There are a number of things coming to a close as we enter these last long days of summer. Unemployment extended benefits and the PPP loan forgiveness deadline come immediately to mind, along with the end of school summer vacation.
Federal expanded unemployment benefits for Kansans will expire on September 6. That includes the $300 per week supplement, benefits for gig workers, and assistance for the long-term unemployed. One in four workers have relied on some form of unemployment assistance during the pandemic, according to a report by labor policy think tank The Century Foundation.
There may be a silver lining for employers in this ending: now is the time to beef up recruitment efforts, examine job requirements, and possibly re-think wages and benefits you offer. Looking at your own “Help Wanted” offerings, would you want to work for YOU? Here at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce, we can connect you with resources to help you impartially analyze your job openings and attract more qualified applicants.
Another ending that’s upon us right now is the loan forgiveness deadline for businesses that received Payroll Protection Program loans. Borrowers can apply for forgiveness after they have spent their PPP money on eligible expenses. If not all the loan money was used for eligible expenses, the rest must be repaid. For PPP loans issued after June 5, 2020, borrowers can take up to six months to spend the cash, and don’t have to start repaying the loan until ten months after the spending period ends. That puts the grace period ending date at the beginning of September 2021—right around the corner. Loan recipients are advised to apply for forgiveness before they must begin repayment. Contact the bank from which you obtained the loan for guidance.
And for parents of school children everywhere, a very large ending looms: the end of summer vacation. Here’s hoping everyone has made appropriate and adequate plans for child care as another very unusual school year commences in August. Still searching? Contact the Chamber for childcare resources around our community.
Speaking of education, please join the new president of Flint Hills Technical College, Dr. Caron Daugherty, for Coffee & Conversation at the Trusler Business Center, 719 Commercial St., on Thursday, August 5, at 9:00 a.m. The Emporia Chamber is proud to host Dr. Daugherty for this interesting and informative event. Bring your questions and join the conversation.
There are only a couple weeks left to submit applications for Leadership Emporia Academy. Application forms and scholarship forms are available on the Emporia Chamber website at www.emporiakschamber.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this premiere regional leadership learning experience.
The Emporia Chamber is pleased to announce our newest member, Laser Tech Services. Located downtown at 504 Commercial St., Laser Tech is celebrating the opening of their Emporia location by offering free samples of printer toner and ink to local businesses. Submit the following information to lasertech@onlasertech.com: company name, company contact name, contact email and telephone number, and printer model for free sample (brand and model number.)
It’s a great day in Emporia!
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“Let’s Talk Business” is a weekly column of the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visit Emporia. The mission of the Chamber is to be proactive in creating an environment for business and community success, guided by the vision that positive attitudes promote positive actions. Contact us at 620-342-1600 or chamber@emporiakschamber.org and visit our website at www.emporiakschamber.org.