News for General News Article
Monday, August 31, 2020
Hillsborough County, Fla. (August 31, 2020) – Hillsborough County launches the fourth phase of the Rapid Response Recovery (R3) program today, with expanded criteria designed to help more businesses by providing additional recovery funding across the County.
The program aims to soften the protracted economic injury the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has inflicted on the small business
...read more
Categories: General News Article
Monday, July 13, 2020
Hillsborough County’s R3 Program for Small Businesses Now Open Countywide
Hillsborough County, Fla. (July 10, 2020) – As Hillsborough County’s small businesses redesign their spaces and even redefine their business models to confront the disruption caused by COVID-19, Hillsborough is offering financial relief to help business owners restart their
...read more
Categories: Economic, Press Release, General News Article
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
Hillsborough County's Emergency Policy Group (EPG) enacted an order requiring that face coverings be worn inside businesses open to the public. The order applies to everyone, including customers and employees, inside businesses where social distancing cannot be maintained, with some exceptions.
A full list of exemptions can be found within the order, and a list of frequently asked questions is
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Hillsborough County Small Businesses Can Use R3 Program to Apply for Grant Funding
Hillsborough County, Fla. (June 17, 2020) –Small business owners across Hillsborough County who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic soon will be able to apply for $100 million in relief grants that aim to help get business back up and running
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
To download the Back to Business toolkit for Hillsborough County businesses to safely reopen, please Click Here
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Payroll Protection Program UpdatesLate last week, rulemaking on the loan forgiveness provisions were released. Initial businesses that received the Paycheck Protection Program funding can soon apply for loan forgiveness and the loan forgiveness application is now live. Also, check out the U.S. Chamber’s PPP Guide to Forgiveness by clicking here. The latest data shows that the U.S. Small Business
...read more
Categories: Chamber Connections, Press Release, General News Article
Friday, May 15, 2020
UPDATE: Florida’s Full Phase 1 begins Monday, May 18th as we continue to implement the Safe Smart Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery.
You can view the full powerpoint slides from the Governor's presentation here.
Restaurants may go to 50% capacity with continued social distancing and/or physical partitions Retail may go to 50% capacity with continued social distancing and CDC
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release, Chamber Connections
Friday, May 08, 2020
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Chris Wilkerson
Communications & Digital Media
(813) 728-1447 (mobile) Hillsborough County Allocates CARES Act Funding to Life Safety and Economic Development
Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 6, 2020) – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted Wednesday to allocate about
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Monday, May 04, 2020
SBA is now accepting #COVID19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance applications for agricultural small businesses on a limited basis. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act.
For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 20-112 regarding Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Phase 1 will begin Monday, May 4th. A PDF copy of Executive Order 20-112 is available hereQ&A provided by the Governor's Office can be found hereWatch the full Press Conference hereView the presentation hereGovernor’s COVID-19 Resources Webpage Toplines for
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact:Chris WilkersonCommunications & Digital MediaPhone (813) 728-1447Hillsborough Residents Can Apply Online for Recovery Funds
Applications can now be made online or by phone
Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 29, 2020) – Hillsborough County is now accepting online applications for Rapid Response Recovery Program (R3) funds to assist in paying utility
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja Office of Communications 813-272-4060
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEAMS UP FOR STORYTIME ONLINE
(April 27, 2020) TAMPA – Many young students enjoy listening to an adult read a book, especially when that adult immerses the listener into the pages and characters in such a way that encourages imagination,
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Hillsborough County is now providing FREE COVID-19 testing in the local community through the Community Resource Center.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m.
If you are interested in being tested please contact (813) 272-5900 to register for an appointment.
