1. COVID-19 Latest update from MDH: we are experiencing the “Tale of Two Cities” regarding the pandemic. Minnesota is #1 in the nation for distribution of vaccines given, now delivering 54K doses/day. As of Thursday, 18.5% of the state’s population has completed their vaccine series (including over 80% of the 65+ population). Conversely, case growth is accelerating again, mostly due to the variants that bring with them increased virulence and transmissibility. Specifically for the restaurant/food service industry: In an effort to convey how important our food service industry is and to bring back workers safely, Governor Walz has directed his administration to launch an outreach campaign to members of the food service industry. The goal is to make sure food service workers are connected to the resources they need to get vaccinated. On Tuesday, April 6, the state is launching Food Service Week of Action. During the week, the Administration will collaborate with our Food Service Industry Champions to drive food service employees to the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector. The goal of the Food Service week is to drive vaccine participation and connect food service employees with the resources they need to get signed up for a vaccine. 2. Advocacy Last week our PA team convened two Issue Forums bringing together mayors and city staff from St. Paul and Maplewood with business owners/operators. The forums promoted the "boots on the ground" expertise of our members to inform ways that upcoming federal funds could be used by cities to support business recovery. If you have an idea or would like to provide input, connect with Shannon or John. Read more updates in our weekly Chamber Advocacy Update. 3. Economics The Paycheck Protection Program has been extended through May 31, 2021. President Joe Biden signed the PPP Extension Act of 2021 into law, extending the Paycheck Protection Program an additional two months to May 31, 2021, and then providing an additional 30-day period for the SBA to process applications that are still pending. Read more here. American Rescue Plan Act - Starting Wednesday, the SBA is hosting a series of meetings to share updates on the PPP and other small business relief programs under the American Rescue Plan and PPP Extension Acts. The events include the opportunity to ask questions. Events are scheduled for April 7 at 10:00 am, April 15 at 2:00 pm, April 21 at 10:00 am and April 29 at 3:00 pm. For more information and to register, connect with the Minnesota District Office. 4. Cultivating Relationships We are celebrating with Hamernick’s Interior Solutions, celebrating 75 years in business! Please enjoy this Monthly Stakeholder Report for the Saint Paul Restaurant Resiliency Program. Restaurants are making wonderful progress, and stakeholders are pitching in! You can learn more about #DineSaintPaul on page 21 as well. Check out the Family Restaurant Package. This document is packed full of resources fit for family-owned restaurants. 5. Driving Progress The ROI of DEI: Still Much Work To Do – March 2021. The data is absolutely compelling that diversity and inclusion positively impact organizational performance. 6. Growing Leaders What have the challenges of the past year brought out in your leadership? Would your employees say that you lead, manage and motive people in a way that keeps them inspired to contribute to your organization’s mission? Take a look at these 8 ways to tell if you are a boss or a true leader to get some insight into these questions and more. 7. Building Capacity A Link to the Ramsey County Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion Plan. Comments are closed.
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