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.
January 22, 2021-
As the COVID-19 vaccination distribution process continues, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and Wisconsin's Department of Health Services are working together to make sure that Wisconsin's employers have the right resources to encourage and, where possible, facilitate vaccine protection against COVID-19 in their workplaces.
Completing this survey will help WEDC understand what businesses are planning, and where they can best support with information or other methods to help increase the participation rate.
Click on the survey to complete.
In addition, if you or any of your team members have questions about COVID - 19 or the vaccine, Dr. Paul McGinnis, who has practiced Family Medicine for more than 20 years and serves on the Hudson Area Crisis Task Force, would be happy to participate in an employee meeting or be available to answer questions. You can contact him at pmcginnismd@gmail.com.
January 20, 2021-
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today signed Executive Order #104 and Emergency Order #1 establishing a new statewide public health emergency and face coverings requirement, respectively, as the state continues to expand vaccination distribution across the state. Executive Order #104 is available here and Emergency Order #1 is available here.
“We’re working every day to get vaccines distributed and get shots in arms to get our state back to some sort of normal,” said Gov. Evers. “At the end of the day, vaccine supplies are limited, so while we continue to ask the federal government for more vaccines and faster, we have to keep working together to stop the spread today by continuing wear our masks, staying home whenever we can, avoiding gatherings, and doubling down on our efforts to keep our friends, neighbors, and families safe.”
As of today, Wisconsin has administered 248,185 vaccines across the state and began administering vaccines in Phase 1B to first responders and law enforcement earlier this week. The Department of Health Services (DHS) also announced Wisconsinites 65 years or older will be eligible for the vaccine starting Mon., Jan. 25, 2021. There are approximately 700,000 Wisconsin residents 65 years or older that would be eligible for the next round of vaccines, therefore it will take time to get through this group and will be dependent on the number of vaccines provided by the federal government.
For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19.
January 15, 2021-
Gov. Evers Announces Launch of Mobile Vaccination Teams |
Mobile vaccination clinics will expand vaccine access to all corners of Wisconsin |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today announced the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) and the Wisconsin National Guard (WING) will launch the Mobile Vaccination Program on January 19. As additional vaccine is allocated to Wisconsin, this initiative will accelerate vaccination efforts and expand accessibility to all corners of Wisconsin by supplementing local partners with staffing support and resources.
“It has always been our goal to get folks vaccinated as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible,” said Gov. Evers. “These mobile vaccination teams are going to help us do just that by continuing to expand vaccine distribution across our state, leveraging partnerships and our best resources to meet folks where they are in their own communities.” Local and Tribal health departments (LTHDs) are leading the coordination for the vaccination of police and fire personnel, as well as EMS and unaffiliated health care providers in their jurisdictions. LTHDs that identify gaps in vaccine access or have exceeded local vaccination capacity will be able to request support or assistance from Wisconsin’s mobile vaccination teams. The teams will work closely with LTHDs to meet the unique needs of each community. “This pandemic has amplified health inequities throughout the state—we have seen how differences in opportunity, resources, and access to quality health care have exacerbated this public health crisis,” said Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “That is why this program is an especially critical tool in Wisconsin’s vaccination rollout. The Mobile Vaccination initiative will help close gaps in accessibility and ensure that every Wisconsinite will have the opportunity to get protected against COVID-19.” The Mobile Vaccination Program is a collaboration between DHS, WING, and local health partners. At launch, the program will deploy nine mobile vaccination teams with the intention to scale up the program in order to support vaccination of Phase 1A, Phase 1B, and beyond. Mobile clinics will be staffed by WING and pharmacy or nursing student volunteers through a partnership with the University of Wisconsin System. All volunteers will be required to complete safety trainings and necessary instruction modules. “Making vaccines available to the public is an all-of-Wisconsin effort that requires collaboration across state government,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general. “Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen in the Wisconsin National Guard have been an integral part of the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re honored to continue serving our fellow citizens in this way.” The University of Wisconsin System is also expanding a $500 tuition credit for students that help during the pandemic to eligible students who volunteer to do vaccinations. “UW nursing and pharmacy students can provide critical help Wisconsinites get vaccinated,” said UW System President Tommy Thompson. “We are pleased to offer this tuition credit and appreciate the partnership with Gov. Tony Evers as we once again demonstrate the Wisconsin Idea at work – where there’s a problem facing Wisconsin, UW System is part of the solution.” As the state continues to expand vaccination efforts, COVID-19 has not gone away. Wisconsinites are still encouraged to mask up, stay physically distant, and wash hands frequently to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep communities safe. For information, resources, and data related to Wisconsin’s COVID-19 vaccination program, visit the COVID-19 vaccine page. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage and follow @DHSWI on Facebook, Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19. |
January 14, 2021-
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December 17, 2020-
Free Will Donation Christmas Breakfast
December 16,2020-
Thursday Dec 17 Drive thru covid testing
November 20, 2020-
Gov. Evers Announces New Public Health Emergency Due to Overwhelmed Wisconsin Hospitals, Issues New Face Coverings Order |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today declared a new public health emergency in Wisconsin as Wisconsin’s hospitals are operating at or very near full capacity and healthcare providers are struggling to keep up with the demand for care. Executive Order #95 is available here. Emergency Order #1 is available here. Both orders are effective immediately and will expire after 60 days or with a subsequent superseding order.
