Windham Region Chamber of Commerce

Blog

Categories

Business Resource Workshop at ECSU

By

If you are interested in starting a business or doing business with the Federal or State government as well as Eastern CT  State University, this workshop is for you!!  You will learn the best way to be successful at breaking into this new business potential.  Please register HERE. Wednesday June 14, 10-Noon, ECSU Library A […]

SLICE OF LIFE Living History Event in Windham, CT

By

The Slice of Life is a look into the everyday life of folks in Eastern CT in the early 1800’s.  You can meet and talk with actors of people who lived in our community during that time period, ask them questions, help them with their “chores” and be a part of history.  The event will […]

STANDARD MILEAGE RATES FOR 2022 & OTHER MILEAGE TAX INFO

By

The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2022 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 58.5 cents […]

DO YOU OWE ANY CT TAXES FROM 2020 OR BEFORE? THERE IS HELP

By

The pandemic has been tough on us all, but now’s the time to get right. If you owe back taxes for periods up to and including 2020, the State of CT Department of Revenue Services is offering a limited window of opportunity to pay up at reduced interest with no penalties and no criminal prosecution. […]

MAPLE FESTIVAL IS MARCH 19-20!!

By

This year’s Hebron Maple Festival will be held March 19-20, 2022 in the Hebron Town Green.  This is the 30th year of the festival and with almost 8000 visitors at our last event in 2019 before the pandemic, we were the “hottest” thing to do in Connecticut in March.  We hope that you will pencil […]

WANT TO HIRE SOME OF THE BEST GRADUATING COLLEGE STUDENTS?

By

The Connecticut Governor’s Workforce Council has partnered with AdvanceCT to provide the CampusCT mobile experience through UpperCampus to create a destination for Connecticut students to gain exposure to all of the incredible companies and career opportunities that exist in Connecticut, with accompanying professional development and lifestyle curated content to connect the student to the community. […]

Afghanistan: Let’s Talk About It

By

Veterans from all eras are reacting to the events in Afghanistan, such as the U.S withdrawal and the takeover by the Taliban. You are not alone. Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their […]

RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS

By

Have you lost someone special to suicide?  There is nothing worst than the feelings of loss and helplessness.  The Eastern CT Veterans Community Center wants you to know we are here for you.  There are many support groups in the region that have been helpful to veterans and civilians.  Please stop by for a cup […]

UNIQUE WEEKEND GETAWAYS FOR HISTORY BUFFS

By

Diane Nadeau, President and CEO of the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce shares ideas for weekend getaways for history buffs. Read more here, https://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/windham-chamber-of-commerce-unique-weekend-getaways 

WEEKEND STAYCATIONS IN NORTHEAST CT

By

Diane Nadeau, President & CEO of the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce shares staycation ideas with WTNH. Read more, https://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/weekend-staycations-in-northeast-ct/

HOW THE NEW MARIJUANA LAW IMPACTS EMPLOYERS IN CT

By

-Article from SBDC On June 22, 2021, Governor Lamont signed the Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis into law, legalizing the use of recreational marijuana in our state. The new law allows adults (21 and older) to have on their person up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana or have up to 5 […]

NEW LAW-MUST REPORT CYBERSECURITY BREACHES

By

Connecticut state law requires any person who conducts business in the state and experiences a breach of security involving computerized data to provide notice to the Office of the Attorney General in addition to state residents who may be affected. Anyone who conducts business in Connecticut and who– in the ordinary course of business– owns, […]

WHAT IS A FRINGE BENEFIT AND ARE THEY TAXABLE?

By

The subject of taxation of employee benefits made rare headlines earlier this month when a New York grand jury indicted the Trump Organization and its chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg, for tax crimes relating to unreported fringe benefits. The indictment alleges that Weisselberg intentionally failed to report and pay taxes on over $1.75 million of […]

HR QUESTION ABOUT MANDATORY VACCINES

By

Q: We made the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for our employees and asked each employee to show their vaccination card to our HR manager. One of our employees misplaced their card, and another submitted a card that’s photocopied and blurry. How should we handle situations like this, where the employee is not able to adequately establish their […]

EMPLOYERS NEED TO UPDATE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOKS

By

Several recent legal and cultural changes may influence the practices and policies of employers and their expectations of employees. Reviewing and revising employee handbooks is an important step that employers can take to ensure their practices and policies are compliant with the applicable federal, state, and local laws. Handbooks also provide an avenue for employers […]

TAX FREE THIS WEEK!!!

