The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s priority
is to keep the business community informed and prepared.
GET THE LATEST GUIDANCE FOR BUSINESS FROM
Agency Leaders
While this is a quickly evolving situation, we will work to provide up-to-date information, actionable intelligence and help employers adopt a prepared mindset to focus on the health of their business. Here is some of the latest, most relevant information and resources for employers from national health organizations and agency leaders.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Georgia Department of Public Health
Occupational Health & Safety Administration
U.S. Small Business Administration
FIND HELP FOR YOUR COMPANY
Business Assistance Programs
These local, state and federal resources are available to support businesses during a disaster or crisis. Learn more about how these programs can assist your businesses, as well as how to apply and access these resources.
SBA Disaster Recovery Loans for Employers
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance for a small business. These loans can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Learn more and apply online.
Economic Injury Relief Overview (Recording Available)
Special guest speaker, Senior U.S. Senator David Perdue, also delivered a high-level update on the CARES Act signed into law on March 27. >> READ MORE HERE.
Georgia Department of Labor Emergency Unemployment
The Georgia Department of Labor updates rules so that Georgia employers may 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 -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. Download the How Employers File Partial Claims Desk-Aid found on the GDOL Alert Page and follow the step-by-step instructions. Filing partial claims results in your employees receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments faster, usually within 48 hours for claims filed electronically. Employees for whom you file a partial claim are NOT required to report to a Georgia Department of Labor career center, register for employment services, or look for other work.
UGA Small Business Development Center
UGA Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the state are open and available to assist small businesses impacted by current circumstances. Virtual consulting and online resources are available. Contact SBDC-Albany at (229) 420-1144.
Download the SBDC’s “Guide to Conquering a Business Crisis” for tips and strategies on cash management, price and cost containment, supply chain management and marketing.
BUSINESSES ARE STILL HIRING
Resources for Job Seekers
If you are looking for a job, we encourage you to check out the current job listenings in Albany.
KEY DOWNLOADS
Important Preparation Resources
Download these critical business resources to assist your company during the pandemic.
The Albany Area Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Resource Guide provides useful information and expert guidance for employers.The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box provides best practices for addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions.
>> Minimum basic operations poster
>> To Go poster for restaurants
>> Restaurant guidelines poster
>> Salons, barber shops, spas poster
>> Deciphering Disinfectants Infographic
>> COVID-19 poster for your work place
>> COVID-19 customizable flyer for your work place
>> Coronavirus workplace tips for employers
>> Coronavirus preparedness toolkit
STAY UP-TO-DATE
Updates That Impact Employers
July 16, 2020
Governor Brian Kemp extends his executive order banning gatherings of more than 50 people when social distancing can’t be maintained, renewing business restrictions already in place and protecting the medically fragile. Read the order here.
May 29, 2020
Gov. Brian Kemp’s May 28 executive order provides guidance for live music performances, bars, amusement bars and camps, among others. Read the order here.
April 24, 2020
Gov. Brian Kemp issues executive order outlining how Georgians may safely begin returning to work. The order does not mandate that businesses should open; rather, it provides guidance for re-entry.
>> Read here for a re-entry considerations from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
>> Download our re-entry plan template as a starting point for crafting your own.
April 22, 2020
The Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers issues safety guidelines for reopening of salons and spas. Per Governor Brian Kemp’s April 20 order, these and certain other businesses may choose do so as early as Friday. Read the guidelines here. Also to read: OSHA’s COVID-10 workplace guidance.
April 21, 2020
What does Governor Brian Kemp’s April 20 order mean for business? Learn more here in this business-focused executive summary. The Albany Area Chamber will continue to provide details and guidance from state leadership as it becomes available.
April 20, 2020
Governor Brian Kemp today announced a phased-in approach to getting Georgians back to work safely, with a first wave of businesses allowed to come back online Friday. Social distancing and other safety measures must be in place at establishments. The Governor’s Office will release further details and guidance throughout the week.
• Friday, April 24: Gyms, fitness centers, barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo studios, massage therapists may open; elective surgeries may resume
• Monday, April 27: Restaurants may reopen for dine in, and movie theaters and private clubs may reopen
March 25, 2020
Albany and Dougherty County officials temporarily allow restaurants that already are licensed for on-premises alcohol sales to do so in a take-out/pick-up capacity as an accompaniment to food orders. Beverages should be in a sealed container and must cease at 9 p.m. each day. The order, which provides an update to the March 22 shelter-in-place order, and its corresponding frequently asked questions can be found here. The order is in place until April 7.
The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role during this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.
March 22, 2020
Albany and Dougherty County officials strengthen the local shelter-in-place order, limiting non-essential business and social activities in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the long-term economic impact. The order, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2020. Read the corresponding frequently asked questions.