“Wisconsin hospitals are overwhelmed and facing staffing shortages,” said Gov. Evers. “We continue to see record-setting days of COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin. We need everyone to stay home and wear a mask if you have to you go out. We need your help to stop the spread of this virus, and we all have to do this together.” Wisconsin hospitals in every Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition Region are strained, reporting that their intensive care units are often full and that they may no longer be able to accept new patients. More than a third of all hospitals in Wisconsin are operating at peak capacity and are unable to admit new patients. Twenty-one percent of medical surgical beds and thirty-two percent of intensive care unit beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. With the large and growing influx of COVID-19 patients, there are fewer beds and resources available for people with non-COVID-19 conditions who require hospitalizations. The surge in patients has caused ripple effects through the hospital system, with intermediate care units treating more patients who would otherwise be transferred to the intensive care unit and fewer transfers to larger hospitals for patients needing higher levels of care. In addition to the lack of hospital beds, hospitals are facing widespread staffing shortages. Over a third of Wisconsin hospitals are reporting critical staffing shortages. Forty-two percent of hospitals expect a critical staffing shortage within a week. Multiple hospital systems have requested and received staffing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “The current surge in cases are overwhelming our hospitals,” said Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “We know hospitalizations are a lagging indicator, which means we will need even more capacity for our hospitals in the coming weeks with our current cases. We need every Wisconsinite to take this seriously to stay home. That is why it is imperative we take action to curb transmission now – to protect residents of Wisconsin in every corner of the state.” Wisconsin is experiencing unprecedented, near-exponential growth of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the average daily number of new cases currently at 6,254, almost double the average daily cases seen a month ago, and an increase of 260% since September 20, when the average case number was 1,720. With today’s new face covering order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19. |
November 11, 2020-
Governor Evers issued a new advisory last evening that can be found here Executive Order #94.
This order advises Wisconsinites to:
- Stay home to save lives
- Limit contact to only those they live with
- Avoid any unnecessary travel and limit trips out to the essentials like grocery shopping or getting tested
- Cancel gatherings and plan for virtual holiday gatherings
- Encourage friends and family to gather virtually rather than at each other’s homes
- Allow employees to work from home whenever possible and take extra precautions to protect workers and customers
- Support local businesses through curbside pickup, delivery, and online; and
- Wear a mask and keep 6 feet apart from others when out in public
October 22, 2020-
Informational webinars were presented yesterday. Below are direct links to webinar recordings for the following grant programs:
- COVID-19 Movie Theater Grant Program Webinar Recording - NEW
- COVID-19 Lodging Grant Program Webinar Recording- NEW
- COVID-19 Live Music and Entertainment Venue Grant Program Webinar Recording NEW
October 15, 2020-
Tourism Industry Grant Applications
October 14, 2020-
The Hartbeat of Mainstreet Grant Program
October 13, 2020-
Entrepreneurship Support Grant Release
October 6, 2020-
We're All In Small Business Grant - Phase 2
October 5, 2020 -
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October 1, 2020 -
EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance
September 30, 2020 -
WEDC We're All Innovating Contest
Entrepreneurship Support Grant Release
September 26, 2020 -
Non-profit that helps small businesses access the financing they need through the Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program.
September 23, 2020 -
On September 22, Governor Evers declared a new public health emergency due to outbreaks on school campuses and issued a new statewide face covering order. This new order is effective until November 21, 2020.