By

Connecticut’s annual sales tax free week runs from Aug. 15 through Aug. 21. Retail purchases of most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales and use tax during this week. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold […]

100 NEW LAWS STARTING JULY 1- EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW THESE!

By

On July 1, 2021, nearly 100 new laws took effect in Connecticut. Below is a summary of some key statutory changes that impacting employers and the workplace. Minimum Wage Increase Effective August 1, 2021, Connecticut’s minimum wage increased from $12 per hour to $13 per hour. The minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour […]

Shopping Paradise

By

Want to shop? Eager to spend a day with the besties? Overnight with your partner? Check out some inspiring ideas in our video! Just click on the link and enjoy! (4) Facebook  

DONT HAVE AN IT GUY? HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR COMPANY

By

Cyber attacks are a growing threat for small businesses, and a recent U.S. Small Business Administration survey estimates that an astonishing 88% of small business owners are concerned about being vulnerable to cyber attacks. Many entrepreneurs don’t have the capability to afford IT professionals or don’t know where to start, but it’s important to learn […]

FREEDOM FEST CONCERT & MOTORCYCLE RIDE

By

On July 31 at the Shaboo Stage in Willimantic, the Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a concert featuring the Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, an Americana, Rock and Folk band that has opened for James Taylor.  The concert is a fundraiser for the new Eastern CT Veterans Community Center located at 1320 Main St, Suite 27, […]

NEW COVID RULES AS OF MAY 19

By

The following rules apply to all Connecticut businesses and organizations and are effective March 19, 2021. Please keep in mind that it is the cumulative effects gained from social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing that will continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Businesses should take these rules as the minimum baseline of precautions needed […]

GRANT FOR MUSEUMS, HISTORIC SITES/HOUSES/SOCIETIES

By

The Governor has created a new opportunity for museums and historic houses, sites and societies to receive funding to cover your costs this summer by allowing children in Connecticut to visit museums throughout the state free of charge. The initiative was included as part of the proposal he presented earlier this week to the Connecticut […]

CHAMBER SUPPORTS UNRESTRICTED GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESS

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for small businesses NON-STOP through the pandemic.  We have joined coalitions all across the country.  We are not stopping.  We believe the government should offer grants for small business WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS so that the business can best decide how to help their own company.  Here is […]

FREE INTERNET/COMPUTER FOR VETERANS

By

Active duty members, veterans and survivors may be eligible for free or discounted internet, and up to a $100 discount on a computer, thanks to a new program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a $3.2 billion federal initiative created by Congress to help lower the cost of high-speed […]

GRANT FOR FOOD SERVICE PROVIDERS-RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION GRANT

By

The Restaurant Revitalization Fund Grant is now open! If you are in food service you should apply for this funding. It is a GRANT not a loan. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will […]

SUMMER ENRICHMENT GRANTS

By

The State is providing up to $11 million in federal funding received for COVID-19 recovery efforts toward the expansion of programs that connect students to high-quality summer enrichment and recreational opportunities, with an emphasis on communities and children who were most impacted by the pandemic. Applications are due May 10, 2021. There are 2 grant […]

HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX CREDITS SUSPENSION FOR 2020

By

The premium tax credit helps pay for health insurance coverage bought from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Eligible people can choose to have all, some, or none of the estimated credit paid in advance directly to their insurance company on their behalf. These payments – which are called advance payments of the premium tax credit, advance […]

Governor Lamont Announces $11 Million To Expand High-Quality Summer Enrichment Programs for Connecticut Children

By

Posted on April 21, 2021 (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is proposing to dedicate up to $11 million in federal funding Connecticut has received for COVID-19 recovery efforts toward the expansion of programs that connect students to high-quality summer enrichment and recreational opportunities, with an emphasis on communities and children […]

Upcoming Events

By

May 8  Free for Kids at the Museum 2-4 p.m. This is an outdoor drop by event. You stop by, plants seeds and pick up materials to take home.  Limited supply.  Reserve at themillmuseum@gmail.com   or  First come, First Served.  Wear masks. The Mill Museum, 411 Main Street, Willimantic. May 16   Zoom in for Tea   Program Theme:  International […]

