On behalf of our regional partners in the Northwest Chamber Alliance, the Boulder Chamber held a briefing on March 18 with Betsy Markey, Executive Director of the State of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT). Executive Director Markey and the NWCA discussed the following key initiatives underway to respond to COVID-19 at the state level and the relief needed within our region:

• Colorado Governor Jared Polis made a new round of announcements about statewide restaurant regulations, unemployment insurance, tax exemptions and federal funding. Watch the update here
• The state is temporarily requiring employers in certain industries to provide some paid sick leave to employees with flu-like symptoms while awaiting COVID-19 testing. More information here
• Ongoing information is provided by the Small Business Development Center, and there is a hotline for specific questions. We encourage members to register for updates or reach out directly to the Colorado Small Business Development Center: COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Small Businesses
• Recognizing that there will be gaps that the federal Small Business Association (SBA) loans and grants don’t fill, the state is considering additional economic incentives and other measures, including renter's insurance and unemployment insurance extensions.
• In addition to OEDIT’s Economic Development Commission, the governor has assembled an Emergency Cabinet for Economic Stability and Recovery, which includes public and private sector representation. This group will strategize ways to support the economy, including directing stimulus investments, during this unprecedented time.
• The State of Colorado has closed its state capitol indefinitely per social distancing guidelines.

During the call, we all acknowledged this is a fast evolving situation, with impacts compounding rapidly. The Boulder Chamber and our Northwest Chamber Alliance colleagues will continue to work with state officials to provide feedback from our local businesses and advocate for the critical support we need during this public health crisis.