The Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau will be supportive and help get information out to member businesses about how best to be prepared and proactive in regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Due to the fluidity of the situation, we will provide the best on-going and helpful information that is relevant to ensure we are serving you during this challenging situation.
May 19, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Governor Evers Announces $75 Million in Grants for Small Businesses
May 18, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
The Department of Children and Families has released guidance for licensed day camps for children including:
May 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Wisconsin Safety Council- Returning to Work
St. Croix County Health Advisory
May 8, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Governor Evers Announces Best Practices and Safety Guidelines for Wisconsin Businesses
May 7, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
USTA-Industry Guidance for Promoting the Health & Safety Guidance for all Travelers
St. Croix County FREE Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing May 8th
May 6, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
CDC- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting
CDC-Reopening Workplaces During The COVID-19 Pandemic
CDC- Gatherings & Community Events
May 5, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Wisconsin Hospital Association Daily Statistics
Employer Toolkit (a good source for both state and federal programs)
May 1, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Interim Final Rule on Corporate Groups and Non-Bank and Non-Insured Depository Institution Lenders
Main Street Lending Program Frequently Asked Questions
April 27, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Paycheck Protection Program FAQs
Governor Evers Emergency Order #34
Governor Evers Updated Order - Expanded Opportunities for Certain Nonessential Businesses
Safer at Home Extension FAQs 4/27:
For non-essential businesses, “Minimum Basic Operations” will now include the following:
- Basic functions. The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business's inventory, preserve the condition of the business's physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions, including where these functions are outsourced to other entities.
- Facilitating remote work. The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences.
- Employee designation. Non-essential businesses and operations must determine which of their workers are necessary to conduct Minimum Basic Operations and inform such workers of that designation.
- Delivery and mailings. Minimum Basic Operations may include fulfilling nonessential deliveries, mailing parcels, or receiving parcels if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. Delivery or parcel services may not require a signature by the recipient. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for nonessential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
- Curb-side pick-up. Minimum Basic Operations may include curb-side pick-up of goods, if all of the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Goods must be purchased online or by phone before 18 pick-up. The goods must be pre-packaged by the manufacturer, distributor, or store. The store may not require a signature by the customer. The store must schedule pick-ups to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
- Arts and craft stores. Arts and craft stores may offer curb-side pick-up as described in section 14.e. More than one staff member, but no more than the minimum number of staff necessary, may work at the store solely for filling orders for materials for making personal protective equipment (i.e. homemade facemasks). The additional staff allowed in this section may not sell, package, or assist in any way with the sale of items not necessary for making personal protective equipment. All staff working to fulfill or process orders for personal protective equipment must comply with all requirements in Section 2.b.i. and 2.b.ii. of this Order.
- Aesthetic or optional exterior work. Minimum Basic Operations may include aesthetic or optional exterior residential construction and lawn care, if all the operations are performed by one person in a room or confined space, including a car or truck. No more than one employee or worker may be on the site at a time. Services may not require a signature by the recipient. Aesthetic or optional exterior work requiring more than one person on the site are prohibited.
- NEW Curb-side drop-off. Minimum Basic Operations may include customer curb-side drop-off of goods or animals for the purpose of having those goods or animals serviced, repaired, or cared for by the business. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Services must be paid for on-line or by phone. Drop-offs and pick-ups must be scheduled ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers are not permitted in the business or facility. The business may not require a signature by the customer. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
- NEW Outdoor recreational rentals. Minimum Basic Operations may include rental of recreational equipment including but not limited to boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boats, golf carts, snowmobiles, and ATVs. Staff within the business or facility must be limited to one person in a room or confined space at a time, including a car or truck. Rentals must be paid for on-line or by phone. The business must schedule pick-up and drop-off ahead of time to ensure compliance with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in section 16 of the Safer at Home Order. Customers must remain outside the business or facility. Rented equipment must be cleaned after each use. Suppliers to non-essential businesses and supply chains for non-essential businesses are non-essential and shall only operate under Minimum Basic Operations to provide goods or services to other non-essential businesses operating under this section.
