State preparing to move into Phase 3
CRMA in discussions with Governor to clarify how that will impact retailers
CRMA survey
PPP tax issue to keep an eye on
CRMA Golf Outing
News and notes from around the state
- Yesterday afternoon, Governor Lamont announced that the state would move to Phase 3 for certain industries beginning Oct 8th.
- The announcement to move from Phase 3 will impact restaurants, hair salons, barber shops and so-called personal service providers – they will be allowed to move from current 50% capacity levels to 75%, with the mandated masks and social distancing requirements remaining in place.
- Our friend and great reporter Ken Dixon of the CT Post has the story, including the Lamont quote on why he decided to make this move. You can go here to review that.
CRMA in discussions with Gov’s office
- Like all of you, we listened intently as the Governor made his announcement, and like you were unclear if the changes will apply to general retailers.
- So, we reached out to the Governor’s office initiating a conversation about how Phases 3 can extend to all retailers. We strongly encouraged the Governor’s team to move general retailers to Phase 3, especially given that we are about to enter the critical 4th quarter of the year.
- It is critical, however, that we provide the Governor’s folks with data that shows the importance to the industry of moving to Phase 3 – so we are make a special plea this week to have retailers participate in the brief survey we have below.
PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE CRMA SURVEY
- As we mentioned, we need to gather industry-specific information to provide to the Governor’s office on why general retailers need to move to Phase 3.
- The information we gather from the results of the survey are very important, so PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES AND COMPLETE THIS IMPORTANT SURVEY.
- You can go here to take the survey.
Important PPP news
- This week, we were alerted to a potentially important issue for many members who participated in the federal PPP program.
- There may be important tax implications that members need to be aware of – more specifically, some changes to the program that the IRS has made that will directly impact many members.
- Here is link to a recent CNBC story that outlines the issue which is raising concern.
- If you are concerned about this issue, we need to hear from you. CRMA will be participating in a roundtable discussion with Sen. Blumenthal later this month and will raise this issue with him.
- Please email us at tim@ctretailnetwork.com if the changes laid out in the PPP program will impact you.
CRMA Golf outing reminder
- We are a week closer to our annual Golf Outing, to be held on October 13, 2020 at the Wampanoag CC in West Hartford, CT.
- It’s not too late to register for this fun and important fundraiser for CRMA. We know it’s been a challenging year for members, but we ask that you please consider helping us this year.
- You can go here to register for the outing.
News and notes from around the State
- Connecticut’s travel advisory list of states continues to change, with states being added to and removed from the list. The latest update is here.
- The state Department of Public Health announced the start of influenza vaccination for the coming flu season. DPH has the latest information on locations.
- The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has issued a ruling that will extend the enrollment period for the COVID-19 Payment Program for non-residential and residential utility customers through November 1, 2020. There’s more information here.
- The State is expanding its Shared Work program, designed to allow employees to keep their jobs at a reduced schedule, keep their benefits, and file for partial unemployment benefits for the lost wages. Department of Labor has information here.
- Connecticut currently has 72 patients hospitalized with COVID-19; the total number of coronavirus-linked deaths is 4,499. Danbury experienced 82 cases from Sept. 13-19, the most of any Connecticut town or city, followed by Hartford (80 cases), Waterbury (62), New Britain (55), Stamford (49), Bridgeport (48) and Norwich (48), The Hartford Courant reported.