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR DAY-A TRIBUTE

By

Today is National Vietnam War Day. The Windham Region Military Service Council and the Windham Region Veterans Coffee House wish to thank all of our brave soldiers that fought during the Vietnam Era to secure our freedoms, our families and our way of life. We recognize your supreme sacrifice and thank you for every minute […]

COBRA PREMIUMS ARE NOW SUBSIDIZED UNDER THE ARPA

By

We found this article and felt it was very informative….. New COBRA Premium Subsidy Law Requires Prompt Action by Employers and COBRA Administrators By Melanie N. Aska & Erek M. Sharp on March 23, 2021 Posted in Employment Law On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 […]

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE AMERICAN RESCUE ACT

By

Every line item in the bill will need to be “carried out” by a federal agency.  When that happens we will be able to give you more specific information on how each item will “work” or be distributed. Summary of American Rescue Act • Direct checks of $1,400 for individuals earning up to $75,000 per […]

MANDATORY SEXUAL HARASSMENT TRAINING DEADLINE APRIL 19

By

Connecticut employers who have yet to comply with the state’s sexual harassment prevention training mandate have been given more time. The state Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities has again delayed the deadline for employers to complete the training, pushing it back to Apr. 19, 2021.  The previous deadline was Feb 9.  This law was […]

DEADLINE MAR 15 FOR NONPROFITS TO SUBMIT DISASTER LOANS FROM STORM ISAIAS

By

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible Private Nonprofit organizations (PNPs) in Connecticut of the March 15 deadline to submit disaster loan applications for physical damages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias on Aug. 4, 2020. PNPs located in Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland and Windham counties, and the Mashantucket […]

NEW THIS YEAR EMPLOYER TAX CREDITS

By

The government has created two new employer tax credits to help you under the pandemic with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Sick and Family Leave Credit Employee Retention Credit. These tax credits can be very beneficial.  Our recommendation is that you ask your […]

OSHA CITATIONS RELATED TO COVID-EVERY EMPLOYER SHOULD READ THIS

By

This document is intended to help employers understand which OSHA standards have been cited most frequently during COVID-19 related inspections. This data is based on inspections where citations have been issued. OSHA initiated these inspections following complaints, referrals, or fatalities in industries such as: hospitals and healthcare, nursing homes and long term care settings, and […]

REMINDER: FIRST QUARTERLY PFMLA PAYMENT DUE

By

Beginning on January 1, 2022, paid leave benefits under the Connecticut Paid Leave program (CPL) will be available for certain qualifying events under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act (CT FMLA), and the Connecticut Family Violence Leave Act. Beginning January 1, 2021, employers began withholding employee […]

SUMMARY OF ALL NEW COVID RELATED RULES

By

VACCINATION SCHEDULE AND ELIGIBILITY Those who are currently eligible to receive the vaccine under Connecticut’s COVID-19 vaccination program include all individuals over the age of 55, as well as all healthcare personnel, medical first responders, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, residents and staff of select congregate settings, and preK-12 school staff and professional […]

BIG NEWS FOR SOLE PROPRIETORS!! PPP CHANGES YOU NEED TO KNOW!

By

DID YOU ATTEMPT TO APPLY FOR PPP ONLY TO FIND OUT YOUR LOAN/GRANT WAS REALLY SMALL?  NOT WORTH THE EFFORT?  THE RULES HAVE CHANGED THIS TIME AROUND.  PLEASE READ THIS!! Many of you small business owners, sole-proprietors, gig performers, 1099 independent contractors filed for (and tried to file for) the PPP loan/grant this spring only […]

SBA MAKES CHANGES TO PPP TO HELP SUPER SMALL BUSINESSES

By

The SBA will be limiting PPP applications for a two-week window beginning Wednesday, February 24, 2021, exclusively to those PPP applicants with fewer than 20 employees. Those larger employee applicants interested in submitting a PPP application will have to do so by today or wait until mid-March to have their applications processed. This is an effort […]

