Author: Steve

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3 FREE Grow With Google Webinars in October!

The Choteau Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Grow With Google and the Montana Small Business Development Center to bring you 3 webinars this month on October 7th, October 21st, and October 28th!

Space is limited, so please make sure to register for the webinars now!

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Steve

Connect with Customers and Manage Your Business Remotely

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3232757008984165391

Wed, Oct 7, 2020 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Discover Google tools that can help business owners work and manage their business during this time of uncertainty. Plus, get insights on more online and timely resources for small businesses. You’ll learn how to update critical business information online, how to keep customers informed and stay connected virtually, and how to access all of your important files from anywhere. Grow with Google international speaker and trainer, Corissa Saint Laurent will share these tips and Google tools to help your business grow and be successful during these times and into the future.

Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8054677347223747855

Wed, Oct 21, 2020 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn about Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses that want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. You’ll learn how to create or claim your Business Profile, manage your business information across Google Search and Maps, use Google My Business to connect with potential customers, and create a free website using the information from your Business Profile. Grow with Google international speaker and trainer, Corissa Saint Laurent will share all of this information and inspiration to grow your business through better digital marketing.

Make Better Business Decisions with Analytics

Wed, Oct 28, 2020 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn more advanced Google Analytics features like setting up goals and events to measure your website’s effectiveness, how to get a more in-depth view of your data through dimensions, analyze the trends in your business using segments, and how to get the most from your account by linking your Google tools. Join Corissa Saint Laurent, international Grow with Google speaker and trainer for this informative and engaging webinar and leave with a better understanding of how customers engage with your business online and how to turn these insights into well-informed, actionable decisions.

These webinars are brought to you by the Choteau Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Montana SBDC and Grow with Google.

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Reminder: Gov’s Directive Requires Masks

white ceramic sculpture with black face mask

This week Teton County has at least 4 active cases, which means under Governor Bullock’s directive people over the age of 5 need to wear masks when social distancing is not possible and for “businesses, government offices and other indoor spaces open to the public to ensure that employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, and other members of the public wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose while remaining inside these spaces.”

If you lost yours, the Choteau Chamber has designed an easy to print sign that you can put on your front door – get your mask sign downloaded and printed here!

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September 2020 Meeting Reminders

top view photo of people near wooden table

Just a reminder that in lieu of the September 2020 Membership meeting, the Chamber is hosting the Community Calendar Roundtable. Choteau-area business and organizations (even if they aren’t a member) are invited to send a representative to the Roundtable on Thursday, September 17th at the Choteau Country Club. We’ll be gathering at 5 pm.

Make sure to bring your organization’s calendar and important dates.

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Upcoming Webinars!

people looking at laptop computer

While having limited ability to get together in person, the COVID situation presents a lot of opportunities for learning and collaborating with others in communities similar to ours in the comfort of your home or office. I hope you’ll check out some of these webinars from all over rural America:

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Choteau Chamber of Commerce Awarded Montana Social Services Nonprofit Grant

We Got the Grant!

The Choteau Chamber of Commerce was awarded a Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Social Services Nonprofit Grants. The Chamber was notified that it was awarded a full $10,000 grant to backfill the lost revenue from the cancellation of the annual Brew Fest, normally held on the 3rd of July and the Pitchfork Fondue Steak Fry, normally held on the 4th of July.

A part of the $10,000 grant – $5,100 – was awarded to cover lost revenue due to the cancellation of the Choteau Fireworks Fundraiser in April. An additional $5,000 needs to be raised to cover next year’s fireworks show. Donations to support the Choteau Fireworks Fund can be made at the Chamber’s Choteau Fireworks Donation page.

The Choteau Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of individuals, farmers, ranchers, and businesses who band together to advance the commercial, agricultural, industrial, civic and general interest of the City of Choteau and its trade area, to improve the business environment and quality of life of our community.

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Montana COVID Grant Program Updates of Note

The Montana Business Adaptation Program provides reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses related to keeping staff and customers safe – from the purchase of personal protective equipment to resources needed for staff to work remotely. Eligible small business must be Montana-based, have incurred eligible adaptation expenses since March 1 due to COVID-19, and be in good standing with the Secretary of State or local tribal government. Nonprofit entities are eligible. Eligible expenses include costs related to communication, remote work equipment, cleaning supplies, tools to enhance social distancing and sanitation, travel and hotel costs related to quarantining workers. Total funding available is $20 million, the maximum reimbursement amount per business is $5,000. Note: The 50 employee cap has been removed from Business Adaptation

The Montana Business Stabilization Grant program will provide working capital for small businesses to support payroll, rent, accounts payable, debt service and expenses related to shifts in operations in order to retain existing businesses, retain current employees or retain business viability for future re-employment. Eligible small business must be Montana-based, employ 50 or less, have sustained a loss of revenue since Feb. 15 due to COVID 19, and be in good standing with the Secretary of State or local tribal government. Nonprofit entities are not eligible. Total funding available is $75 million, the maximum award amount per business is $10,000.

