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2020-04-29 Economic Recovery ForumEconomic Recovery Forum April 29, 2020 3:02 p.m. Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper (remotely), County Manager Erik Martin, Sheriff Rob Snaza, Steve Wohld, Josh Metcalf, Sen. John Braun (remotely), Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser (remotely), Centralia Mayor Sue Luond (remotely), Pe Ell Mayor Lonnie Willey (remotely), Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh, Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen (remotely), Napavine Police Chief Chris Salyers (remotely), Scott Haas (remotely), Norton Sweet (remotely), Megan Fiess (remotely), Larry McGee (remotely), Alicia Bull (remotely), Annalee Tobey (remotely), Debbie Campbell (remotely), Eric Sonneberg (remotely), Frank Corbin (remotely), Gary Fredricks (remotely), Heather Pinkerton (remotely), JP Anderson (remotely), Jill Anderson (remotely), Amber Smith (remotely), Suzette Smith (remotely), Celeste Dimichina (remotely), and various other members of the public and press (remotely), Candy Hallom Recorder: Rieva Lester Employment Security Department Regional Director Scott Haas and Thurston County Chamber Project Manager Megan Fiess said they can field questions about employment claims. Megan Fiess shared details about www.pacmtn.org. She reviewed tools available there, such as WorkSource Virtual Services, which includes information regarding the following: • Workforce planning • Labor market details • Worker training • Small Business Administration loans • COVID-19 pandemic response • Tax incentives • Layoff aversion / assistance • Unemployment filing for self-employed workers • Filing claims • Job searches Megan said the WorkSource page also includes information about: • Reopening tools • US Chamber • Employment Security • WorkSource services • Examples of Thurston County’s approach • Regional economic development contacts • Resource lists Megan discussed toolkits available for businesses such as salons, which Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser asked about specifically. Sheriff Rob Snaza asked Alicia Bull what is being done with businesses already shuttered in response to the pandemic. Alicia said the Chehalis-Centralia Chamber is directing businesses to available grants, loans and other resources. She discussed work to create a mobile service. Commissioner Fund discussed e-commerce grants available. Sheriff Snaza thanked Alicia and the Chamber of Commerce for their donations. Commissioner Jackson said he has spoken to an area business owner who received Small Business Administration loans. Alicia Bull said Commerce is working to turn the loans into grants. She and Commissioner Jackson discussed how a large percentage of the loans small businesses receive will go to cover employee wages. Annalee Tobey discussed what area businesses should do, including making sure their websites and Facebook pages are current and up to date. Commissioner Jackson left at 4:05 p.m. The group discussed the challenges employers face in regards to getting employees to return to work, especially if unemployment is providing financial support that some may see as more lucrative than what their jobs pay. Annalee Tobey discussed work being done to create back-to-work toolkits. Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser and Erik Martin discussed the need to shift the focus to business size and / or a business’s ability to follow the CDC guidelines instead of identifying businesses as “essential” or “nonessential.” Sheriff Snaza said 21 out of the state’s 39 counties have 50 or fewer confirmed COVID-19 cases. He stressed the need for the governor to stop using a one-size-fits-all decision-making authority and to stop labeling businesses as “essential” or “nonessential” and to instead base decisions on entities’ level of preparedness / response. Sheriff Snaza said the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office will respond on a case-by- case basis to educate the public about the Stay Home order. He noted that Lewis County is losing 25 percent to 35 percent of its businesses when only .03 percent of its citizens have tested positive for COVID-19. Sheriff Snaza said there are concerns about spousal abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, child abuse and mental health issues as the statewide shutdown drags on beyond six weeks. Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson discussed her concerns about the long-term impacts of the pandemic. Dr. Lindsey Pollock said a USDA food inspector is offering local inspections, which will help with the local supply chain. Meeting adjourned at 4:26 p.m.