Department of Labor (DOL) has released a mandatory employee rights poster for the FFRCA. It should be posted or distributed to employees electronically (via email or online portal) by April 1. More information on the requirements can be found here.
The DOL will not bring enforcement actions against employers for violations of the FFCRA prior to April 17, 2020, provided that the employer has made reasonable, good faith efforts to comply with the ACT.
TANNER EAP OFFERING TELEHEALTH SESSIONS
If you or your employees are feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed during this time, Engage EAP is here to help! To keep you and our community safe, they are offering telehealth sessions.
If you are interested in EAP counseling during this time, just call their office as you normally would at 770-834-8327. You can choose to participate in phone sessions or video sessions through doxy.me. EAP will use secure email from Tanner to send paperwork for you to complete and send back prior to the appointment. To participate in their HIPAA compliant video conferencing platform, you will need access to Chrome or Firefox browsers with video and audio capability (such as via computer with camera/mic/speakers or smartphone.) If you have any questions about this process, please call them at 770-834-8327.
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 8 Workforce Development Council (by Zoom) 9 Business Development Council - canceled
Business of the Month (postponed) 13 Board Meeting (by Zoom) 14 Leadership Academy - canceled
Junior Chamber Graduation - canceled 16 Membership Breakfast - rescheduled for June 18 21 Leadership Academy - postponed 22 Sunrise Seminar- TBA 23 Marketing & Communications Council - canceled 28 Government Affairs Council- canceled 29 Leadership Academy Graduation - postponed 30 Chamber 101- postponed
Even during this stressful and confusing time, it’s important to look ahead to the future and to prepare for the time when we can return to business as usual and continue our work to repair the local economy. That’s why it’s crucial that every household complete the Census 2020 form they receive in the mail, which has been going out since March 12 and count every individual residing in that household.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome New Member!
Please join us in welcoming our newest members by stopping by to
say hello and patronizing their businesses.
You can invite businesses to join our growing Chamber by contacting our office at 770.832.2446 or carrollchamber@carroll-ga.org.
Small Town Realty, LLC Georgia Division Contact: Gloria Bartlett
520 Dixie Street, Suite A, Carrollton, Georgia 30117 Phone: (770) 656-5547 Website: www.gloria-smalltownrealty.net Category: Real Estate
State Farm Insurance/ Jason Templeton Contact: Jason Templeton
923 Bankhead Highway, Carrollton, Georgia 30117 Phone: (678) 245-4557 Website: www.jasontempleton.com Category: Insurance
RENEWING MEMBERS
Thank you Renewing Members!
Your membership is a symbol of confidence in the work of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. We sincerely thank renewing members for their ongoing support. Please remember these partners when you do business.
CONGRATULATIONS CENTURY 21 NOVUS The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Century 21 Novus as the business of the month for March 2020.
A local real estate company that utilizes a diverse group of agents who use the latest technologies, implement creativity and give the best customer service possible in order to make buying and selling enjoyable. Their office is located on 537 Newnan Road in Carrollton. They are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. Century 21 Novus lives by the slogan Smarter, Bolder, Faster and strive to help their clients achieve their real estate home and investment needs with the utmost satisfaction, efficiency, and consistency. Call them today at 678.664.1400 or check out their website at www.c21novus.com. Follow them on Facebook!
To nominate a local business, please submit the completed nomination form located on our website and send it to our office via one of these options: Fax: 770.832.1300; Email: rhyne@carroll-ga.org; or Mail: 200 Northside Drive, Carrollton, GA 30117.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
CONGRATULATIONS METAL ROOFING MANUFACTURED BY ARROW The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for Metal Roofing Manufactured by Arrow, LLC located in Carrollton, MRM is located at 400 Cottage Hill Road, Ste. 5 in Carrollton. For more information, please visit their website at www.mrmbyarrow.com or by phone at 678.890.1184.
CHS STUDENT HONORED AS REGION 1 STAR STUDENT Carrollton High School senior Audrey Best was designated Region 1 Star Student for posting the highest SAT score in the 14-county region. She is among an elite class of only nine CHS region winners dating back to 1973. Typically, the region winners across the state compete for the state honor in April, but this year's competition has been canceled because of statewide event bans put in place by the coronavirus pandemic.
BABY NEWS: TWO NEW MEMBERS TO OUR FAMILY
While this pandemic has shut down many things it couldn't shut down the birth of two new additions to our Chamber and Carroll Tomorrow family. Both came earlier than expected, but were much anticipated and were welcomed with open arms and hearts.
JR Charles, our VP of Economic Development, and his wife Melissa and daughter Emily welcomed new baby boy James Alexander Charles or as friends call him Jac into this world on March 21st. The name Jac is playing off his initials. All are healthy and doing well.
Kirby Butler, 2020 Chairman of the Chamber board, and her husband Ben and daughters Campbell and Brittain welcomed a new baby boy Burson Harris Butler born April 5th. All are doing fine and everyone is excited to welcome baby Burson into the world!
Congratulations to both the Butler and Charles families! We can't wait to meet them in person!
LEADERSHIP & STAFF
Mission Statement: Building a Stronger Business Community by Engaging Progressive Leadership and Diverse Resources
2020 Executive Committee Chairperson: Kirby Butler, United Community Bank Chairperson-Elect: Jay Gill, Carroll EMC Vice-Chairman: Dr. Mark Albertus, Carrollton City Schools Treasurer: Jill Duncan, State Farm Insurance Past Chairperson: Bill Stone, Systems & Methods, Inc.
Daniel Jackson, President & CEO - daniel@carroll-ga.org
JR Charles, Vice President of Economic Development - jr@carroll-ga.org
Suzy Montalto, Director of Operations - suzy@carroll-ga.org
Suzy McCorkel, Director of Program and Events - suzymc@carroll-ga.org
Rhyne Owenby, Director of Member Engagement - rhyne@carroll-ga.org
Katlyn Bradshaw, Incubator Manager at Burson Center - katlyn@carroll-ga.org
Joan Finch, Information Specialist & DFW Coordinator - joan@carroll-ga.org
2020 FORWARD CARROLL
Bank OZK
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Carroll County Water Authority
J. Smith Lanier & Company | Auto Owners Insurance Company
Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Nissan
Southland Insurance Agency
State Farm Insurance - Amy Brown
Synovus Bank
Trident Seafoods Corporation
Bank OZK
Carroll County Sheriff's Office
Carroll County Water Authority
J. Smith Lanier & Company | Auto Owners Insurance Company
Scott Evans Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Southland Insurance Agency
State Farm Insurance - Amy Brown
State Farm Insurance - Jill Duncan
Synovus Bank
Trident Seafoods Corporation
AgSouth Farm Credit ACA / AgSouth Mortgages
C.M. Tanner Grocery Company
Crane Industry Services
Fairfield Plantation Golf & Country Club
John Thornton Cadillac Buick GMC
Southern States Bank
Auto Supply Company
BB&T
Carrollton Emergency Physicians
Combined Worksite Solutions
Dollar Heating & Air
Edward Jones/ Fred O'Neal, Financial Advisor
Garrett, Thomas & Fazio PC
GLA Roofing
Lewis Fire Protection
Oak Mountain Academy
Rushton & Company, LLC
SunSouth, LLC
Tisinger Vance PC - Attorneys at Law
The Times-Georgian
