Join us for a series of webinars where we'll dive deeper into some of the most important resources currently available. You can also submit questions and topics for future webinars. 

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FRAMEWORK FOR REOPENING OREGON

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

LOCAL UPDATES & RESOURCES

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & HR
Businesses Currently Open
State Guidance for Opening Sectors
dated May 15, 2020  
​State Draft Plans
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GENERAL COVID-19 BUSINESS RESOURCE LISTS
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
  • ODR Tax Relief Options: The Oregon Department of Revenue is evaluating options related to tax deferment. For companies, the department has announced it will not assess underpayment penalties under the Corporate Activity Tax to taxpayers making a good-faith estimate of first quarter payments. It is providing updates on its website. https://www.oregon.gov/dor/Pages/COVID19.aspx
  • IRS Tax Relief Options: The Internal Revenue Service has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus

GUIDANCE & PLANNING
TEMPORARY LAYOFFS, CLOSURES & UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
PERMANENT BUSINESS CLOSURES
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
  • SCORE Small Business Disaster Preparedness: SCORE can help small businesses be better prepared for unplanned business interruptions through a variety of free resources to help your business prepare for natural disasters and build a more resilient community. They also have volunteer mentors with decades of experience available in your area to help you get your business back on track for the future. https://core.score.org/disaster-preparedness-recovery
  • COVID-19: Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a page of COVID-19 guidance and resources for small businesses and employers, including targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
  •  Small Business Advocates:  The Small Business Advocates help small businesses that have a question or concern about state or local government as an independent voice for small business that speaks from an objective point of view. https://www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness/Pages/default.aspx
  • Closing a Small Business: This page outlines the steps for businesses making a permanent closure. It includes links to necessary information and forms from state and federal agencies. https://www.oregon.gov/smallbusiness/Pages/close-business.aspx

​EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT ASSISTANCE
  • Recruitment Services from WorkSource Oregon: WorkSource Oregon will continue to offer a variety of recruitment services throughout the state. If you are seeking employers, contact a local WorkSource Oregon center and speak to a Business & Employment Specialist. http://www.worksourceoregon.org/Centers.html
  • Place a Job Listing on iMatchSkills: This site allows employers to list and manage job listings online and match to qualified job seekers. WorkSource Oregon is available to assist employers with registration or job listing management. https://empportal.emp.state.or.us/mprod_imscod_dad/!pkg_startup.proc_new_home

AREA SPECIFIC BUSINESS RESOURCES
INDUSTRY SPECIFIC COVID-19 RESOURCES BUSINESS RESOURCES
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UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI)
​JOB SEARCH SUPPORT
  • WorkSource Oregon Job Search Services: The WorkSource Oregon website provides links to resources that support Job Seekers in preparing for and finding employment. Employer job listings, resume writing resources, career exploration tools and labor market information are among the services provided. Staff is available to assist you and introduce you to the services that will benefit you in your work search. http://www.worksourceoregon.org/
  • Alternate Ways to Access WorkSource Services: In-person appointments/conversations are now are being offered over the phone or via Skype. Services available include resume assistance, interview guidance, job-search strategizing. Contact information for WorkSource Oregon centers is available at the link below. http://www.worksourceoregon.org/Centers.html
  • Contact a Local WorkSource Oregon Center: Look up contact information for your local WorkSource Oregon centers. http://www.worksourceoregon.org/Centers.html

FOOD ASSISTANCE
HOUSING & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
HEALTH CARE OPTIONS & MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
  • Oregon Health Authority COVID-19 Updates: Updates about the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak and other fact sheets. www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus
  • COVID-19 Testing Coverage: The state has reached an agreement with several health insurance companies to waive co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles for their customers who need COVID-19 testing. This page gives details on what is being covered and which companies are participating. https://dfr.oregon.gov/insure/health/understand/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
  • COVID-19 Resources for Managing Stress: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a page of resources to manage stress for anyone experiencing stress reactions due to the impact of COVID-19. Links to stress management resources for community leaders and health care workers are also included. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/index.asp
  • Health Coverage Options: OregonHealthCare.gov offers resources to connect Oregonian’s to health coverage options. https://healthcare.oregon.gov/Pages/index.aspx
  • Oregon Health Plan: The Oregon Health Plan (OHP) provides health care coverage for Oregonians from all walks of life. This includes working families, children, pregnant women, single adults and seniors. https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/index.aspx
  • COBRA: The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/health-plans/cobra
  • COBRA Plans Explained & Alternatives: This page from My Oregon Health Insurance explains COBRA plans and offers possible solutions and alternatives to save your family money. http://www.myoregonhealthinsurance.com/cobra.html
  • Free Clinics in Oregon: An online directory of free and affordable health clinics in Oregon. Most clinics listed in the database receive federal grants, state subsidies, or are owned and operated by non-profit organizations and provide services that are either free or at a reduced rate. https://www.freeclinics.com/sta/oregon
  • Oregon Financial Aid and Assistance Programs: Find financial help, government assistance programs, and grants in all cities and counties in Oregon. Resources include help with rent, utilities, child care, and prescription drugs. https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/oregon_assistance_programs.html