The Montana Innovation Grant program is intended to help companies scale up, improve capabilities, or drive expanded distribution of products or services developed in response to COVID-19. Projects should demonstrate significant impact in improving public health, safety, and economic impact. Eligible companies include non-profit and for-profit businesses of less than 150 employees that have created an innovative product or service intended to directly confront the COVID-19 emergency. Applicants must have primary operations based in Montana, be in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State and must not be debarred from receiving federal or state funds. Total funding available is $5 million with a maximum award amount of $25,000. Note: The deadline to apply for Montana Innovation is July 1, 2020.

The Social Service Nonprofit Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 per applicant are available for nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency to retain existing programs and services, employees, or organizational viability for provision of future services and operations. Eligible applicants are registered, Montana-based social service nonprofits that were operating prior to February 15, 2020. This includes senior services, housing services, transportation, public safety, energy assistance, economic development, job training, recreational services and tourism-related activities. Current funding available is $10 million.

Apply Here

The Montana Loan Deferment Program is facilitated by Montana banks, credit unions, and lending institutions in partnership with the State of Montana. Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) will be used to provide payments to participating lenders to convert existing commercial loans to interest only status, with the result being an existing borrower will be able to defer principal and interest payments on existing loans for a period of 6 to 12 months, thereby freeing up a significant amount of otherwise-dedicated capital for the borrower on a monthly basis. Governor Bullock is directing $125 million to the program with $25 million specifically dedicated to hotels and restaurants and the remaining $100 million dedicated to other eligible borrowers. Note: Interested businesses should apply for the loan program through their lender. Eligibility details are available at COVIDRELIEF.MT.GOV.

Transparency Dashboard Updated Weekly

The state of Montana has launched a dynamic dashboard that shows the Coronavirus Relief Fund grants that have been awarded to businesses and nonprofits. This dashboard will be updated weekly until all grant dollars have been expended.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

  • Montana COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-333-0461 or COVID19info@mt.gov
  • Montana Coronavirus task force: COVID19@MT.GOV
  • If you are a business owner and have questions related to the the phased approach to reopening and how the plan applies to you directly, please call 1-800-755-6672.
  • If your question relates to unemployment insurance/benefits, please contact the Department of Labor and Industry at 406-444-2545. If you think you are eligible for unemployment benefits accessible to workers laid off due to COVID-19, you can apply for benefits online at: www.montanaworks.gov or contact the Unemployment Insurance Division over the phone at 406-444-2545.
  • CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
  • Visit Montana: VISITMT.COM or 1-800-847-4868
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2020 Census June Update

More than $2 billion in federal funding is allocated to Montana each year based on Census data. Without a 100% count, Montana will lose $20,000 for every person missed and won’t have accurate data for the next decade. So it is important to keep up the effort across Montana to get every resident to self-respond.

Teton County doesn’t even crack the top 10 counties for percent returned:

Table
Image via Montana 2020 Census Newsletter

Call in Your Census Response!

Responding to the Census by phone is an option that could work quite well for many residents. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. A live person answers the phone and takes the callers response (after some brief automated information is first provided). Here are some quick facts:

  • To begin, call 844-330-2020 or  844-467-2020 TDD (Telephone Display Device)
  • Have your 12-digit Census ID number available
  • Full language support is provided for 59 non-English languages; go to the Census “Responding-by-phone” website for more information
  • Hours of Operation: 
    • English and Spanish language – 7 am to 2 am Eastern Time
    • Non-English and Non-Spanish language – 8 am to 10 pm Eastern Time
  • A callback option is available to better respond to requests during periods of high call volume. 

You Can Complete the 2020 Census Right Now!

Filling out the Census is quick, easy, and safe. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete and your information and privacy are protected by federal law. 

NO CENSUS ID? NO PROBLEM.

No Census ID No Problem

Even if you have not received your invitation to participate and do not have your 12-digit Census ID you can still fill out your form now!

The 2020 Census is available to fill out online at my2020census.gov.

Steps You Can Take to Ensure a Complete Count for Montana

  • Promote my2020census.gov and 1-844-330-2020 for people to fill out their Census form online or by phone. 
  • Post a picture with Census content on your social media to let your family, friends, and followers know that you were counted in the 2020 Census. Use the hashtags #MontanaCensus2020 #makeitcount 
  • Distribute the Montana public service announcements (PSA) on personal or business social media platforms, websites, newsletters, or other digital communication channels.
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New Sponsorship Opportunity Available

Choteau Chamber Brewfest Sponsorship image

COVID-19 has certainly changed the way we’re doing business this year, but it has created some new opportunities as well!

With the Brew Fest pushed back to Labor Day weekend the Chamber has a new sponsorship opportunity.

Sponsorship Includes:

  • Pre-event stage recognition
  • Media, electronic and print recognition – radio, newspaper/magazine ads, e-news, press releases, posters, social media,
  • Website & advertising recognition – website link on the Chamber website & social media
  • 2 Complimentary 2020 Brew Fest tickets