The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role during this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustment in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.
“The business community is a partner in this effort, with many organizations proactively and innovatively modifying their operations to protect public health, their workers and their businesses — to stem the tide of the virus and to keep commerce flowing,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes, president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber and a member of the Albany-Dougherty COVID-19 Task Force. “I am so proud of the leadership demonstrated by our businesses.”
The Albany Area Chamber calls on neighboring communities, businesses and other chambers of commerce to adopt and encourage these guidelines in an effort to protect our local, regional and statewide citizenry and economies.
March 20, 2020
Dougherty County officials enact a shelter-in-place order to limit non-essential activities in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19, mitigate public health risk and minimize the long-term economic impact to the business community. The order, which goes into effect as 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2020, and corresponding can be found at bit.ly/2xS6zzb
The order advises citizens to travel only for essential business operations, for essential activities and to secure essential goods and services. Individuals may leave their residence only to perform essential activities such as obtaining health services, necessary supplies, and performing essential health activities outdoors, among others. Essential businesses are defined as those such as healthcare operations, grocery stores, retail businesses, newspapers and others. Dining in at restaurants/eateries is prohibited; curbside/takeout/delivery is allowed.
Generally and as noted in the order, retailers providing a good or service may remain open at 50 percent of their occupancy and allowing for six feet of distance within people. Health providers may remain open as defined by the order. Bars, indoor recreational facilities, gyms and health studios and other similar type businesses are temporarily closed, as per the order. If you are unsure if your business falls under the classifications listed in the order, please refer to the zoning use definitions or call 311.
The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role as we face this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead. We further call on our neighboring communities and businesses to follow or adopt these or similar measures in an effort to protect our local, regional and statewide citizenry and economies.
March 19, 2020
Public officials in Albany and Dougherty County enact restrictions in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19, mitigate public health risk and minimize the long-term economic impact to the business community. The order, which goes into effect Friday (March 20) at 8 a.m., and corresponding frequently asked questions can be found at bit.ly/3ddXcKm.
The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to supporting the business community, which is playing a critical role as we face this unprecedented pandemic. We are actively asking the public and our businesses to adhere to guidance from federal, state and local authorities and to make the necessary organizational adjustments in response to current challenges and in preparation for the days ahead.
March 16, 2020
The Albany Area Chamber and its Board of Directors is committed to the health and stability of our community, our members and our economy. We are in an unprecedented time. And it is during difficult times especially that unity, leadership, advocacy and stability are most critical. We are committed to continuing to provide you with the resources and leadership you have come to expect.
We are actively monitoring the dynamic situation with COVID-19, are in communication with our state and local health officials and elected leaders and assisting our healthcare systems, first responders and emergency medical personnel in doing their jobs consistently and effectively.
Further, we are working to ensure the health and safety of our Chamber staff; operational continuity for delivery of services and resources to you, our members; and business advocacy and community partnership as together we respond.
Business preparedness, fact-based decisions and access to resources will minimize disruptions in the wake of COVID-19. Below, updates on important information to support your work force and your business.
CHAMBER IN-PERSON PROGRAMS & EVENTS
As we encourage our businesses and community to follow the fact-based recommendations of public health officials in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19, we, too, heed their guidance. The Albany Area Chamber downtown office is closed to the public through mid-April, during which time our in-person meetings and events are postponed. We are monitoring this dynamic situation daily and will communicate as Chamber meetings and programs are rescheduled.
WORKING & ADVOCATING FOR YOU
Our business continuity plan is in place and investments in our technology infrastructure mean our team can continue work for you … from anywhere. Business hasn’t stopped, and neither has the Albany Area Chamber. We will continue to provide you with the resources, engagement and leadership you have come to expect from us. Check your inbox and our social media platforms — including Facebook and Instagram — for updates on our programs, business resources and member engagement opportunities.
SUPPORTING COMMERCE
The Albany Area is open for business. Limiting in-person engagements doesn’t mean commerce must halt. Ways to support our member businesses and support the health of our economy include utilizing delivery services, online shopping and purchasing of gift cards for later use. It’s important also that businesses communicate directly with customers about how they are adjusting during this time.
COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCES
The Albany Area Chamber’s COVID-19 Business Resource Guide provides useful information and expert guidance for employers.The U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Resilience in a Box provides best practices for addressing preparedness issues while building in flexibility to handle potential business interruptions.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Dougherty County COVID-19 Task Force has been activated, and the Albany Area Chamber is proud to serve on it alongside our committed public partners. The Dougherty County Emergency Operations Center is available at (229) 302-1900. Phoebe’s COVID-19 call line is available at (229) 312-1919. We encourage members and the public to follow the recommendations of the CDC. The Georgia Department of Public Health is proves daily status reports on COVID-19.