The Telfair County Chamber of 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 Telfair County Chamber of Commerce are informational only and should not be relied upon by the recipient as legal or professional advice. The Telfair 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 Telfair County Chamber of Commerce has no liability to user.
The Telfair County Chamber Office will be closed to the public until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However we are still here to assit you. You may contact us by calling (229) 868-6365 or emailing us at rogers@telfairco.org.
Public Notices of Telfair County businesses that have temporarily closed or made changes to their normal business hours during the COVID-19 outbreak. This list will be updated as we receive new or additional information.
CLICK HERE to read list updated on April 8, 2020 at 8 a.m.
*Renewal of Public Health State of Emergency dated April 8, 2020. CLICK HERE to read.
*Kemp, Duncan, Ralston Announce Plans to Extend Public Health State of Emergency
Congress passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion stimulus package, and SBA programs are designed to lead the way in small business recovery. The state of Georgia is laser-focused on economic recovery and appreciates that small business (companies with fewer than 500 employees) are lynchpin to our economy.
Yesterday, Governor Kemp announced the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the Small Business Development Centers are partnering to make sure that every small business in Georgia is aware of these programs. You can read the full press release here.
Beginning next week, we will conduct a series of webinars to help explain the small business assistance in the CARES Act. More information about these webinars and other tools to assist Georgia’s small businesses can be found at:
ADVISORY: OPEN MEETINGS FOR GEORGIA LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) MEASURES1
What if the development authority can’t meet?
What to do if your project is in mid-stream and the development authority can’t meet to take action? The answer is a “virtual meeting”. But under Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, “virtual meeting” raises as many questions as it answers. These are addressed in the advisory. The advisory applies to other local authorities and local governments, as well as development authorities,
For more information: Daniel M. McRae, Partner Seyfarth Shaw LLP 1075 Peachtree Street, N.E. Suite 2500 Atlanta, GA 30309
What if the development authority can’t meet?
What to do if your project is in mid-stream and the development authority can’t meet to take action? The answer is a “virtual meeting”. But under Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, “virtual meeting” raises as many questions as it answers. These are addressed in the downloadable advisory. The advisory applies to other local authorities and local governments, as well as development authorities.
For more information: Daniel M. McRae, Partner Seyfarth Shaw LLP 1075 Peachtree Street, N.E. Suite 2500 Atlanta, GA 30309
DCA Notice of Intent (NOI) Deadline Extension
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is allowing for an extension of time to preserve a business’ benefits in its current classification of Job Tax Credit in situations where those credits have changed to a less beneficial designation under the Tier, Military Zone, or Less Developed Census Tract designations, based on the business location.
Notice of Intent Deadline Extended to April 30, 2020 In light of the COVID-19 crisis, DCA has extended the Notice of Intent (NOI) deadline from March 31, 2020, to April 30, 2020. The NOI is provided to assist businesses which plan for growth and expansion of its labor force. A NOI may be filed with the Commissioner of DCA to preserve the benefits associated with the tier status, military zone designation, or less developed census tract designation in an area that has been reclassified. DCA will re-evaluate any need to make additional changes to the extended deadline as the date approaches. In the meantime, businesses do not need to file any additional forms or call DCA to qualify for this extension. We encourage businesses to file as soon as possible and welcome early submissions.
If you have any questions, or require additional information, contact: Tricia DePadro, CPA Tax Credit Program Manager Georgia Department of Community Affairs Direct 404-679-1585 Tricia.DePadro@dca.ga.gov
Coronavirus Safety Tips from the American Red Cross:
For questions related to this industry-specific process, please visit www.sba.gov
The Georgia Chamber is working to support fact-based communication as we weather the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Administration currently has two major loan programs in response to COVID-19. A business can apply for both the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and Paycheck Protection Program IF there are different use of proceeds for each program. Funds from these loans cannot be comingled. Attached is a PDF out of the Chamber summarizing the key points for these programs. This piece can also be found along with a host of other resources on the Chamber’s website at www.gachamber.com/covid19.
Georgia Department of Labor
COVID-19:NEW Information for filing for unemployment, mandatory filing by employers for partial claims, and reemployment services.
