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2020-05-20 Economic Recovery ForumEconomic Recovery Forum May 20, 2020 1 p.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely), Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson (remotely), County Manager Erik Martin, Sen. John Braun (remotely), Becky Butler, Tamara Hayes, Steve Wohld, Amber Smith, Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser (remotely), Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes (remotely), Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh (remotely), Larry McGee (remotely), Peter Lahmann (remotely), Cathy Kane (remotely), Mary Kay Nelson (remotely), Annalee Tobey (remotely), Cynthia Swift (remotely), Matt Matayoshi (remotely), LaVerne Haslett (remotely), Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen (remotely), Alicia Bull (remotely), Teri Zambon (remotely), David Woodrum (remotely), Matt Matayoshi (remotely), Lara McRea (remotely), Colton Dodgson (remotely), Frank Corbin (remotely), Candy Hallom, various members of the public and press (remotely) Recorder: Rieva Lester Erik Martin said the Governor’s Office on May 19 outlined the steps through which Lewis County and others could apply for a variance to move to Phase 2. He said Lewis County is working on its application. Erik said Lewis County received word earlier in the day that the Coronavirus Relief Fund grant is now available. Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes said he has submitted a letter of support regarding the county’s application for a variance to move to Phase 2. Toledo Mayor Steve Dobosh said he supports the county’s efforts to move to Phase 2. Centralia Mayor Sue Luond supported the move to apply for a Phase 2 variance. Mayor Dan Mortensen said Morton has signed a letter of support as well. Napavine City Councilwoman LaVerne Haslett said the mayor indicated he had received the letter and planned to sign it. Annalee Tobey said the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team (CCRT) has identified grant recipients and is now distributing the funding. She said Chehalis Fest has been canceled. Teri Zambon said Centralia Downtown Association (CDA) is looking at increasing grant amounts retroactively and will have a couple of grants left. She noted that online sales are going to become necessary for a business’s survival. She noted that grants remain available for one-on-one business coaching. Cynthia Swift said the East Lewis County Chamber of Commerce said the Chamber will be reaching out to businesses that are already open to identify business needs. Cynthia said she also is working on a list of free or inexpensive help for area businesses. Alicia Bull said the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce discussed a scholarship event planned to recognize area graduates. Alicia said no decision has been made regarding the Hub City Car Show. Alicia said the Lewis County Business Recovery Center recently went live. She said the help line will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. She said only the Chamber has contributed money toward the Lewis County Business Recovery Center thus far. Alicia said 400 businesses have closed since the shelter in place order was issued. Erik Martin said 400 businesses have pulled their personal property listings so far in 2020. He said there are 900 businesses that have not yet filed their personal property listings. Erik said there are 4,000 businesses that file the personal property listings and that the Assessor’s Office indicated 100 businesses typically pull those annually. Toledo Mayor Dobosh discussed closures in Toledo. He said the parks are now open. Mossyrock Mayor Randy Sasser said the city is working to hold some kind of event in August. Debbie Campbell said United Way has raised $200,000 since March. She discussed essential items the United Way has purchased. Amber Smith joined at 1:36 p.m. Morton Mayor Dan Mortensen said the Morton Loggers Jubilee has been canceled. Budget Services Manager outlined the proposed management plan for Lewis County’s portion of the Coronavirus Relief Fund. She said Tamara Hayes, Steve Wohld and JP Anderson are helping oversee the funding distribution. She said the EDC, the Treasurer’s Office and Larry McGee will also help identify how to best distribute the $4.3 million allocated for use in Lewis County. Erik Martin encouraged the board to review the information Becky provided and to think about the following prior to meeting during a May 26 workshop: • Who the board wants to see receive and / or distribute the funding • What does the board want the funding to pay for • How does the county want it to be used • When does the board want the funds distributed (right away or closer to Phase III) Becky said the county already has spent roughly $600,000 in response to COVID-19. She said the bulk of that is tied to salaries. Matt Matayoshi discussed efforts the Economic Development Council is working on, including virtual help. Mary Kay Nelson discussed the concerns area parks have regarding rest rooms. She encouraged listeners to visit the “Recreate Responsibly” website. Tamara Hayes said the Lewis County Together page includes a link to the Recreate Responsibly site. Annalee Tobey discussed the CRRT’s business toolkit has had 1,700 views. Meeting ended at 2 p.m.