LEAD Program Awarded $66,500 in Scholarships to 20 Local Students

WACO, Texas – This year, high school students in the Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) program were presented scholarships at home! Last week, the Greater Waco Chamber team as well as members of the LEAD committee caravanned to the houses of eight students who earned the top LEAD scholarships this year. Additionally, the other 12…

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COVID-19: Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act

Yesterday the U.S. Senate passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (H.R. 7010) and Governor Abbott released updated guidance in continuing to open up the Texas economy. Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act(H.R. 7010) While the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was a much-needed relief to small businesses, there were a number of areas of…

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Action Alert: Be Ready to Apply for Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program!

Congress is expected to pass an additional $484 billion, with a major portion to be allocated to help small businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorization could come as soon as today. The legislation includes: $321 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $60 billion of which is set aside for “underbanked businesses” $60 billion for…

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COVID-19: Emergency Relief for Business

After days of negotiating, the Senate and the House have just passed the third Coronavirus emergency spending package, known as the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act), passed as the amended H.R. 748. During this time of national crisis, the $2 trillion bill includes $367 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses;…

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Family and Medical Leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act

As part of the federal response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Congress passed and the president signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA; also known as Phase Two Stimulus). The law was signed on March 18 and will take effect on April 1, 2020. A critical provision of the FFCRA is an expansion of…

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COVID-19 Update: Reduction of Employee Hours

Last week, the Texas Workforce Commission developed and approved a Shared Work program. The Shared Work program provides an alternative to full layoffs during COVID-19 related reduced hours, allowing employers instead to reduce hours and consequently supplement employees’ lost wages with partial unemployment benefits. To be eligible to submit a Shared Work plan, employers must…

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COVID-19 Small Business Loan Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). According to Matt Meadors, President & CEO of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce, the Office of Governor Greg Abbott has requested an emergency declaration from the…

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BREAKING NEWS: Emergency Federal Legislation Updates

Our members are our first priority. At the Chamber, a vital part of our mission is to provide our community with important information about legislation in this rapidly changing time. As we all navigate these rapidly evolving circumstances, the federal and state governments are moving quickly to bring legislative supports to help workers, businesses, and…

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An update from your Chamber regarding COVID-19

To Our Valued Chamber Members and Community Friends, The health and wellness of our members, employees and community is a top priority at the Greater Waco Chamber. In accordance with the City of Waco and McLennan County Public Health District guidelines on health and safety, and in an abundance of caution and care, a number…

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A Message from Your Chamber

To our valued Chamber members and community friends, The health and wellness of our members, employees and community is a top priority here at the Greater Waco Chamber. We understand the concern and uncertainty individuals are experiencing regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19). Your Chamber’s leadership is presently finalizing the organization’s plan of action. Information regarding the…

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