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Apr 02SBDC SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RESOURCES
Media Contact: Judy Wilhelm, Small Business Development Center @ TTUjudy.wilhelm@ttu.edu (806) 745-3973SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 RESOURCES From Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center (NWT SBDC) @ Texas Tech University coordinates the Hub City Small Business Triage 1-800 number to help! Information for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through Small Business Administration (SBA) LUBBOCK, TX (March 30, 2020) – Texas Tech University’s Northwest Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is
Apr 01Go Blue Lubbock Promotes Child Abuse Prevention
LUBBOCK, TX – Amid new concerns about child abuse, the Go Blue Lubbock campaign, held every April as a part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, stresses the importance of protecting children and preventing child abuse on the South Plains.With added pressures brought on by health concerns, job insecurity, financial strain, and other effects of the crisis, children are at greater risk as parents and caregivers struggle to cope. In addition, with schools closed, educators have less access to children and
Apr 01U.S. Department Of Labor Announces New Paid Sick Leave And Expanded Family and Medical Leave Implem
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Helps Americans Overcome COVID-19 Workplace Challenges WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The department’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary rule issuing
Mar 30Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans to Small Businesses will be Available as Early as April 3
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced that beginning as early as Fri., April 3, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, any and all FDIC lending institutions, credit unions and other approved lenders will be authorized to make 100% federally guaranteed Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans to small businesses with 500 employees or less. These loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. For Lubbock
Mar 28U.S. Department Of Labor Adds To Guidance for Workers and Employers Explaining Paid Sick Leave and E
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) published more guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it goes into effect on April 1, 2020. The latest round of guidance includes questions and answers addressing critical issues such as the definition of a “health care provider,” and the scope of the small
Mar 25U.S. DOL Invites Stakeholders to a National Online Dialogue on Paid Family and Medical Leave and Pai
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is hosting a national online dialogue, Providing Expanded Family and Medical Leave to Employees Affected by COVID-19, to help employers and workers understand their responsibilities and rights, respectively, under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). On March 18, 2020, the President signed into law the FFCRA, requiring certain employers to provide employees with paid family and medical leave or paid sick leave for specified reasons in response
Mar 25Lubbock Chamber Launches LBK Local Challenge
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced today the launch of its LBK Local Challenge campaign. The campaign encourages participation on social media from individuals and businesses alike to support staying, shopping and spending locally while practicing social distancing. LBK Local Challenge Rules: Post a photo to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter showing how you support local small business and tag three friends to do the same.Use the verbiage “I support (name of business)” and the
Mar 22Lubbock Chamber Continues to Update COVID-19 Information and Resource Center
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is continuing to update its COVID-19 Information and Resource Center at http://www.lubbockchamber.com/covid-19-info-resources with news, tools and information about assistance for local businesses and the community at large. First launched in early March, the Resource Center has regularly posted breaking updates, Small Business Administration (SBA) funding assistance information for local businesses, information from City, State and Federal government,
Mar 20Governor Abbott Announces Approval Of Emergency Designation For Small Business Disaster Loans
March 20, 2020 - Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has included the entire state of Texas in its Economic Injury Disaster Declaration and granted access to its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which will provide long-term, low-interest loans to qualifying businesses across the state. "Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy and they need all the help they can get as the ripple effects of COVID-19 impact their everyday
Mar 19Canceled Blood Drives, Coronavirus Fears Severely Impact Blood Supply FEMA Identifies Blood Donation
March 19, 2020 - Coronavirus responses have severely impacted the U.S. blood supply as Vitalant and other blood centers across the country are struggling to maintain stable inventories and avoid a critical blood shortage. With school closures and workers at home, 25% of Vitalant’s blood collections anticipated in March have disappeared—almost overnight. And that number continues to grow. Through the end of June, Vitalant—the nation’s second-largest blood collector—has had over 1,400 blood drives canceled,
