Navigating Economic Disruption Together: A conversation with Mayor Jenn Daniels (March 25, 2020)

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who participated in this week’s call! Here is a brief recap of the meeting. CLICK HERE to listen to the entire conversation. Note, meeting begins at 4-minute mark. Password: Gilbert100

Top 5 takeaways from the discussion:

  • Residents can now text ‘GILBERT’ to 313131 to be automatically notified throughout the day with the latest information related to COVID-19 and its impact on our community. Once they send the message, they will get a text message with the latest information and follow-up texts as we receive new information from our teams, state leaders, and health experts. Receive the top three daily updates and breaking news at noon. Text message and data rates apply. Phone numbers will not be shared or used for any purpose other than to communicate updates related to COVID-19.
  • SBA presented information about how to apply for Emergency Disaster loans. CLICK HERE to view the presentation. A few key takeaways:
    1. filing electronically is easier, faster, and more accurate
    2. the online portal is very popular with requests right now, if the portal is running slow, try accessing after business hours. If you’d like, you can download application(s), complete, and mail in to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155
    3. SBA will consider funding for up to 6 months of expected loss(this includes payroll, rent, utilities). Loans over $25,000 will require some sort of collateral, however the SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral but requires borrowers to pledge what is available. For specific guidance on this, please refer questions to the SBA.
    4. Interest rates are fixed at 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofit organizations
  • The Department of Labor provided new guidelines explaining paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. CLICK HERE
  • Tips were presented for individuals or businesses who have concerns about the inability to pay rent:
    1. Know your lease; contact your attorney if you are unclear about penalties, options, etc.
    2. Check your insurance to see what your coverage is. Call your agent for options.
    3. Talk to your landlord. Let them know what is happening with your business. Keep all lines of communication open!
  • Continue checking the Town and Chamber’s websites and resource pages. www.Gilbertaz.gov/COVID19 and www.gilbertaz.com/COVID-19. The Town added a new Help Gilbert page focused on helping connect residents, businesses, and nonprofits together at www.alex.gilbertaz.gov/helpgil...

In closing, our weekly calls will be held each Wednesday at 9am through April 15th. You’ll need to register for each call separately. Here is the link for next week’s call: http://ow.ly/4IsR50yWRD0

For those without internet access, here is the call information: +1-415-655-0001; Access code: 805 766 616.

Based on this week’s conversation, our next call will include:

  • Latest updates from Mayor, Town Manager, Office of Economic Development/Town staff, and Gilbert Chamber
  • Overview of applicable federal and state updates
  • Payroll guidelines
  • Business insurance coverage
  • Open dialogue

Please continue to reach out and share your thoughts about future calls; these calls are designed for you and we want to ensure we are covering topics of most interest to the group.

Stay positive and know you aren’t in this alone!

Mayor Jenn Daniels

Patrick Banger, Town Manager

Dan Henderson, Director of Gilbert Economic Development

Kathy Tilque, CEO Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

Sarah Watts, VP Gilbert Chamber of Commerce