Plant City Community Resource CenterHealthy Living Fitness Center307 N. Michigan Ave. Plant City, FL 33566
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, April 16, 2020
***ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!*** Plant City is one of the zip codes that qualifies for the Save Small Business Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Many small businesses in Plant City may qualify for this grant opportunity.TO QUALIFY YOU MUST:- Employ between 3 and 20 people- Be located in an economically vulnerable community (Plant City qualifies)- Have been harmed
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
On Thursday, April 16, 2020 the Hillsborough County EPG (Emergency Policy Group) will be voting on a motion that would require all residents of Hillsborough County to wear a mask when conducting essential business or visiting an essential business.
Many businesses that are deemed essential services will be impacted by this decision. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is encouraging our
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Hillsborough County has opened two drive-thru services at libraries offering unemployment forms for those without printer access.
The locations are set up at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library at 3910 S. Manhattan Avenue and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library at 2902 W. Bearss Avenue.
Once you fill out the form, you can drop them off at either drive-through and the library staff will mail
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
BBB COVID-19 Resources
Our office is closed to the public, but BBB services continue! Better Business Bureau serving West Florida
(239) 334-4648
(800) 525-1447
(727) 535-5522info@bbbwestflorida.orgwww.bbb.org/westflorida
Better Business Bureau has seen an increase in complaints and customer reviews that mention the virus. As we knew would be the case, the virus is having a radical
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, April 02, 2020
This Order is effective 12:01 am on April 3, 2020. This Order shall expire on April 30, 2020 unless extended by subsequent order. Based on guidance provided by the Florida Surgeon General and the State Health Officer, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside their home only to those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Thursday, April 02, 2020
We would like to provide you with some information regarding the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which will provide relief to small businesses around Florida and the U.S.Click here to view a one page overview of the PPPFAQ sheet for small businesses who may be interested in participating Below is additional information from the U.S. Treasury Department and links to both Paycheck Protection
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja Office of Communications 813-272-4060
State Leaders Extend School Closures Across the State Through May 1
Tampa, Fla. – (March 30, 2020) – Following guidance from the Florida Department of Health and the CDC, state leaders announce school closures across the state are now extended through May 1. Here is what this closure
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Monday, March 30, 2020
The US Chamber of Commerce just released a guide to available funding based on the latest bills to pass Congress. It can be found HEREAs you consider the best possible options for your business moving forward, we encourage you to make an appointment with our local SBDC. They will discuss the best possible programs available to you based on the effects of COVID-19 on your business. You can contact
...read more
Categories: General News Article
Friday, March 27, 2020
The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office will host virtual office hours to answer questions about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.
In addition to the virtual office hours, the District Office will also be hosting webinars twice daily to help small businesses navigate the disaster loan application. Details about the webinars coming soon!
In the
...read more
Categories: General News Article
Friday, March 27, 2020
Applications must be submitted via online or by mail
Due to the widespread impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the application process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program changed this week.
Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help business owners bridge the gap between
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Friday, March 27, 2020
COVID-19 and Workers Compensation: What You Need to Know - Frequently Asked Questions
By NCCI InsightsClick here for details
March 26, 2020
NCCI has received numerous questions in the last few weeks regarding COVID-19 and the impact it may have on the workers compensation industry.
These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to be the start of a series of responses that will address
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Friday, March 27, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TECO COMPANIES DONATE $1 MILLION TO CHARITIES TO HELP DURING PANDEMICShare program will be able to help thousands of customers
Tampa, Fla. (March 26, 2020) – To help the community during this unprecedented time of uncertainty, Tampa Electric and TECO Peoples Gas are donating $1 million to local charities that will benefit people financially affected by the pandemic.The
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Thursday, March 26, 2020
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
To serve and strengthen our community.
The YMCAs of Tampa Bay are offering all-day youth relief care for essential workers at 21 Y locations
to help support the children of healthcare and emergency response professionals who are playing
important roles combating the coronavirus.