We have updated the Statewide Face Covering Requirement page on our website with information about the new order and St. Croix County’s response.
You can find more information about the order on Governor Evers’ website.
September 22, 2020 -
The Governor has issued a new public health emergency today, Tuesday September 22, 2020 to extend the statewide mask mandate until November 21, 2020 as cases of coronavirus accelerate around the state.
Please see below:
August 26, 2020 -
August 17, 2020 - Valley Wide Covid 19 Response Fund
Ellen Montgomery, Marketing Associate, SCVF
emontgomery@scvfoundaion.org m: 612-703-8438
VALLEY WIDE COVID-19 RESPONSE FUND ANNOUNCES SECOND WAVE OF GRANTMAKING
[Hudson, August 17, 2020] – The COVID-19 Response Fund for the St. Croix Valley is launching a second wave of grantmaking on August 19. The fund will grant an additional $600,000 (approximate) to nonprofits focused on housing, utilities, and transportation and serving Chisago and Washington counties (Minnesota) and Burnett, Pierce, Polk and St. Croix counties (Wisconsin).
The Response Fund was established on March 20, 2020 as a partnership between United Way St. Croix Valley, United Way Washington County-East and the St. Croix Valley Foundation (SCVF). From late-March to early-May, the fund distributed $525,000 to 98 nonprofit organizations responding to basic needs exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. Following the fund’s quick response to the region’s most immediate needs, the partners paused grantmaking and reached out to regional leaders to gather input on the longer-term impacts of the pandemic and recovery.
The Response Fund partners recognize that the hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be challenging for thousands throughout our service area. The partners aim to alleviate some of those challenges with grants focused on housing (rent/mortgage assistance and shelter), utilities, and transportation (automotive repairs and gas cards). Valley nonprofits are working hard to creatively respond to the needs in our communities; therefore, grants from the COVID-19 Response Fund will be flexible to encourage continued innovation in filling critical gaps to ensure people are getting the services they need.
THE GRANTMAKING PROCESS
Eligible organizations should submit an online application form at https://www.scvfoundation.org/covid-19; applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18. Grants from the Response Fund will be recommended by an advisory committee appointed by the SCVF, UWSCV and UWWCE. These appointees could include staff, board members, affiliated community foundation board members and/or other community partners of the SCVF, UWSCV and UWWCE. Notifications will be sent in early October.
The COVID-19 Response Fund will make grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or other charitable organizations able to receive tax-deductible contributions, such as schools and other public entities. This Response Fund is not currently able to fund businesses, or nonprofits with 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) status.
The COVID-19 Response Fund is not able to provide grants to individuals. For information about community resources for individuals and families impacted by COVID-19, contact the United Way at 211.
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE
Donors have many options for contributing:
- Give online at https://www.scvfoundation.org/covid-19
- Checks can be sent to SCVF, 516 2nd St Ste 214, Hudson, WI 54016 (payable to SCVF/COVID-19).
- SCVF donor advised fund holders can recommend a grant to The St. Croix Valley Foundation with "COVID-19 Response Fund" as the grant purpose.
- SCVF can also accept appreciated stock and other assets. Call SCVF for assistance with those donations.
The SCVF has ten affiliated community foundations (Amery, Chisago Lakes, Hudson, Lower St. Croix Valley, New Richmond, Northwest Alliance, Prescott, River Falls, Somerset and Stillwater) throughout the six-county region. If a donor chooses to designate a gift to one of those areas, SCVF will ensure that dollars are granted to support that community.
In a consolidated effort to help those most affected by COVID-19, the SCVF is waiving all administrative fees for the Response Fund. This means (with the exception of fees charged by banks/credit card companies) that 100% of a donor’s gift will be used to help those most affected by COVID-19 in the St. Croix Valley.
The Covid-19 Response Fund for the St. Croix Valley.O
UNITED. TOGETHER. FOR THE VALLEY.
The St. Croix Valley Foundation is a philanthropic organization with the mission of enhancing the quality of life in the St. Croix Valley. Accredited by the Charities Review Council and the Council on Foundations’ National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the SCVF serves two counties in MN (Washington, Chisago) and 4 counties in WI (Burnett, Polk, St. Croix, Pierce). Ten affiliated community foundations are hosted under the structure and guidance of SCVF. For more information contact Heather Logelin, President at hlogelin@scvfoundation.org or 715-386-9490.