WHEN CAN YOU GET YOUR VACCINE-IMPORTANT NEW RULES FOR ALL EMPLOYERS

By

Before yesterday, there was a schedule of when different industries or types of employees would be eligible to receive their vaccines.  However, the Governor and his council changed those rules.  Going forward you will be eligible to receive a vaccine based ONLY ON YOUR AGE and not what kind of job you have. This is […]

GIG PERFORMERS-MUST REPORT INCOME

By

In 2020, many people joined the gig economy to help make ends meet during the pandemic. Whether it’s a side business or a primary source of income, all taxpayers need to understand how their gig work affects their taxes. The bottom line is taxpayers must report gig economy income on their tax return. Here’s a […]

OSHA ISSUES NEW GUIDANCE ON COVID IN WORKPLACE

By

On January 29 OSHA issued new guidance for employers and workers NOT in the healthcare industry or in emergency response.  They clearly say that it is advisory only.  HOWEVER, we strongly believe that with the new administration signing an Executive Order to insure the safety of workers during COVID, these recommendations will play an even […]

PERFORMING ARTS & OTHER VENUES NEW GUIDELINES

By

As of February 16 the reopening guidelines for performing arts venues and other venues have changed allowing them to have guests up to 50% of their capacity and allow them to sell concessions.  Although these are changes in the right direction, our venues will continue to see hardships in the coming year.  We encourage everyone […]

UPDATED GUIDELINES FOR TEAM SPORTS

By

You can find the official guidelines HERE. This is a summary of the updates to the Connecticut public health guidance and reopening rules regarding organized sports and other athletic activities. Please note that beginning on January 19, 2021, the Team Sports on Pause will no longer be effective. These rules are subject to the continued […]

GRANT RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS

By

Here are some national grant resources for artists who may need assistance especially during the pandemic.  If you know of any other resources, please let us know so that we can share.  Also, these grants all have different grant periods and deadlines, they may not all be active at this time. Adolph & Esther Gottlieb […]

BUSINESS FINANCIAL RESOURCES IN CT

By

We understand it is difficult for so many of you to make ends meet during the pandemic.  Here are a couple of financial resources that are specifically for Connecticut.  As we have shared, there are other SBA loans like the Economic Income Disaster Loan.  We have highlighted those we have helped our constituents work with […]

TARGETED EIDL ADVANCE GRANTS FROM SBA

By

Many of you have asked about this program and are waiting to get your invitation.  We are being told that SBA is still sending out emails to targeted businesses in low income areas that applied for the EIDL Advance when it first was created last spring.  If you applied for this before December 27 and […]

SBA HAS ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS TO COVER LOSS OF REVENUE

By

The SBA currently has a loan called Economic Injury Disaster Loan that you can apply to if your business has a loss of revenue due to COVID.  These loans are very low interest and have had deferred payments for most of the last year (you have not had to start paying them back because of […]

PPP LOANS ROUND 2-HAVE YOU APPLIED?

By

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR PPP THIS YEAR? SELF-EMPLOYED, GIG ARTISTS? DEADLINE MARCH 31 Washington passed the COVID Relief Bill and one of the programs was a second round of the PPP (Payroll Protection Program). Here is what you need to know… When can I apply? As you know, you must apply for the program […]

SHUTTERED VENUES OPERATORS GRANT

By

The Shuttered Venue Operators (SVO) Grant program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, signed into law on December 27, 2020. The program includes $15 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants […]

CT OFFICE OF ARTS -APPLY TO HOST A PAID INTERN THIS SUMMER

By

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) has launched its 2021 Arts Workforce Initiative (AWI) Program and is currently accepting Intents to Apply from organizations that would like to serve as an AWI Host Organization. AWI is a paid apprenticeship program that gives Connecticut college students, emerging creatives, formerly incarcerated individuals and military veterans an […]

BUSINESS TAP SPECIALISTS

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce you to our newest Business TAP Specialists.  All four of our team members are students at Eastern CT State University majoring in business and marketing.  Business TAP is a program where we work one on one with business owners to help them navigate the virtual […]

BUSINESS “TAP”-Technology Advancement Program

By

For the past year the Windham Region Chamber of Commerce has been working with hundreds of individuals, business owners and artists helping them navigate our new “virtual” world created by the pandemic.  It was shocking to learn that many of our clients did not even have email addresses, did not understand that they had a […]