Mar 18Statement from Rosa's Cafe on Positive COVID-19 Customer
(FORT WORTH, TX.) Rosa’s Cafe has confirmed that an individual who had previously been exposed to the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, recently visited the Rosa’s Cafe location at 4th and Quaker in Lubbock, Texas. While the restaurant employees and management team at this location had implemented more stringent, company-wide regulations and safe-handling practices to deter the spread of the disease prior to the incident, the individual was the last customer to visit and leave the restaurant Sunday
Mar 16CITY OF LUBBOCK UTILITIES SUSPENDS ELECTRIC AND WATER DISCONNECTIONS
LUBBOCK (March 16, 2020) – The City of Lubbock is committed to the health and safety of our community. Following the Lubbock City Council’s action this evening to declare a public health disaster, City of Lubbock Utilities will suspend utility service disconnects for non-payment to assist customers who may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 or its economic impacts. The action goes into effect immediately until further notice. “The City of Lubbock is first and foremost committed to the
Mar 16Altice USA Brings Free Broadband to K-12 and College Students During Coronavirus Pandemic
March 13, 2020 - In response to the COVID-19/coronavirus pandemic, Altice USA has taken several steps to ensure that Americans within the communities we serve have reliable access to high-speed broadband connectivity to keep them connected to the people, information, and resources they rely on. Altice USA is committed to helping schools and students stay connected during this unprecedented time. For households with K-12 and/or college students who may be displaced due to school closures and who do not
Mar 05Lubbock Uncorked to Celebrate Grape-Growing and Wine-Making on the Texas High Plains
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host its Lubbock Uncorked wine festival presented by Market Street on Sat., April 18 from 1–7 p.m. at the American Windmill Museum. Those who attend Lubbock Uncorked will get to taste wine made from grapes grown on the high plains, along with tastings offered by wineries from all over the state. A variety of food trucks and restaurants will be onsite, and a great lineup of local entertainment will also highlight the festival. Attendees can purchase
Feb 11Lubbock Chamber Receives Communications Award
LUBBOCK, Texas – Late last week representatives from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce attended the Western Association of Chamber Executives (W.A.C.E.) conference in Portland, Oregon and was recognized with a first-place award for its “The Lubbock Chamber is…” video. The video was produced by local boutique advertising agency, DesignEnvy, and launched this past August as part of the Lubbock Chamber’s Brand Realignment Campaign intended to enhance the Chamber’s image to better articulate its purpose,
Jan 16Lubbock Chamber Announces 2020 Board Administration and Directors
LUBBOCK, Texas – Gabe Vitela, One Guy from Italy – 50th St., to lead the 2020 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Vitela was born and raised in Lubbock and attributes his positive attitude, determination, and strong work ethic to his parents. He has been involved in the Lubbock area business community since 1996. He first started his career in the restaurant industry as a busboy and server, working his way up from lead bartender, to corporate trainer, and then up to management. In 2007, he
Nov 08Lubbock Chamber Again Accredited at Highest 5-Star Level
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced today that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Lubbock Chamber with the Five-Star Accredited designation, the highest such designation in the Chamber industry. “Each day, our Chamber works hard to put the American dream within reach of hardworking Lubbock business owners. The U.S. Chamber Accreditation designation tells chamber members and the Lubbock business community that we have effective programs, sound finances and we are strong
Oct 10LUBBOCK Chamber Announces 2019 Hub City BBQ Winners
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Hub City BBQ Cookoff, presented by Escondido Ranch, awarded local businesses with awards for best BBQ in the Hub City on Thurs., Oct. 10. There were 70teams that entered the competition, which included Bloody Mary, Beans, Mystery (Bacon), Ribs, Brisket, and Dessert. The Hub City BBQ Cookoff is at the South Plains Fairgrounds and gates open at 5 p.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase at the gate for $30. Children six through 10 are
Oct 07Sail the South of France with the Lubbock Chamber
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will be embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic sail through the South of France during an exclusive 10-day cruise available to Chamber members and their family and friends. Participants will get to experience the beautiful sights of the Rhône and Saône rivers while aboard the brand-new Amadeus Provence, set to depart from Lyon on October 13, 2020. Over the next 10 days, travelers will experience first-hand the fascinating history
Oct 03Congratulations to the 2020 Leadership Lubbock Class