- NEW Car washes. Entirely automatic car washes and self-service car washes may open for service. High-touch surfaces must be cleaned between each use if possible, or as frequently as practicable.
April 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
WI Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
April 20, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Governor Evers Badger Bounce Back Program:
Emergency Order #31- Badger Bounce Back
Badger Bounce Back Plan-Fact Sheet
Press Release- Increasing COVID-19 Testing Capacity
April 17, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
4 Session Self-Care Series-Coping with COVID with Dr. Kathy Farah
April 16, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Emergency Order #28-Safer At Home Order
April 15, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
EFRTC- IRS: Employee Retention Credit
Hudson Community Coronavirus Response
Facebook: Hudson Community Coronavirus Response
Facebook: Hudson WI Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau- Community Updates
April 9, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
NEW - Guide to Coronavirus Paid Leave Programs
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program Guide
Employee Retention Tax Credit Guide
Coronavirus Small Business Guide
March 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Wisconsin State Governor Evers Safer At Home Executive Order
WEDC Essential Business Declaration
Summary of the COVID-19 Stimulus passed in Senate, 3/25. Click HERE for the Federal "CARES" Act Summary.
Financial Help & Guidance for Businesses
Steps to Take Now:
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- Call your lenders to see how they can help.
- Contact your vendors, landlords and taxing authorities if you feel you will need to be late on payments.
- Monitor this page as we will be releasing information as emergency funding applications become available
Business Resources:
- Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce COVID-19 Business Center
- https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/covid-19-response/
COVID-19 Resources for Hospitality Companies:
Small Business Association Resources:
- Disaster Loans Now Available
- Small Business Owners are now eligible to apply for a U.S. SBA low-interest loan due to COVID-19. The Disaster Loan Assistance Program is for Small Businesses and most Non-Profit Organizations that have suffered directly by this disaster.
- Apply HERE: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/
- ELA0-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (IRS 4506T)
- ELA-Request for Transcript of Tax Return (instructions IRS Form 4506T)
- ELA0-Schedule Of Liabilities (SBA 2202)
- ELA0-Monthly Sales Figures (SBA 1368)
- ELA0-Fee Disclosure Form and Comp Agreement (SBA 159(
- ELA0-Personal Financial Statement (SBA 413)
- ELA0-Business Loan Application (SBA 5)
- ELA0-Loan Application (Sole Prop) SBA 5C
- SBA Form 2202 Instructions
- WI_16363 EIDL Fact Sheet 3.24
- Wisconsin 16363 Press Release
- Spanish Wisconsin 16363 Press Release
Additional Links:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources: If you own a business or are an employer please visit this page created by the SBDC . The SBDC is also offering low interest loans to help businesses get through these times.
- UW-Madison: Managing Your Personal Finances in Tough Times
- Unemployment Benefits https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/
Economic Assistance Opportunities
- ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN (EIDL) from the SBA:
- WI is designated, and the portal accepting loans is expected to open later today
- Application and qualification requirements are in an attached webinar slide presentation. Business and individuals can review this and prepare for the application process
- WISCONSIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP (WEDC) GRANT, AKA 20/20:
- The grants are being administered via CDFIs: see 2 attached PDFs for more info
Business Resources
- COVID-19 Safety and Health Standards, Control & Prevention An overview of information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak. Includes links to OSHA standards, control and prevention, by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Included on this page are resources available to Wisconsin businesses from WEDC and other local, state and federal agencies. You are encouraged to visit this page regularly, as we plan to update this directory as new information and resources become available
- US Dept. of Labor The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources to help employers and workers prepare for and respond to coronavirus in the workplace.