NEIGHBORS TO NEIGHBORS GRANT NOW OPEN ROUND THREE-FOCUS ON BASIC NEEDS

By

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut welcome applications for Round Three of the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund. Grants from this Fund are available to organizations serving the basic needs of residents of the Foundation’s 42-town region. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut […]

WOMEN’S OPPORTUNITY FUND GRANT DEADLINE FEB 15

By

The Women’s Business Development Council’s Opportunity Fund is pleased to offer the Equity Match Grant Program, providing cash grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. Grants are awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business. Priority will be given to eligible minority-owned businesses and those disproportionately […]

CT PAID LEAVE-YOUR OBLIGATIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES & LIABILITIES

By

This is not like the Federal FMLA that has been around for decades.  This is a new state program.  If you (for profit or nonprofit) have one employee or more (if you give a W2 form to one or more people at the end of the year-whether you are an owner or not) THIS APPLIES […]

BEWARE OF “GHOST” TAX PREPARERS

By

“Ghost” tax preparers are a problem and the Chamber receives several complaints every year of this fraud.  Unfortunately we cannot help except to give them information of the process of making a complaint to the IRS.  We do have several members that are reputable and we recommend:  H&R Block (several locations throughout our region-just tell […]

SUPPORT THE ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM INDUSTRIES-PLEASE HELP US

By

The Chamber supports funding for the Arts, Culture and Tourism industries.  These businesses are extremely important not only to our quality of life but also to our community economic sustainability and vitality, and they have taken the hardest hit during the pandemic.  House Bill 6119, “An Act Concerning Arts, Culture, and Tourism Funding” is proposed […]

THE 2021 BUDGET RESOLUTION & THE COVID RECONCILIATION BILL

By

We have been answering questions about the COVID Relief bill and the budget resolution bill passed Friday.  We thought this article summed up the process and the votes effectively and as apolitically as possible.  This will give you all a good understanding of what happened and how it will affect your business, your families and […]

WHAT IS “BUDGET RECONCILIATION” THAT LAWMAKERS ARE USING TO PASS LEGISLATION?

By

We have all been hearing about “budget reconciliation” and that it is being used to pass bills without going thru the normal legislative process, effectively bypassing good debate and citizen input.  Congress wants to pass a huge trillion dollar budget reconciliation package.  Here is what it means….. (courtesy of attorneys as pgpf.org) What is Budget […]

NEW SERVICES AT DMV-RENEW DRIVERS LICENSES

By

Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of new services at the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that will enable residents to renew their driver’s licenses and non-driver ID cards online without having to visit an office in-person. The announcement is part of Governor Lamont’s broader initiative to modernize state government and add more […]

DEADLINE FOR RESTAURANT GRANT FEB 5 AT 5PM

By

CT Restaurant Relief Fund The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an incredible burden on the Connecticut restaurant industry. Connecticut was home to 8,000+ restaurants and employed over 160,000 people before the mandated closure on March 16, 2020. This resulted in thousands of layoffs, and ultimately over 600 restaurants closing their doors in Connecticut. We continue to […]

SHUTTERED VENUE OPERATORS GRANT

By

This grant will be made available thru the COVID Relief Grant approved in December.  The application and money will be administered by the SBA, Small Business Administration.  It is financial relief for Arts venues that have been shuttered due to COVID.  The program has not been worked out as of yet and will be open […]

CHAMBER’S NEW PROGRAM HELPS BUSINESSES GO VIRTUAL

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce has been working with several local small businesses to help them increase their virtual presence and learn new technologies essential to doing business.  The “Business TAP” or Business Technology Advancement Program, works one on one with a business owner to help them with the following:  create or better utilize […]

TAXPAYERS SHOULD GET IDENTITY PROTECTION PINS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT

By

The Internal Revenue Service expanded the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to all taxpayers who can verify their identities. The Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit code known only to the taxpayer and to the IRS. It helps prevent identity thieves from filing fraudulent tax returns using a taxpayers’ personally identifiable information. “This […]

2020 TAX SEASON STARTS FEB 12, 2021–EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

By

The Internal Revenue Service announced that the nation’s tax season will start on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns. The Feb. 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the […]

SECOND $600 ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS

By

If you are looking for information about your second round of economic impact payments for $600 you should visit IRS.gov where you can check the status of your payment.  If you had problems the first time around getting your payments you may also have issues this time unless you were able to correct your bank […]

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY SICK TIME FOR COVID RELATED ABSENCES?