Please note that Questions 52-54 address public sector employees and appear to clarify that the Emergency Family Medical Leave Act and the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act apply to all local governments, regardless of size. In addition, Question 57 defines “emergency responder.” CLICK HERE to read.
Employers are required to file partial claims on behalf of their employees whenever it is necessary to temporarily reduce work hours or there is no work available for a short period.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.
Please see the following links for quick access to the following:
Thank you for all your responses. We understand that your questions are incredibly important, and we would like to handle your claim with care. Due to the urgency of your situation, we encourage you to use our detailed FAQ pages to answer your questions in a timely manner. Thank you for your cooperation during this critical time!
Department of Revenue Automatically Extending 2019 Filing Deadline
The Georgia Department of Revenue is automatically extending the 2019 income tax filing and payment deadline to July 15, 2020. Vehicle registrations that expire between March 16, 2020 and May 14, 2020 are being extended through May 15, 2020.
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Implements Immediate Measures to Help Rural Residents, Businesses and Communities Affected by COVID-19 WASHINGTON, March 25, 2020 –
USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.
CLICK HERE to read the full announcement to learn more about the opportunities USDA Rural Development is implementing to provide immediate relief to our customers, partners, and stakeholders.
From the GA Chamber
CLICK HERE to read the latest set of recommendations and guidance for businesses relative to COVID-19 as of today, March 25, 2020 at 12noon.
I wanted to share urgent information that I just received with all of you. Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, all field operations have been suspended. So there should not be anyone from the US Census Bureau going door to door at this time. If they are, or if you see anything suspicious, please report this to your local authorities.In addition to this, our Update Leave Operations have also been suspended. Update Leave is basically the team that goes door to door to hand deliver the 2020 Census paper form to those who do not have mailboxes. This is critical for rural communities. Many have not received the Census form due to the interruption. This is where your work will be critical. We need all hands on deck to get the word out to have everyone self respond either online at www.my2020census.gov or via telephone at 1-844-330-2020. This is very important, particularly for our hard to count communities and communities with poor internet connectivity who were relying on the paper forms.If you have any questions or need more clarity, don't hesitate to reach out. Our communities are counting on us!Sherrell E. ByrdPartnership Specialist, Southwest Georgia Field Division/ Atlanta Regional Office Connect with us@uscensusbureau GET COUNTED! Shape your future, start here! >> www.my2020census.gov
Department of Family & Children Services
Effective Monday, March 23, DFCS offices are temporarily reducing in-person operations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result, we encourage you to use slef service options during this time. CLICK HERE for more information and resources.
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT: USDA Rural Development Launches
Utilities / Services Suspending Disconnections: Many utilities and services are suspending disconnections as a result of COVID-19. GEMA / HSA is maintaining a list on their website under Coronavirus Informationthat is updated as new information becomes available. Encourage your residents to contact their providers directly if they are concerned about paying their bills. Some businesses also are offering alternate payment options.
Update from Motor Vehicle Division of GA Dept of Revenue:
The Georgia Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is extending all motor vehicle registrations that expire between March 16, 2020, and May 14, 2020. Those registrations are extended through May 15, 2020. This extension applies to personal passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and vehicles registered in the Georgia International Registration Plan (IRP). The extension also applies to Temporary Operating Permits (TOPs) (also called "drive-off tags") issued at the time of a vehicle purchase. Registrations that expired before March 16, 2020 do not qualify for this extension. For more information, click here .
Resource guidelines provided by David Perdue, United States Senator of Georgia
The WorkSource Heart of Georgia Altamaha Workforce Development Area includes the counties of Appling, Bleckley, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, Wheeler, and Wilcox. This area receives Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds (Federal Department of Labor funds set aside for employment related services) for the seventeen counties to provide On-The-Job, Youth Services and Individual Training Accounts.
WMOC 88.7FM is a Christian/Educational Radio Station located in Lumber City, Ga and we are willing to announce educational news and articles about the virus safety precautions and other health advice, free of charge, from doctors, nurses or other authorized persons. We also would like to broadcast the school happenings and events.
News and events can be email to wmoc887@yahoo.com or fax to 912.363.2106.
