The latest business reopenings per Governor Walz’s January 6th announcement Following is a brief synopsis of today’s announcement related to reopening Minnesota businesses and easing several restrictions that are currently in place. The following will go into effect on Monday, January 11. Private social gatherings (no changes) Indoor gatherings limited

Minnesota Legislature Passes COVID Relief Bill As you may know, state legislators passed a $216.8 million COVID relief bill. Special thanks to our friends at the Minnesota Retailers Association for this great summary: $88 million to businesses closed to the public under Executive Order 20-99 and experiencing at least a 30% sales decline

#EndthePause This Wednesday, December 16th, Governor Walz will announce whether he will end or extend business closures on Friday, December 18. Together with the Minnesota Ready Coalition of more than 80 chambers and business associations, we are respectfully urging the Governor to end the pause. Our businesses are ready to

Recap of Governor Walz’s New Restrictions Here is a recap of the restrictions outlined in Governor’s latest executive order. We realize this will create significant hardships for many, and it goes without saying that we will need our outstanding community to rally around its small businesses once again. Private social

Sign up now to have your business represented in the 2021 Brainerd Lakes Area Visitor Guide! 2021 Brainerd Lakes Area Visitor Guide Partnership Opportunities Get noticed by potential visitors and people looking to relocate to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Explore Brainerd Lakes Visitor Guide is the area’s largest and

Reach a new audience with our Explore Brainerd Lakes Tourism Newsletter! Get Noticed by 2,500+ Travelers Interested in the Brainerd Lakes Area Each month, we send a tourism newsletter via email to over 2,500 people who are interested in vacationing in the Brainerd Lakes Area. These potential visitors have requested

Lake Country Cares 101 + NEW GEAR Introducing New Posters, Downloads and Promotional Products for Lake Country Cares! Lake Country Cares is a COVID-19 safety campaign designed to build trust among residents, visitors, and local businesses. It’s our community promise to take care of each other by adopting easy and

Improvements Made to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) As you may have heard, Congress recently made substantial improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program. We’re proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber, which recently updated its “Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness.” It summarizes the program in a simple, understandable way. Key changes

Minnesota Ready: Businesses are ready to restart our economy, keep us safe We are calling on Governor Walz to fully reopen all businesses with safety practices no later than Friday, June 19. Last week, the “Phase 3 dial” was officially turned and many businesses across the state were able to

E-commerce webinar recording: How to move your business online If you missed our free e-commerce webinar: Learn how to move your business online from successful local retailers, you can access the recorded session at the link below. Hear from an expert panel of local retail business owners who have found

Minnesota partnerships help with workers’ health and safety  Steve Grove, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), announced partnerships between Target Corp., Minnesota IT Services, and the Minnesota Safety Council to help ensure that workplace safety is a top priority as Minnesotans go back to work. Executive Order 20-40, which

COVID-19 information for self-employed people and independent contractors The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress enacted on March 27, provides new benefits for self-employed people and independent contractors. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) This program provides weekly benefit payments for self-employed people, independent contractors, and others who

Having difficulty recalling furloughed employees? “Raising an issue” is possible with MN Unemployment In most circumstances, furloughed employees must relinquish unemployment benefits and return to work if they are recalled. If you believe a former employee should not be eligible for benefits due to a refusal to return, you may

Webinar Recording: Navigating Employee Layoffs & Unemployment If you were unable to attend our complimentary Wednesday webinar, you may still access the recorded session here. Presenters covered employee communication, the FFCRA Act, Minnesota unemployment programs, and complications related to the federal $600 supplement. They also answered several participant questions including

Recap: This week’s webinar recordings & business resources 1) Blue Ox Success Series: Business Relief at the Local Level2) Accessing Relief through the Federal CARES Act If you were unable to attend our virtual webinars this past week regarding resources for business relief and assistance, you can watch the recorded

Locals have received $3,000+ in Chamber Bucks, but what does that mean for your business? The Brainerd Lakes, Crosslake, and Pequot Lakes Chambers are supporting Chamber members by hosting Facebook contests, tagging businesses and getting the word out that small businesses need support right now! Winners of the contests are

Cliffs Notes for Business Relief As we’re sure you know, there is a boatload of information regarding the many state and federal programs designed to stimulate the economy and provide relief to businesses, nonprofits and employees. Details are changing daily, so here is a brief overview of the higher profile

7 tips on how to communicate with your employees during times of uncertainty Be authentic and transparent: What your employees need most in times of uncertainty is transparency and trust. Be yourself. Be real. Be open. Double your communication: Think you are already sending a lot? Double it!  It is