By

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act that provided paid leave for many COVID impacted workers—and federal funding to reimburse employers for the costs of paid leave since April 1, 2020—is set to expire Dec. 31, 2020. The CARES II bill just approved does provide for employer reimbursements but it no longer mandates that employers provide it […]

PPP LOANS SECOND ROUND NOW OPEN

By

APPLICATIONS OPEN JAN 15 Washington passed the COVID Relief Bill and one of the programs was a second round of the PPP (Payroll Protection Program). You can begin to apply tomorrow, January 15. Here is what you need to know… When can I apply? 1. As you know, you must apply for the program through […]

US DOL FINAL RULE ON EMPLOYEE TIPS

By

The US Department of Labor has ruled the following: Employers cannot keep tips their employees receive, nor can they allow managers or supervisors to keep any portion of those tips. The agency issued a final rule that addressed changes made to the Fair Labor Standards Act by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018. It said:  […]

Wreaths Across America 2020

By

  “Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,100 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.” This year the Chamber of Commerce along with the Military […]

NEW COVID ASSISTANCE APPROVED BY HOUSE & SENATE

By

Everyone wants to know what is in the new bill and how it will help their business.  As you know it is over 5000 pages long and includes everything including the kitchen sink.  But this is what we think is most important for you: Extension of repayment and interest on deferred employee social security taxes. […]

EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR RESTAURANTS

By

Connecticut, thru DECD, is pushing through a new grant program to distribute $35 million in emergency funds to restaurants, bars and other small to mid-sized businesses in an attempt to help keep them in business until the federal COVID19 pandemic relief bill is in effect. Businesses whose revenues are down by at least 20% will […]

TOLLAND, WINDHAM COUNTIES ELIGIBLE FOR DISASTER LOANS-LIBRARIES & MUSEUMS

By

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that certain Private Non-Profit organizations (PNP)s in Connecticut that do not provide critical services of a governmental nature may be eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. These loans are available following a Presidential disaster declaration for Public Assistance resulting from damages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias on […]

Windham Region Chamber Is Member of America’s Recovery Fund Coalition-Working For YOU

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Save Small Business Coalition, has joined forces with hundreds of other chambers and business associations to advocate for a fund to help businesses, and America, recover from the COVID pandemic.  America’s Recovery Fund Coalition brings together more than 150 members across retail, restaurants, theaters, live […]

Windham Region Chamber Joins SAVE SMALL BUSINESS COALITION

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has joined the nationwide movement to save small businesses and is the first chamber from Connecticut to do so.  The Save Small Business Coalition is a group of over 200 chambers of commerce and business associations across the nation created to address the […]

RETURNING COLLEGE STUDENT PROTOCOLS=QUARANTINE

By

Governors of New England states have come together with the following rules regarding college students and the Thanksgiving holiday: Students need to get tested BEFORE leaving college and traveling. Positive students need to quarantine at school, finish their quarantine, before traveling.** Once coming home to CT they will need to quarantine for 14 days. Colleges […]

CT SPORTS CANCELLED

By

The Governor’s Executive Order 9M has given DECD the authority to create guidelines for sporting events in CT, to include team sports and youth events. TEAM SPORTS ON PAUSE  11/23/2020 THROUGH 1/19/2021 • Pause affects all sporting activities except for Collegiate and Professional. Teams that view themselves as professional must obtain approval from DECD. […]

ALL CT ROAD RACES CANCELLED

By

Because of COVID the Governor has prohibited all organized in-person road races effective November 23. Due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the CT DECD updated its sector rules to prohibit all organized road races. This includes any turkey trots or holiday road races scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving. Residents are encouraged to […]

BUSINESS TO BE FINED $10K FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

By

$10,000 FINES FOR NON-COMPLIANT BUSINESSES Governor Lamond’s new executive order will allow Local Health Directors, District Health Directors and Municipal Designees to fine businesses $10,000 for violating the COVID rules on gatherings and size or capacity limitations outlined in the DECD Sector Rules. Private gatherings at residential properties, religious, spiritual or worship gatherings and graduations […]