Our Y staff will intentionally teach and encourage good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and
...read more
Categories: General News Article
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAMBER PRESIDENT RE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
24 March 2020
Dear Board of Directors, Chamber Members, and Plant City Community:
I am writing today as our community faces an unprecedented challenge. I have no doubt that you’ve been inundated with information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its affect on us on a local, state, national, and
...read more
Categories: General News Article, Press Release
Monday, March 23, 2020
Webinar: The State of Business with COVID-19
Thursday, March 26th | 11am
Click here to register
This webinar will feature 4 panelists and a moderator to look at the impact on business from COVID-19. It will share the different ways that businesses can respond/adapt, as well as resources that are available, and things they should know about HR and employment efforts. Space is limited,
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Monday, March 23, 2020
Dear valued members, thanks to our partnership with the South Tampa Chamber, you are being invited to participate in a special virtual learning opportunity.How to Successfully Work & Lead RemotelyIn this webinar you will learn:-Strategies for set up-Habits to follow-DOs & DON’TsTime will be given for Q&A.
Presenter: Debbie Lundberg, Presenting Powerfully by Debbie Lundberg
Debbie Lundberg
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Friday, March 20, 2020
(click image to download a printable version)
Categories: Education, Press Release, General News Article
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Click here to read the latest Health Insurance Coverage Updates amid COVID-19
Categories: General News Article
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Plant City we're here to support you.
Our staff have been on the phones with our restaurant members confirming those who are offering curbside/to go/take out options. Below you will find detailed information about our member restaurants and the ways they are serving our community through this uncertain time. Please share & help spread the word! This information is current as of 03/18/2020 at
...read more
Categories: Press Release, General News Article
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
17 March 2020Plant City, FL
Re: COVID-19 + Resources for your Business
We have no doubt that you've received a lot of information in the past few weeks regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are a couple of resources for your business as we navigate this uncertain time. Please know that your Chamber team has been working diligently on your behalf and we will continue to share
...read more
Categories: Economic, Press Release, General News Article
Monday, July 13, 2020Hillsborough County’s R3 Program for Small Businesses Now Open Countywide Hillsborough County, Fla. (July 10, 2020) – As Hillsborough County’s small businesses redesign their spaces and even redefine their business models to confront the disruption caused by COVID-19, Hillsborough is offering financial relief to help business owners restart their ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, General News ArticleWednesday, July 01, 2020Hillsborough County's Emergency Policy Group (EPG) enacted an order requiring that face coverings be worn inside businesses open to the public. The order applies to everyone, including customers and employees, inside businesses where social distancing cannot be maintained, with some exceptions. A full list of exemptions can be found within the order, and a list of frequently asked questions is ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleWednesday, June 17, 2020Hillsborough County Small Businesses Can Use R3 Program to Apply for Grant Funding Hillsborough County, Fla. (June 17, 2020) –Small business owners across Hillsborough County who have been financially affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic soon will be able to apply for $100 million in relief grants that aim to help get business back up and running ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseTuesday, June 16, 2020To download the Back to Business toolkit for Hillsborough County businesses to safely reopen, please Click HereCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseThursday, May 28, 2020Payroll Protection Program UpdatesLate last week, rulemaking on the loan forgiveness provisions were released. Initial businesses that received the Paycheck Protection Program funding can soon apply for loan forgiveness and the loan forgiveness application is now live. Also, check out the U.S. Chamber’s PPP Guide to Forgiveness by clicking here. The latest data shows that the U.S. Small Business ...read moreCategories: Chamber Connections, Press Release, General News ArticleFriday, May 15, 2020UPDATE: Florida’s Full Phase 1 begins Monday, May 18th as we continue to implement the Safe Smart Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery. You can view the full powerpoint slides from the Governor's presentation here. Restaurants may go to 50% capacity with continued social distancing and/or physical partitions Retail may go to 50% capacity with continued social distancing and CDC ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press Release, Chamber ConnectionsFriday, May 08, 2020For Immediate Release Media Contact: Chris Wilkerson Communications & Digital Media (813) 728-1447 (mobile) Hillsborough County Allocates CARES Act Funding to Life Safety and Economic Development Hillsborough County, Fla. (May 6, 2020) – The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners voted Wednesday to allocate about ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseMonday, May 04, 2020SBA is now accepting #COVID19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance applications for agricultural small businesses on a limited basis. