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.
*Governor Kemp: May 12, 2020 | Executive Order: Regarding the Department of Driver Services and on the Road Driving Exam. CLICK HERE to read.
*Governor Kemp: May 12, 2020 | Executive Order: Providing additional guidance for reviving a healthy Georgia in response to COVID-19. CLICK HERE to read.
*Governor Kemp: May 8, 2020 | Temporarily extsending the 30-day renewal requirement for Georgia Weapons Carry Licenses. CLICK HERE to read.
*Governor Kemp: April 30, 2020 | Executive Order: Renewal of Public Health State of Emergency. CLICK HERE to read.
*Governor Kemp: April 23, 2020 | Executive Order: Recovering a Healthy Georgia. CLICK HERE to read.
*Governor Kemp: April 20, 2020 | Flexibility for Healthcare, Practices, Moving Certain Businesses to Minimum Operations, & Providing for Emergency Response. CLICK HERE to read.
*GA Chamber: April 20, 2020 | COVID-10 Resource and Recovery | Minimum Basic Operations: CLICK HEREto read.
*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
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
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!
The IRS is urging all taxpayers to file their 2019 taxes electronically, as the IRS is practicing social distancing and is not processing paper tax returns or refunds. You can read more about their recommendations by CLICK HERE.
The IRS released a web tool for those who do not normally file a tax return to receive their Economic Impact Payment, provided by the CARES Act. (Reminder: Social Security beneficiaries do not have to file a tax return to get their Economic Impact Payment!) You can learn more about who should use this tool by CLICKING HERE
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The Cares Act allows employers to delay payment of their share social security taxes and those who are self-employed to delay payment of certain taxes. The IRS released a FAQ to help employers navigate this relief. CLICK HERE to read.
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.
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.
Produced by: Seth-Collins Sheley | The Seth Effect Edits & Photography
"Finished my small business documentary for my Media Production 2 class and I like how it turned out! Thank you to everyone who helped me do this." Seth-Collins Sheley.
"A couple of weeks ago I met with Seth Sheley. He graduated from Telfair County High School and is currently attending college in Valdosta. One of his assignments was to do a documentary about small businesses and he chose Telfair County. He did an excellent job." Paula Anderson, President of Telfair County Chamber of Commerce. "Now More Than Ever! We need to support our local small businesses! So remember to SHOP LOCAL!