Governor Shuts CT Back Down To Phase 2

By

With COVID cases rising the Governor has changed his mind about letting individual municipalities decide whether to stay at Phase 3 or move back to Phase 2. As of Monday night the Governor has decided all towns will go back to Phase 2. What does this mean? The chart above is a good visual. The […]

Webinar on CT CARES Grant & PPP Loan Forgiveness

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce and its Business Resource Center partner, the Small Business Development Center, will host a webinar that will discuss the application process for the new CT CARES Small Business Grant that will open up on November 9.  Any small business with less than 20 employees will be eligible for the […]

New CT CARES Small Business Grant $5000

By

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is creating the Connecticut CARES Small Business Grant Program to assist small businesses and nonprofits that have been impacted by the economic downturn caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide businesses and nonprofits in Connecticut that have fewer than twenty employees or a 2019 payroll […]

Windham Chamber Receives $1500 Grant From Last Green Valley

By

The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce was the recipient of The Last Green Valley’s Capacity Building Grant, designed to give assistance to non-profit organizations that are striving to advance their mission during difficult times. They provided $22,000 in grants to local non-profits within their region. “The Windham Region Chamber of Commerce is grateful for the […]

ARTS GRANTS

By

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is accepting applications for its CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants. These grants are for Connecticut non-profit arts organizations that have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 3, 2020 by 11:59 pm. No grant will be less than $1,500 or more than $3,000. Due […]

YOU MUST UPDATE YOUR REGISTERED AGENT FOR YOUR BUSINESS

By

If you are a Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, you have to file an annual report and you have to update your “registered agent” this year.  A registered agent is simply a person or entity appointed to “accept service of process” and official mail on your business’ behalf. You can appoint yourself or your company attorney.  The […]

AS OF 2020 BUSINESS ENTITY TAX IS ELIMINATED

By

The Business Entity Tax was a $250 tax every 2 years that every business had to file. The last one that you got a bill for was for the years 2017-2018. You will not get a bill for 2019-2020. You do not have to do anything to stop getting billed for this. However, if you owe this tax from […]

IF YOU HAVE NOT FILED YOUR ANNUAL REPORT, DO SO BEFORE JULY 1 TO SAVE $$

By

Connecticut law requires annual report filings for the following business entities: Stock Corporations; Nonstock Corporations; Limited Liability Companies; Limited Partnerships; and Limited Liability Partnerships. The purpose of the annual report is to ensure the accuracy of the information on record regarding your business entity. The annual report does not require any financial information.  The statutory filing […]

NEW GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDERS

By

Day Care: The Governor issues another executive order that increased the number of children in child care program from 30 to 50 without needing approval from Office of Early Childhood. Mandatory COVID-19 testing for staff of private and municipal nursing homes, residential communities and assisted living agencies: Requires all staff of these facilities to be tested […]

RELIGIOUS, SPIRITUAL, WORSHIP GATHERINGS

By

Indoor gatherings for these purposes can be 25% of your capacity (determined by fire marshal for your building) or a maximum of 100 people, whichever is SMALLER. Outdoor gatherings for these purposes has a maximum of 150 people, but social distancing of 6 feet, and masks, must be followed. Gatherings where people remain in their […]

LARGE GATHERINGS AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

By

These new rules apply EXCEPT where they are prohibited by other laws, executive orders or the sector rules. 1. Indoor social and recreational gatherings up to 10 people, all social distancing and wearing masks. 2. Outdoor gatherings up to and including 25 people, and shall comply with:                a. No contact sports or sports that include shared handling of […]

NEED PPE?

By

Are you looking for masks, gloves and cleaning supplies? Here is some sources: Surgical masks for free, from Congressman Courtney: email info@windhamchamber.com with # employees. Masks-surgical and KN95, cleaning supplies, sanitizer, gloves: Staples in Mansfield. Email Caitlin.smith@staples.com to reserve items as soon as they are shipped. COVID floor decals, banner etc: email rkjohnson372@comcast.net Infrared Thermometers:  https://www.ctcovidresponse.org/thermometer-request Disinfecting your office: Renee’s Cleaning Service, Renee Kraus, 860-377-6401 Spectrum Business – […]