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen today as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL loan application through the streamlined ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseThursday, April 30, 2020Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 20-112 regarding Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Phase 1 will begin Monday, May 4th. A PDF copy of Executive Order 20-112 is available hereQ&A provided by the Governor's Office can be found hereWatch the full Press Conference hereView the presentation hereGovernor’s COVID-19 Resources Webpage Toplines for ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseWednesday, April 29, 2020For Immediate ReleaseMedia Contact:Chris WilkersonCommunications & Digital MediaPhone (813) 728-1447Hillsborough Residents Can Apply Online for Recovery Funds Applications can now be made online or by phone Hillsborough County, Fla. (April 29, 2020) – Hillsborough County is now accepting online applications for Rapid Response Recovery Program (R3) funds to assist in paying utility ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseTuesday, April 28, 2020For Immediate Release Contact: Tanya Arja Office of Communications 813-272-4060 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TEAMS UP FOR STORYTIME ONLINE (April 27, 2020) TAMPA – Many young students enjoy listening to an adult read a book, especially when that adult immerses the listener into the pages and characters in such a way that encourages imagination, ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseTuesday, April 21, 2020Hillsborough County is now providing FREE COVID-19 testing in the local community through the Community Resource Center. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. If you are interested in being tested please contact (813) 272-5900 to register for an appointment. Plant City Community Resource CenterHealthy Living Fitness Center307 N. Michigan Ave. Plant City, FL 33566Categories: General News Article, Press ReleaseThursday, April 16, 2020***ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS!*** Plant City is one of the zip codes that qualifies for the Save Small Business Fund, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Many small businesses in Plant City may qualify for this grant opportunity.TO QUALIFY YOU MUST:- Employ between 3 and 20 people- Be located in an economically vulnerable community (Plant City qualifies)- Have been harmed ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseWednesday, April 15, 2020On Thursday, April 16, 2020 the Hillsborough County EPG (Emergency Policy Group) will be voting on a motion that would require all residents of Hillsborough County to wear a mask when conducting essential business or visiting an essential business. Many businesses that are deemed essential services will be impacted by this decision. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is encouraging our ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleWednesday, April 15, 2020Hillsborough County has opened two drive-thru services at libraries offering unemployment forms for those without printer access. The locations are set up at Jan Kaminis Platt Regional Library at 3910 S. Manhattan Avenue and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library at 2902 W. Bearss Avenue. Once you fill out the form, you can drop them off at either drive-through and the library staff will mail ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseTuesday, April 07, 2020BBB COVID-19 Resources Our office is closed to the public, but BBB services continue! Better Business Bureau serving West Florida (239) 334-4648 (800) 525-1447 (727) 535-5522info@bbbwestflorida.orgwww.bbb.org/westflorida Better Business Bureau has seen an increase in complaints and customer reviews that mention the virus. As we knew would be the case, the virus is having a radical ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseThursday, April 02, 2020This Order is effective 12:01 am on April 3, 2020. This Order shall expire on April 30, 2020 unless extended by subsequent order. Based on guidance provided by the Florida Surgeon General and the State Health Officer, all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside their home only to those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleThursday, April 02, 2020We would like to provide you with some information regarding the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which will provide relief to small businesses around Florida and the U.S.Click here to view a one page overview of the PPPFAQ sheet for small businesses who may be interested in participating Below is additional information from the U.S. Treasury Department and links to both Paycheck Protection ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleTuesday, March 31, 2020For Immediate Release Contact: Tanya Arja Office of Communications 813-272-4060 State Leaders Extend School Closures Across the State Through May 1 Tampa, Fla. – (March 30, 2020) – Following guidance from the Florida Department of Health and the CDC, state leaders announce school closures across the state are now extended