The United Way St. Croix Valley helps ensure that all people in the St. Croix Valley can lead a healthy life, receive quality education, and experience financial stability. We strengthen Wisconsin communities in St. Croix, Polk and Pierce
Counties. We also serves communities in Burnett and Washburn Counties in Northern Wisconsin. For more information contact Ann Searles, Executive Director at ann.searles@unitedwaystcroix.org or 715-377-0203.
CALL 211 if you need help locating services.
The United Way of Washington County-East works to unite our community and local resources to give each person the opportunity to build a better life. Areas served include river communities from Afton to Marine on St. Croix, also Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, Hugo and Withrow. For more information contact Jessica Ryan, Executive Director at jessica.ryan@uwwce.org or 651-439-3838.
CALL 211 if you need help locating services.
August 12, 2020 -
Since Governor Evers issued an Executive Order declaring a public health emergency requiring face coverings statewide starting August 1, St. Croix County Public Health has been in discussions with local leadership, the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, and the District Attorney’s Office to figure out what this means for our county. In the attached letter, the St. Croix County Public Health Administrator provides further guidance that developed out of these discussions.
- The letter can also be found on our website at: https://www.sccwi.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6151/St-Croix-County-Public-Health-Message-8-12-20
- For more information on St. Croix County’s COVID-19 response visit: https://www.sccwi.gov/covid19
St. Croix County Public Health Message
July 30, 2020 - Mask Mandate
Gov. Evers Issues Executive Order Declaring Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide |
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors and not in a private residence, with some exceptions as clarified and defined in the order. The order is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2020, and will expire on September 28, 2020 or by a subsequent superseding order. Executive Order #82 declaring a public health emergency is available here and Emergency Order #1 requiring face coverings statewide is available here.
“While our local health departments have been doing a heck of a job responding to this pandemic in our communities, the fact of the matter is, this virus doesn't care about any town, city, or county boundary, and we need a statewide approach to get Wisconsin back on track,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve said all along that we’re going to let science and public health experts be our guide in responding to this pandemic, and we know that masks and face coverings will save lives. While I know emotions are high when it comes to wearing face coverings in public, my job as governor is to put people first and to do what's best for the people of our state, so that's what I am going to do.” Wisconsin is seeing new and significant community spread and increase in cases of COVID-19 which requires that we declare a new public health emergency and require face coverings. Wisconsin has experienced a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the entire state, with 61 of 72 counties (84 percent) representing 96 percent of the state’s population experiencing high COVID-19 activity. All regions of Wisconsin have high COVID-19 activity levels. This is a dramatic increase from where Wisconsin was in June, when only 19 of 72 counties (26%) were experiencing high COVID-19 activity. The average number of new confirmed cases of COVID-19 has drastically increased throughout July, with an average of 556 new cases each day between July 1-7, an average of 764 new cases each day between July 8-14 (a 37% increase from the previous week), an average of 890 new cases each day between July 15-21 (a 16% increase from the previous week), and an average of 938 new cases each day between July 22-26 (a 5% increase from the previous week). Under this order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when they are indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit. Face coverings are strongly recommended if you are outdoors and maintaining physical distancing is not possible. The order also enumerates exceptions to the requirement, listing activities such as when an individual is eating, drinking, or swimming. Individuals with health conditions or disabilities that would preclude the wearing of a face covering safely are also exempt from the requirement. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) document is available here. “The data is what drives our decisions, and that data tells us we have significant community spread in Wisconsin and need to take statewide action,” said DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm. “Community spread means that any interaction out in the community can mean exposure, and because people can spread COVID-19 without symptoms or even knowing they are sick, we need to take universal precautions in order for wearing face coverings to be effective.” As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the medical and scientific community continues to learn more about the virus, including how to best prevent its transmission. Recent scientific studies show that wearing face coverings is very effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. “Staying home, limiting interactions, practicing physical distancing, and washing your hands thoroughly are still the most effective ways to stop the spread,” said Dr. Ryan Westergaard, Wisconsin’s Chief Medical Officer and the State Epidemiologist for Communicable Diseases. “But we learn something new about this virus every day. A growing number of scientific studies tell us that face coverings, when used correctly and consistently by a large percentage of the community, are extremely effective for preventing the spread of COVID-19 through respiratory droplets.” For up-to-date information about Wisconsin’s COVID-19 response, visit the DHS COVID-19 webpage. We also encourage you to follow @DHSWI on Facebook and Twitter, or dhs.wi on Instagram for more information on COVID-19. |
July 29, 2020 - EDA Cares Act
Regional Business Fund Announces New EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance Revolving Loan Fund |
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July 27, 2020 - COVID-19 HartBeat of Main Street Grant Program - Small Business Grant
*Let’s spread the word and get some Western Wisconsin Businesses all the COVID recovery assistance we can!*
- Applications for the HartBeat of Main Street Small Business Grant Program ("Program") will be accepted from July 27, 2020 through 11:59 pm PT on August 23, 2020 or whenever 500 applications have been submitted, whichever is sooner ("Application Period").
