Please visit azdhs.gov, CDC.gov, Coronavirus.gov and ArizonaTogether.org for secure and accurate information
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Gov. Doug Ducey’s Guidance: Restaurants | Barbers & Cosmetologists | Retail Establishments
Arizona Restaurant Association Guidelines HERE
Arizona Department of Health Services recommends the following additional steps be taken by retail establishments:
- Maintaining physical distancing.
- Operating with reduced occupancy and capacity based on the size of the business location with special attention to limiting areas where customers and employees can congregate.
- Comprehensive sanitation protocols.
- Continuing to provide options for delivery or curbside service even if a location allows customers inside the store.
- Closing fitting rooms at clothing stores, meeting rooms, or other enclosed spaces accessible to customers that do not allow for appropriate physical distancing.
- Implementing symptom screening for employees prior to the start of their shift.
- Consider offering cloth face coverings to employees and visitors to wear.
May 8, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAST VALLEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE RELEASE THIRD COVID-19 BUSINESS IMPACT REPORT – READ HERE
Phoenix – The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) released today the findings from the third survey of a series conducted of its more than 5,000 members to determine the status of funding and rent relief options.
The report includes responses from nineteen industry sectors and nearly 75 percent of respondents represent businesses with less than 20 employees. It should be noted that the survey was completed prior to Governor Ducey’s Returning Stronger plan to reinvigorate Arizona’s economy was announced. Based on the data and feedback received, the following were identified:
Actions Taken • 35% of respondents noted there was no change to their current business model. • 30% have reduced their hours of operations and/or services provided, while another 21% said they are temporarily closed. • 47% of respondents have implemented employee furloughs or layoffs, while 35% have reduced employee hours. • Less than 16% of respondents are currently hiring.
Loans and Funding • Loans and debt relief continue to be top of mind for most respondents. • While 60% said they had applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), only 9% stated they were approved. • 74% applied for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, and only 25% were approved. • 46% of respondents stated they had been waiting for two weeks or more for a response to a loan application. • 37% of respondents have received rent reduction or deferment, while 11% noted their landlord or lienholder refused to negotiate.
The EVCCA will use this data to advocate for the immediate and long-term needs of the businesses for which they present.
To view the published report, visit https://gilbertaz.com/uploads/ImpactReport0508.pdf ###
The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance represented more than 5,000 businesses through individual memberships held with the Apache Junction, Carefree Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce.
April 24, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAST VALLEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE RELEASE SUGGESTIONS FOR RE-OPENING THE ECONOMY Providing Governor Ducey suggestions to consider as Arizona re-opens businesses Read HERE
Phoenix – The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) forwarded a memo to Governor Ducey today in response to his request for the business community to provide suggestions on guidelines of what the landscape will look like as the economy re-opens. The suggestions were vetted through eight East Valley chambers of commerce representing more than 5,000 members.
The memo outlines suggestions for a phased-in approach based on health metrics and safety concerns. “Businesses are looking for clarity and definitions to help them as they begin planning to reopen,” according to Kathy Tilque, Gilbert Chamber of Commerce President/CEO and EVCCA Legislative Committee chair. “While the dates proposed in the memo may not be implemented due to the metrics needed to ensure employees and customers are safe, they represent a movement to identify the rules and guidelines for a phased-in approach of re-opening our economy.”
Tilque noted that according to a recent EVCCA survey businesses are applying for EIDL, PPP, and lines of credit in hopes of not having to close their businesses permanently. Fifteen to thirty-two percent haven’t received any acknowledgement and fifty-six to sixty-one percent were turned down, as related to the PPP and EIDL loans respectively. The EVCCA is evaluating the reasons for this and will share in a separate report. “The majority of businesses cannot weather this crisis through the end of June which is why developing a clear, concise, and safe plan now is critical,” Tilque noted. “The federal government’s programs are much appreciated, but the reality is that if the money received has to be used now while the business is closed, there will be no money to pay employees when their doors open if we wait until after June.”
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The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance represented more than 5,000 businesses through individual memberships held with the Apache Junction, Carefree Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce. http://www.evcca.org
April 7, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EAST VALLEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE RELEASE SECOND COVID-19 BUSINESS IMPACT REPORT
Businesses Share Stress of Meeting Demands of Debt, Payroll, and Keeping Business Open
Phoenix – The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance (EVCCA) released today the findings from the second survey of a series conducted of its more than 5,000 members to determine the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their revenue, operations, and supply chains.
The report includes responses from nineteen industry sectors and nearly 70 percent of respondents represent businesses with less than 20 employees. Based on the data and feedback received, the following were identified:
- Loans and debt relief are top of mind for the majority of respondents with 56% applying for the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan and 47% preparing to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loans.
- Only 21% of respondents noted there was no change in their current business model. Another 21% said their business remains open with a skeleton staff but have either placed employees on furlough or laid off staff. Sixteen percent were able to transition to full remote working. With another 16% combined closing their business location, furlough or laid off all or some of their employees.
- Thirty-one percent of respondents noted they will be requesting rent or mortgage relief.
- Thirteen percent respectively are looking at utility and accounts payable relief.
The EVCCA will use this data, along with information received from upcoming surveys, to advocate for the immediate and long-term needs of the businesses for which they present.
To view the published report, visit Click HERE.
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The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance represented more than 5,000 businesses through individual memberships held with the Apache Junction, Carefree Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale and Tempe Chambers of Commerce.
The EVCCA, founded in 1999, represents 5,000+ local businesses and sevan local chambers: Carefree/ Cave Creek, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Superstition Region and Tempe. Our purpose is to provide coordination in the advancement of common business interests in our region.
Each year, EVCCA produces a report on the legislative session, which lists bills that have the most significance to East Valley businesses. It reports how each East Valley legislator voted on legislation relevant to the EVCCA. We hold a breakfast in December with legislators to discuss the next year’s agenda, and we employ our own lobbyist, Tom Dorn.
One alliance objective is to inform members of bills that will be on an upcoming ballot and their projected effect. Business owners in the East Valley need not feel helpless about government influence on their business. Each of us has the opportunity and responsibility to understand the issues and to get out and vote.
Who We Are
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce
In June 1960, the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce formed for the purpose of fostering and promoting social, economic, commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interests of the area of Apache Junction and Pinal County, Arizona.
Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce is committed to the growth of its members through meaningful networking opportunities, business education and advocacy..
Gilbert Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to serve as the business advocate to strengthen the business climate in the city of Gilbert.
It is the Mesa Chamber’s mission to bring together the leadership, personalities and values that make up the taste of Mesa and, by doing so, to create a strong economy and a sustainable community.
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce strives to promote, develop and retain businesses that will enhance Queen Creek’s economic environment and further the goals of the community.
Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest business organization in Scottsdale providing advocacy, education, networking, leadership and exposure opportunities to its member businesses.
For more than a century, the Tempe Chamber of Commerce has built an environment that enhances the economic vitality of its membership and business community as a whole.
