Your Chamber at Work - April 21, 2020
Apr 21, 2020
FROM THE KC CHAMBER'S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Some good news to report:
Paycheck Protection Program: Though a number of you have reported difficulties with submitting PPP loan applications to the Small Business Administration, the states of Missouri and Kansas have both done well in terms of the number of loans approved. Kansas ranks ninth per capita in the number of loans approved representing more than $46 billion in new money for small businesses. Missouri ranks tenth. Those stats are an indication of how hard the banking community has been working in order to get the loan applications processed and approved.
There’s discussion underway in D.C. about another round of funding for small businesses to the tune of $250 billion. Let’s hope that comes through.
Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund: Kansas City comes through for those in need. Last Thursday’s “Day of Giving” raised more than $2-million for the fund, thanks to a united one-day drive by Kansas City broadcasters. That brings the fund’s total to $16-million-plus, which is double the original goal set by the fund’s organizers (and donations are still coming in). It’s also one of the largest community fundraising efforts in the nation. Something of which we can all be proud.
One final note: Last week we sent a second survey to our member businesses about their experiences during the COVID-19 crisis. We encourage you to respond – we’re using the information in a variety of ways, especially to communicate with members of our Congressional delegation.
Thanks for your help! And stay safe.
THE EMPLOYER LAPTOP CHALLENGE
The digital divide in our community has been magnified by the COVID-19 crisis. More than 30% of low-income homes in KC do not have a computer. Imagine trying to do schoolwork and online learning without a device to connect you to your classmates. Or trying to apply for unemployment or other financial resources without a laptop. You can help. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City launched the Employer Laptop Challenge, a program encouraging businesses and other organizations to donate used devices to schools, nonprofits, and refurbishers. Businesses are encouraged to donate at least 15 used or surplus laptops or desktops to local nonprofits, with a total goal of collecting at least 5,000. Visit the Employer Laptop Challenge page for instructions on the donation process. There is also a zoom meeting set for Wednesday, April 22, at 2 pm to help you get more information. To register, email psteck@kcciviccouncil.org and you will be sent the log in information.
WEBINAR: WHAT EMPLOYERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAXES SINCE COVID-19 AND THE CARES ACT
The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides numerous tax opportunities to individuals, corporations, and flow-through entities. Register now for this important session on what employers need to know about taxes and the CARES Act, Thursday, April 23 at 1 pm. The team at KPMG will lead a webinar reviewing employer tax credits, and specifically focus on topics such as: using the Employer Retention Credit against payroll taxes, payroll tax credits for required paid sick leave and required paid family leave, deducting your disaster losses, and more. Reserve your spot and bring your questions for KPMG.
WEBINAR: WHAT NEW TAX DEADLINES MEAN FOR INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS
April 15 has come and gone, and this year there are still close to three more months before our taxes are actually due. So what does the new July 15 deadline mean for you? H&R Block Tax Expert Kathy Pickering will host a webinar on Wednesday April 29 at 10 am to review what individual taxpayers need to know about filing, getting an extension, and paying any taxes that might be due. She will also discuss how the federal stimulus payments will impact your 2020 taxes. Have your questions ready to chat directly with one of the most respected names in the tax industry – Kansas City’s own H&R Block. Register here.
WEBINAR: HIRING VETERANS IS GOOD BUSINESS: NAVIGATING THE DIVERSE MILITARY WORKFORCE LANDSCAPE
Hiring men and women from the military means hiring individuals who can bring unique assets to your workforce. Join Jeremy Gray of Noble Consulting as he leads attendees through a free webinar April 28, from 11:30 am – 1 pm. He’ll show you how to fully utilize those assets and discusses what qualities veterans are seeking in potential employers, and more. This workshop is sponsored by Grantham University. This is also part of a series of Diversity & Inclusion workshops the Chamber is presenting in 2020 – whether online or in person. A special thanks to you 2020 Presenting Diversity Sponsors: CommunityAmericaCredit Union, Evergy, Hallmark and Sprint. Register today.
ONLINE NETWORKING: MEMBER STANDUP
Grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to talk about your business or organization, and join us for our first ever Member Standup this Friday, April 24 at 9 am. You’ll get to connect with fellow Chamber members virtually and talk about your workplace during our Members @ The Mic part of the morning. You can register here. Staying connected to other businesses right now is vital as we work to support the Greater Kansas City community. We are in this together and developing relationships with your fellow Chamber members can lead to a stronger future. If you can’t make it this Friday, put the following dates on your calendar:
The KC Chamber's 2020 networking sponsors are Mazuma, SS&C, and Sprint.