ASSISTANCE FOR VETERANS
  • Military Heroes Fund COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program: The COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program was created to provide financial assistance to all Veterans, Active Duty, Reserves and National Guard who are experiencing a financial setback due to the negative economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant amount will support 1 month of payment up to $1500 in the following areas: Rent, Mortgage, Auto Loan/Lease, Utilities (Electric, Water, Heat). https://penfedfoundation.org/apply-for-assistance/coronavirus-emergency-financial-assistance/

STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT
  • Coronavirus Forbearance Info for Student Loans: To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers can be placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. Read the borrower Q&As to learn more, and contact your loan servicer to find out your specific options. https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus

TAX RELIEF
  • ODR Tax Relief Options: The Oregon Department of Revenue has several options to grant relief under federal or state declarations of emergency, or when situations arise that impair the ability of taxpayers to meet their obligations. Some options and legal authority are described on this site. https://www.oregon.gov/dor/Pages/COVID19.aspx
  • IRS Tax Relief Options: The Internal Revenue Service has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Eugene Chamber Offices Closed | Monday, March 16 - Friday, March 20

After careful consideration, we have decided that it makes the most sense to close the Eugene Chamber office this week. While the doors won't be open, all of our staff are set up to work remotely and we will be continuing to compile resources and advocate on behalf of businesses during this trying time.

Our main goal is prevention and as it has been recommended to practice social distancing, it only makes sense to use the technology we are lucky to have and do everything we can to reduce any possible spread of the novel Coronavirus.

Please know that all of our staff email addresses are available on our website and this will be the best way to get in touch with us while our office is closed. We will continue to post updates about business hours and any other pertinent information.
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https://www.eugenechamber.com/staff.html
Message from the CEO | Friday, March 14

​As promised, we are tracking the ongoing public health crisis and working to gather resources for local businesses as they weather this storm. With all the noise out there, we are attempting to gather as many resources for businesses in one place as possible. Please refer back to this page on our website for information on business support from across the region, state and at the federal level. We will continue to update the site and send out information to our members.
 
If you have resources available for local businesses, please feel free to send them to jenniferm@eugenechamber.com and we will add them to this website.

As of right now, we will be open to the public next week with reduced hours, from 10am-2pm. If that changes, we will let you know.

Stay healthy,

Brittany Quick-Warner
President & CEO
Message from the CEO | Thursday, March 12

As the public health threat from COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are following the advice and guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon public health experts, epidemiologists, and health professionals closely.

As community leaders, we feel it is important for the Eugene Chamber to take the highest level of precaution for the sake of our chamber members and community members. After a lot of thought and consideration we have decided to cancel or reschedule all Eugene Chamber events through April 8th. Future cancellations will be announced if they are necessary.

​We are working diligently, as we know many of you are, to make plans for the continued operation of our office for our staff and members. We will be announcing rescheduled dates for the events we are able to reschedule as we have them confirmed.

The following events will be canceled or rescheduled:
  • 3/12/20: Women Business Leaders event will be rescheduled for June 25, 2020
  • 3/13/20, 3/20/20, 3/27/20, 4/3/20: Greeters events will be canceled
  • 3/18/20: YP Engage will be rescheduled
  • 4/2/20: YP connect will be rescheduled

Given the scale of the event and desire to give advance notice, we are also rescheduling the April 21, 2020 Economic Summit for Tuesday, September 22, 2020.
Any reoccurring meetings scheduled at the chamber will go on as planned unless you hear otherwise.

Many of you, like me, may be grappling with how to be responsible with a response while also being careful not to incite hysteria. This situation is unprecedented, and it is hard to predict the impact it will have on our local economy and our business community. We are actively working with business groups across the state to identify and advocate for reprieve and stimulus for our small businesses and community members.

In the meantime, those of us who are healthy, have the means to do so and who do not fall in a high-risk population, can think about how we can continue to support our local businesses and nonprofit organizations. While we practice healthy hygiene and stick to small groups, we can continue to buy that cup of coffee or beer after work. We can reach out and purchase gift cards now to use at a future date, and we can continue to give to our preferred charities as they will be in higher need of funds to serve their causes.

As a community, our top priority should be preventing further spread of this virus and taking care of each other through these uncertain times. Our team will continue to work on your behalf, and we are here if there is anything we can do for you.

We will continue to communicate as this situation progresses. Please keep an eye on our weekly enews email for more information and follow official community announcements from Lane County Public Health.
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Stay healthy,

Brittany Quick-Warner
President & CEO
Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce
541-242-2354
www.eugenechamber.com
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