through May 1. Here is what this closure ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseMonday, March 30, 2020The US Chamber of Commerce just released a guide to available funding based on the latest bills to pass Congress. It can be found HEREAs you consider the best possible options for your business moving forward, we encourage you to make an appointment with our local SBDC. They will discuss the best possible programs available to you based on the effects of COVID-19 on your business. You can contact ...read moreCategories: General News ArticleFriday, March 27, 2020The U.S. Small Business Administration South Florida District Office will host virtual office hours to answer questions about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. In addition to the virtual office hours, the District Office will also be hosting webinars twice daily to help small businesses navigate the disaster loan application. Details about the webinars coming soon! In the ...read moreCategories: General News ArticleFriday, March 27, 2020Applications must be submitted via online or by mail Due to the widespread impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the application process for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program changed this week. Effective immediately, eligible small businesses interested in applying for the Bridge Loan program, a short-term loan designed to help business owners bridge the gap between ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseFriday, March 27, 2020COVID-19 and Workers Compensation: What You Need to Know - Frequently Asked Questions By NCCI InsightsClick here for details March 26, 2020 NCCI has received numerous questions in the last few weeks regarding COVID-19 and the impact it may have on the workers compensation industry. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are intended to be the start of a series of responses that will address ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseFriday, March 27, 2020FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TECO COMPANIES DONATE $1 MILLION TO CHARITIES TO HELP DURING PANDEMICShare program will be able to help thousands of customers Tampa, Fla. (March 26, 2020) – To help the community during this unprecedented time of uncertainty, Tampa Electric and TECO Peoples Gas are donating $1 million to local charities that will benefit people financially affected by the pandemic.The ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseThursday, March 26, 2020WE ARE HERE FOR YOU To serve and strengthen our community. The YMCAs of Tampa Bay are offering all-day youth relief care for essential workers at 21 Y locations to help support the children of healthcare and emergency response professionals who are playing important roles combating the coronavirus. Our Y staff will intentionally teach and encourage good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and ...read moreCategories: General News ArticleTuesday, March 24, 2020A MESSAGE FROM YOUR CHAMBER PRESIDENT RE: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) 24 March 2020 Dear Board of Directors, Chamber Members, and Plant City Community: I am writing today as our community faces an unprecedented challenge. I have no doubt that you’ve been inundated with information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its affect on us on a local, state, national, and ...read moreCategories: General News Article, Press ReleaseMonday, March 23, 2020Webinar: The State of Business with COVID-19 Thursday, March 26th | 11am Click here to register This webinar will feature 4 panelists and a moderator to look at the impact on business from COVID-19. It will share the different ways that businesses can respond/adapt, as well as resources that are available, and things they should know about HR and employment efforts. Space is limited, ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleMonday, March 23, 2020Dear valued members, thanks to our partnership with the South Tampa Chamber, you are being invited to participate in a special virtual learning opportunity.How to Successfully Work & Lead RemotelyIn this webinar you will learn:-Strategies for set up-Habits to follow-DOs & DON’TsTime will be given for Q&A. Presenter: Debbie Lundberg, Presenting Powerfully by Debbie Lundberg Debbie Lundberg ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleFriday, March 20, 2020(click image to download a printable version)Categories: Education, Press Release, General News ArticleThursday, March 19, 2020Click here to read the latest Health Insurance Coverage Updates amid COVID-19Categories: General News ArticleWednesday, March 18, 2020Plant City we're here to support you. Our staff have been on the phones with our restaurant members confirming those who are offering curbside/to go/take out options. Below you will find detailed information about our member restaurants and the ways they are serving our community through this uncertain time. Please share & help spread the word! This information is current as of 03/18/2020 at ...read moreCategories: Press Release, General News ArticleTuesday, March 17, 202017 March 2020Plant City, FL Re: COVID-19 + Resources for your Business We have no doubt that you've received a lot of information in the past few weeks regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Below are a couple of resources for your business as we navigate this uncertain time. Please know that your Chamber team has been working diligently on your behalf and we will continue to share ...read moreCategories: Economic, Press Release, General News Article