Chamber Coffees

In a spirit of optimism we will start booking Chamber Coffees starting in March. If events warrant, we will reschedule as necessary.  Get your reservation in.

US Small Business Administration Covid Information. This is a good place to start if you have a small business.

Iowa Economic Development Covid Resources

SBDC counselors are your first stop for navigating through the COVID-19 crisis. SBDC offers one-on-one counseling that can be done through zoom (skype or hangout) meetings or phone conference calls. We can help you through loan application process or other business issues that this crisis is causing including distribution, sales, buying, marketing, HR Issues and more.

OSHA Guidance on preparing your workplace for COVID

Priority and Action Items

Resources . . .

Small Business? Here are your options. (click above or links below)

• Paycheck Protection Program This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. • EIDL Loan Advance This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. • SBA Express Bridge Loans Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. • SBA Debt Relief The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Save Small Business Fund is a $5,000 grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for mall employers in the United States and its territories.

Greg Thompson – Employee of the Month On behalf of Total Motors we would like to honor Greg Thompson as the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce December 2020 Employee of the Month.  In the month of August, Greg marked his 20th year of selling vehicles.  However, Greg would likely describe those 20 years as more than just selling cars, it has been 20 years of building relationships, helping friends & family, watching families grow, and being there for others during their best and worst life situations. Throughout the working day, Greg is either seen with customers in person or over the phone. If you see a phone call come in from Greg it is likely to see how you are doing or to wish you a happy birthday.   Total Motors is fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working employee like Greg Thompson. Greg works 6 days a week and is always the last one at work on a nightly basis. Greg has not had the easiest road in the last several years, as he has battled cancer and other health concerns. However, Greg’s relentlessness and determination will not allow him to take a day off unless it is necessary. It is evident what means the most to Greg in his life, and that is his family and his support system. Greg might not show it, but when you hear him talk about his family, you can tell they share a special place in his heart and give him the drive to do what he does best. To add further, Greg’s daughter, Angela Wurth, wrote: “Growing up, my dad always pushed my brother and I to be the best we could be.  He is one of the strongest, most hard-working, dedicated people I know, and I am proud to be his daughter. During sports, we could always hear him in the stands cheering “ACE”, which he taught us to mean “Attitude, Confidence & Effort”. He has now passed that phrase down to his grandchildren as something to live by.   Our world was rattled back in 2012, when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but even that did not slow him down. He continued to work through chemo and radiation treatments, only missing a few months after some major surgeries and having to stay home to recuperate. He rarely takes any days off, except for doctor appointments or check-ups. Even through all of that, he never complained and kept on keepin’ on. He does not like to draw attention to himself, so, sorry, dad, if you are upset about this now, but you deserve it!   He always goes above & beyond, no matter what, and takes pride in supporting businesses in town and shopping local. He loves what he does and told me once that he still gets that thrill after each sale. He appreciates and is thankful for all his customers over the last 20 years. We are so proud of you dad and the great example you have been to us and your community!  We love you! “ Greg is a very deserving candidate for this award. We are fortunate to have Greg on the Total team and fortunate to be a witness of his work ethic and his passion to help customers through the years. For these reasons we choose to salute Greg Thompson with the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce December Employee of the Month award.  Congratulations!

• Phillip’s Learning Design LLC 1346 2nd Av SW  703.944.5484

• Beyond Chiropractic 19 Lincoln St SE  Ph: 712.541.6663

• St. John’s Lutheran Church

• Adam Schroeder

Find a wealth of educational opportunity at the Iowa State Extension