June 01
The US Federal Reserve released additional information this week on their new Main Street Lending Program, including answers to frequently asked questions. The loan program is aimed at supporting businesses with fewer than 15,000 employees that were in sound financial standing before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve is working on the necessary infrastructure to get the program up and running, with an anticipated rollout of early June.
May 27
Late last week, the US Small Business Administration released new guidance to assist businesses as they apply for forgiveness of loans issued under the Paycheck Protection Program.
The new guidance:
Click HERE to read the complete guidance from the SBA. In addition, new guidance was also issued for lenders, which can be found HERE.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Orion Laboratories is offering discounted virus testing to LABI member companies and their employees.
For more information or to schedule testing, call (225) 923-6070.
May 17
LABI's national partners at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC have launched an online reopening hub to provide businesses with guidance and information as they work to resume operations in wake of the COVID-19 crisis. The website includes both state-specific and industry sector-specific information, as well as tools such as a reopening playbook for small business and an employee screening questionnaire. To access the online resource hub, click HERE.
May 17
With Louisiana entering "Phase One" reopening today, the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance has released information to help guide regional businesses as they work to get back their operations back up. The information can be found on the Alliance SWLA website, and features guidelines for restaurants, retail, and general safety tips for other workplaces.
June 01
Wednesday, June 3 at 12:00 pm, the New Orleans Chamber will be hosting a webinar on the economic outlook for both the Greater New Orleans region and the state in wake of the COVID-19 crisis. Peter Ricchiuti, a business professor and local economist from Tulane University, will provide his expert analysis and answer questions from participants.
June 01
Wednesday, June 3 at 11:00 am, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber will be hosting a webinar on the current state of the oil & gas industry and its impact on both the economies of the state and the Capital Region. Panelists will include Dr. David Dismukes, Executive Director and Director of Policy Analysis for the Center for Energy Studies at LSU and Tyler Gray, President & General Counsel for Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association.
May 11
Last week, GNO, Inc. hosted a webinar to discuss their plans for restarting the Greater New Orleans economy and reopening businesses with responsible safety-first approach. During the webinar, GNO, Inc. staff, led by President and CEO Michael Hecht, delivered presentations and answered questions about their framework. To watch the webinar, click below. A copy of GNO, Inc's reopening plan can be accessed HERE.
May 11
Last week, the New Orleans Chamber hosted two webinars to discuss small business loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, including critical information that can ensure forgiveness. These conversations featured local experts who spoke about the loans at length and answered questions from participants. To watch both webinars on demand and view the accompanying Power Point Presentations, click below.
April 30
In order to provide more information to companies and their employees during the COVID-19 crisis, the Baton Rouge Area Chamber is hosting webinars to discuss topics such as health concerns for employees and customers, and turning your PPP loan into a grant.
To view BRAC's previous webinars and other resources for businesses, click HERE to visit their COVID-19 webpage.
May 27
LSU Online, the virtual learning branch of the university, has new opportunities available to help individuals and families as they work to rebuild in wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
To learn more about LSU Online, including details about admissions, programs, and benefits, visit their website.
May 18
With the national implications of the COVID-19 crisis, LABI's partners at the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, DC, have assembled resources to provide more information about what is happening on Capitol Hill as industry works to recover.
For more information from NAM on the HEROES Act, the proposal put forward by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressional Democrats, click HERE.
May 18
Yesterday, LABI's partners at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC released a national analysis of unemployment claims filed during the COVID-19 crisis. Their study found that Louisiana had the nation's eighth highest rate with 563,070 unemployment claims. That number means that 28.4 percent of the state's entire workforce has filed an unemployment claim since March 1, with the highest job losses in the retail, health and education services, and leisure and hospitality industries. To see the complete analysis from the US Chamber, click HERE.
May 17
Yesterday, Governor John Bel Edwards officially released his new proclamation and guidance as Louisiana moves into "Phase One" reopening. To read the Governor's full executive order, click HERE.
Under the new directives, businesses deemed essential by CISA can remain operational as they have throughout the pandemic. Businesses classified as non-essential - the "gray area" companies, can be open at 25 percent of their occupancy as determined by the State Fire Marshal.
Several categories of businesses previously closed under Governor Edwards' orders are allowed to reopen, but must adhere to the 25 percent occupancy rule and health and social distancing guidelines.
These businesses include:
Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops
Shopping malls
While not required, businesses are encouraged to register with the State Fire Marshal's Open Safely portal for the most up to date information and guidance. To see industry specific guidance from the State Fire Marshal, click HERE.
Governor John Bel Edwards' office announced via social media that he will be formally unveiling his new COVID-19 directives at a press conference tomorrow, May 11 at 2:30 pm. The Governor's new orders will take effect after the expiration of the current "Stay at Home" proclamation on Friday, May 15.
To watch Governor Edwards' announcement live tomorrow, click HERE.
June 01
The Monroe News-Star: Louisiana reports lowest daily coronavirus death toll since March
The Times-Pic: Virtual first day of school? Staggered schedules? Officials ponder start of 2020-21 school year
Politico: McConnell and Pelosi's next battle: How to help the 40 million unemployed
The Wall Street Journal: Fed’s Kaplan Says Strong Virus-Testing Regime Needed to Boost Confidence
May 17
With Louisiana entering "Phase One" reopening today, the Greater Shreveport and Bossier Chambers have partnered to publish a reopening guide for Northwest Louisiana businesses. The guide includes health information, tips on customer service, employee safety, and answers to frequently asked questions. To access the full reopening guide, click HERE.
May 11
Friday, the Public Affairs Research Council released a new study of COVID-19 data in the state, analyzing the trends and metrics across the Louisiana Department of Health's nine regions. PAR's report takes a look at information such as new cases, hospitalizations, and testing.
May 05
Today, the US Chamber's Institute for Legal Reform released the results of a survey that found the vast majority of Americans support enacting COVID-19 response related liability legislation. According to the poll, 61 percent of Americans are in favor of protecting businesses from opportunistic litigation stemming from the Coronavirus. The survey also touches on nationwide support for specific provisions and liability protections. To read the entire results of the poll, click HERE.
May 05
Today, LABI released policy recommendations to help protect the state’s job creators from the threat of excessive and frivolous lawsuits in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Right now, Louisiana’s economy is experiencing an unprecedented crisis,” said LABI President Stephen Waguespack. “As businesses start to recover, they should be able to focus on getting their employees back to work and opening their doors without living in constant fear of being sued.”
LABI’s recommendations include specific measures designed to prevent opportunistic lawsuits against essential infrastructure companies who have worked to comply with the COVID-19 guidance provided by government authorities. In addition, LABI suggests that the Legislature take action to protect healthcare facilities and their workers, first responders, and producers of PPE and other protective materials.
The recommendations also include addressing two persistent barriers to business growth, high auto insurance rates and coastal litigation, which have inflicted even greater financial hardship on Louisiana’s job creators during the pandemic.
Waguespack added: “The Legislature recognizes that COVID-19 is both an economic and a health crisis. Passing common sense legal reform and ending coastal lawsuits will put money back in the pockets of Louisianans as we work to rebuild our state’s shattered economy.”
Read Recommendations
April 30
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) today released policy recommendations to help stabilize public education and address the dire workforce needs facing our state as Louisiana phases out of the initial response to COVID-19.