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 2020 Leadership Lubbock class. The new class will meet in January with a full-day orientation. The Leadership Lubbock program, established in 1975, has graduated over 1,800 men and women with the majority of those graduates currently residing in the Lubbock area. This program provides outstanding learning opportunities in an atmosphere that stimulates participants to work together, utilizing both innovative and proven tools to
Dec 12Lubbock Chamber Applauds 2018 Farm Bill Passage
LUBBOCK, Texas – Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cory Powell responds in a statement below regarding the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Cory Powell, Lubbock Chamber Chairman: The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce applauds the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate for passing the 2018 Farm Bill, formally titled the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. The Chamber appreciates House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, Congressman Jodey Arrington, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz for
Nov 13Chamber Cheers Victory for Small Business and First Amendment Rights
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce final victory for small business and the First Amendment of the Constitution in its landmark case against changes to the United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) “Persuader Rule.” In 2016, the United States District Court in Lubbock granted summary judgment and a nationwide permanent injunction against the Obama Administration’s “Persuader Rule” Department of Labor promulgated regulations, calling it “defective to its core.” On
Dec 20Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Final Bill
LUBBOCK, Texas – The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has long advocated for comprehensive tax reform, and last month signed a nationwide letter to Congress along with almost 300 other state and local chambers of commerce urging comprehensive reform. It has been 31 years since Congress last passed a major overhaul of the tax code and this final bill took a major compromise from both houses of Congress. In recent years, the Chamber advocated and settled for piecemeal fixes or tweaks, such as the Section 179
Oct 12Chamber Applauds President’s Executive Order for More Affordability and Flexibility for Job Creators
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce applauds President Donald Trump’s action today issuing an Executive Order that could potentially allow more affordability and flexibility for job creators who offer health insurance to their employees. We are especially encouraged that the Order centers on allowing small businesses to band together and pool their purchasing power, much like the award-winning Lubbock Chamber Employer Health Plan established in 2006 that the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce has employed for its
Aug 31Lubbock Chamber Board Passes Unanimous Support for City Public Safety Improvements Project
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors today (Thursday, August 31) unanimously voted to support the recently proposed City of Lubbock Public Safety Improvements Project. In late July and early August, the Public Safety Improvements Project findings of the City of Lubbock Facilities Committee were presented to the City Council. The proposed improvements include three police substations in north, east and south Lubbock, a new downtown police headquarters, a municipal court building and a police
May 24Chamber Expresses Concerns for Proposed Cuts to Ag in President’s Budget
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce sent letters to Capitol Hill to express its concerns about cuts to agriculture in President Trump’s FY2018 Budget Proposal. “These cuts would be detrimental to the thousands of family farmers in the Lubbock area,” said Eddie McBride, Chamber President/CEO. “The Chamber is well aware of the economic challenges agriculture and allied industries in this area face, which will soon translate to challenges for the many and diverse job creators the Chamber represents as well as
Apr 26Chamber Cheers Regulatory Accountability Act Introduced in U.S. Senate
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce is cheering the Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) that was introduced in the U.S. Senate with bipartisan support from Senators Rob Portman (OH) and Heidi Heitkamp (ND). The introduction of the RAA is a huge step forward in making regulatory reform a reality in the 115th Congress. “The business community asked the U.S. Senate in February to take action to make regulatory reform a reality and they did just that today,” said Diannah Tatum, Lubbock Chamber
Nov 23Federal District Court Grants Preliminary Injunction Blocking U.S. DOL New Overtime Regulation Nationwide
The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce releases statement from Chairwoman Beth Bridges on the preliminary injunction blocking the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) new overtime regulation nationwide. Beth Bridges, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman: In a significant victory for job creators and employee flexibility and opportunity, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant issued a preliminary injunction on November 22 to block the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from enforcing costly and overreaching changes to
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