- Membership in the Wisconsin Main Street Program is not required to be eligible for the grant. Grant recipients are not required to be customers of The Hartford. Applications will be weighed and grants awarded without consideration of applicant’s being or not being a present, past, or prospective customer of The Hartford.
Grants of $5,000 to $15,000 will be awarded on a competitive and first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 50 percent of grants will benefit diverse-owned businesses, as defined by the Small Business Administration as minority, woman, veteran, disabled, and/or LGBTQ-owned.
- ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for a Program grant:
- The applicant’s business must be a business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.
- The applicant’s business must operate a “brick and mortar” store-front since at least January 1, 2019 in an older or historic downtown, Main Street or Neighborhood Commercial District.
- The applicant’s business must employ less than 20 full time employees.
- The applicant must be an owner of the business.
- The applicant must be at least age 18 years or older.
- What types of grant expenses are eligible?
- Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
- Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
- Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
- Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales
- Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
- Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses
July 14, 2020 - COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program
On July 14, 2020, St. Croix County in partnership with the West Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and St. Croix Economic Development Corporation (EDC) launched the COVID-19 Small Business Loan Program. This new loan program was created to help businesses in the county that are experiencing unanticipated financial pressures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The press release, information about the program and link to the application can be found on the St. Croix County website and below:
- Webpage: https://www.sccwi.gov/958/Small-Business-Loan
- Application: http://wcwrpc.org/Documents/COVID-19-Small-Business-Loan-Application.pdf
July 8, 2020 - Best Practices
- Frequent sanitizing of high use items throughout the facility.
- All common areas have disinfecting wipes available and associates wipe down after use. Example such as microwave, copier, tables, etc.
- Created additional meeting space in area within warehouse that allows 6 foot spacing with more associates.
- Protocols are set up if an associate tests positive.
- OSO comes in three times a day to perform cleaning of main areas which include doors, lockers, timeclock, etc.
- All equipment must be sanitized both when done and when starting to ensure that it was done.
- Daily we give updates to associates. These can be work or outside life updates to CDC guidelines, best practices, or questions that are coming from associates. These are done in our start up meetings.
- Each division within Cardinal is set up a little different. Some sites have used plastic dividers to have separation within cubes or jobs and the line. We had enough space, so although we had to move some things around, we were able to do this without spacing.
- Staggered start times and break times to assist with social distancing.
- Revised HR policies including attendance, sick time, and Covid-19 symptom quarantine policy. This flexibility has helped our associates take time off and not worry about pay and their jobs if they do have any symptoms which has helped keep the team safe. We also have allowed employees to go out on leave if they don’t feel comfortable to be at work at this time and will come back when they are ready.
- Expanded benefits during this time to assist employees with both the physical and mental well being.
https://www.gm.com/masthead-story/return-work-safety-protocols.html
June 29, 2020 - Personal Protection Equipment
June 25, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Wisconsin Small Business Development Center
Under the initial rules, some business owners chose not to apply for a PPP loan because the requirements were not a good fit for their particular circumstances. These new rules were designed to make it significantly easier for more - if not all - of a PPP loan to be forgivable for businesses. If you have not yet applied for a PPP loan, you may want to apply now.
June 22, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
Please join the St. Croix County Wisconsin and The St. Croix Economic Development Corporation as they share the most recent COVID-19 data, what to expect when someone tests positive and how to operate safely.
12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 25th, 2020 Via Zoom
For further questions the contact information can be found here:
June 2, 2020 - Most Recent Updates
$75 million-We're All In Small Business Grants
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.