- The Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship The Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship has created this page to anchor important information for our clients amid quickly changing conditions and unprecedented measures put into place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ways to Retain Your Customers During the Coronavirus Outbreak Even if you need to close due to health and safety concerns, there are ways to keep serving your customers during the coronavirus outbreak.
WMC and Wisconsin Safety Council would like to share these Best Practices from the business community:
- Ban in-person meetings (internal or external) and employee convening’s (formal or informal) of any size. Employee communication handled virtually wherever possible.
- Employees scanned regularly on-site for body temperature (contingent on availability of scanning devices, which are in short supply due to acute global demand).
- Immediate workflow audit that removes instances of employees being within 6’ of each other.
- Reduction of on-site work hours to minimum needed to sustain operations.
- Staggered shifts and work hours to minimize on-site human presence at a given time.
- Staggered use of all shared spaces, including bathrooms, breakrooms and lunchrooms.
- Staggered facility entry and exit procedures.
- Mandatory work at home for all employees except those necessary for baseline production and logistics functions.
- Sanitary processes implemented throughout facility (soap, hand sanitizer, single-use gloves, doors propped open, hands-free capabilities, no shared food).
- Blue tape marking of surfaces that receive frequent human contact; disinfection of these surfaces multiple times daily.
- International travel ban – business and personal.
- Domestic business travel ban except for critical operations (with senior management approval). Domestic personal travel requires employee to self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.
- Any employee returning from a Level 2 or 3 CDC travel country must self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.
- No deliveries except those that support production activities or emergency building maintenance.
- No visitors (including suppliers and customers) except those approved by senior management.
- Employees must immediately report symptoms associated with COVID-19 exposure.
- Employees must report contact with any person who tests positive for COVID-19; employee must subsequently self-quarantine for 14 days and be symptom-free before returning to work.
Responding to Coronavirus
- Pandemic Guidance A brief outline of how to prepare before and respond during a pandemic by Ready.gov, official website of the Department of Homeland Security.
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) CDC recommended guidance for employers, including advice for developing a response plan and steps that all employers can implement now. Based on what is currently known about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Understanding the Coronavirus – Webinar about the impact of coronavirus on the private sector and how companies should consider their response, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Jan 27, 2020)
- Hospice patients are uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak. St. Croix Hospice’s HIGHLY trained staff, resources and safety protocols ensure they’re able to provide uninterrupted care where and when it is needed. St. Croix Hospice is available 24/7 to answer questions and accept referrals. Please find more information in the links below. St Croix Hospice toll-free: (855) 278-2764
- -Easy Referral Fax
- -Easy Fax Referral Form - Electronic
- -St. Croix Hospice CEO Heath Bartness COVID-19 Readiness letter
- -St. Croix Hospice COVID-19 Readiness Flyer
Additional Resources
Mental Health
The YMCA in Hudson and United Way St. Croix Valley, are large promoters of Mental Health First Aid in the St. Croix Valley. Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Just like CPR and First Aid, Mental Health First Aid does not make you an expert, it helps an individual provide care until professional help can step in.
During this time of Covid-19 people cannot take the class but the YMCA has been able to obtain some information to share that will help you, and others you interact with, during this time. If you want more information about the Mental Health First Aid Class you can reach out to Chris Kost, YMCA Executive Director: chris.kost@ymcamn.org or Jessica Neumann, United Way St. Croix Valley: jessica.neumann@unitedwaystcroix.org. Below are some resources and the website for Mental Health First Aid.
- https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
- How to care for yourself while practicing physical distancing
- How do I know someone is experiencing Anxiety or Depression?
- How to help someone with anxiety or depression during Covid-19
- How to support a loved one going through a tough time during Covid-19
Physical Wellness
Finally, your physical wellness is important during this time, and the YMCA has launched a number of free wellness resources from Free Live Group Exercise classes, a library of exercise classes, Kids and family wellness and more. Find this resource here: https://www.ymcamn.org/y-at-home. You don’t have to be a member to access any of these.