Calling all Pickers in VIRGINIA!

The American Pickers will be on the road and heading your way in APRIL! The show is looking for leads throughout the state, specifically interesting characters with interesting items and lots of them.

American Pickers is taking the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming as outlined by each state. While they plan to be in Virginia in April, they will continue to re-schedule if conditions change for the worse.

 NO STORES will be considered, ONLY PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
> EMAIL: americanpickers@cineflix.com
> CALL: 1-855-OLD-RUST
> Please include your name, city and state, contact information, and a brief description of your collection.             

**Also, please note that the Pickers only pick private collections so NO stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses, or anything open to the public. 

November / December Spotlight on Business

EMPIRE ROOFING LLC

Congratulations to this month’s winner for SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS Empire Roofing LLC, a Veteran Owned Company located in Birchleaf. They offer commercial roof restorations, waterproofing, TPO, and indoor/outdoor spray polyurethane foam in the Tri-State area.  They work with Conklin to access materials and supplies that are made in the USA.  Check out their website at http://www.empireroofingllc.wix.com/avery, or call them for a free estimate!

Ninth District Development Financing

Ninth District Development Financing, Inc. provides financing for tourism-related business ventures
in Virginia's Ninth Congressional District.

Click the links below to learn more:

Website

Facebook Page

2020 Business of the Year Winners

Presenting large business of the year to TCS Marzie Fleming Chamber board and Rita Surratt to Amanda Davis, The Country Store Manager and Nathaniel Owens, Manager, Total Car Service and Brandon Deel.

Presenting Longevity Award to Haysi Funeral Home, Chamber board members, Jason Deel, Judy Compton, Marzie Fleming, Carl Mullins, and Rita Surratt presenting to Patsy Barton, Janet Hillman, Shane Hillman, Carol Duty, and Rocky Barton.

Chamber Board Marzie Fleming, Rita Surratt presenting to Clintwood Farm and Garden 202 Medium Business of the Year to Kevin Phillips, Store Manager, and Charlie Hawkins.

Presenting 2020 Small Business of the Year to Got Donuts, Peggy and Daris Anderson, with Rita Surratt presenting award.

New Business of the Year- Thunder River Campground pic left to right- Marzie Fleming, Judy Compton, Melody Hill, Julian Hill, Brad Hill, Josie Hill, Reva Hill, Rita Surratt, Carl Mullins, and Jason Deel.

July Spotlight on Business

This month our winner for Spotlight on Business is Modern Hardware and Furniture Company on Main Street in Clintwood, Virginia.  Family owned and operated since 1977.

Jill Stanley Mullins is now a 100% Certified Woman Owned Business owner, SWAM & Micro Business.

About the Owner: Jill Mullins

I am 3rd generation owner. My grandparents and family started this business over 43 years ago. I lived with my mom in Lexington KY until I moved to New England to attend boarding schools. After graduating from high school, I moved to Boston for college, and built a career working in corporate America. It was a good life. I was happy. But the pull to go home again never really went away.

A little more than 20 years ago, one of my grandparents’ employees reached out with a phone call to let me know that they needed some extra help with the business they had owned and run since 1977. My dad had stepped in and was helping to run things. My grandparents were getting older. Running a store like this was their heart and soul, but it is also hard physical work.

During that phone call it occurred to me if I was willing to work this hard at my corporate job, I could certainly work this hard for my family. The decision was made. Within 9 months, I had quit my job and moved to Southwest Virginia.

The best part? The staff member who was kind enough to call and let me know that my family needed help is now my husband of 19 years.

My grandparents’ legacy lives on. I am blessed and grateful every day when customers come into the store and tell me something really great about one or both of my grandparents. Even upon their passing, I still get to hear about them on a daily basis. That motivates me every day.

About the Store

Modern Hardware and Furniture Co., Inc. started in 1977 as a very small furniture and hardware store. Over the years, the store has expanded its offerings to include Stihl and Husqvarna power equipment, boots, commercial and industrial supplies, and everything you could want or need for your home.

Even as the store's offerings have increased, the service and commitment to our customers have never wavered.

We sell everything the big box stores do. Anything we don’t have in-store, we can order for you quickly and easily. What sets us apart is that with Modern Hardware and Furniture Co., Inc., we pride ourselves on offering professional expertise partnered with outstanding customer service.

We know our inventory. Come on in or give us a call. We can provide you the pros and cons of a particular type or brand of appliance, heating system, small engine equipment, and anything else you need to help you find the product that will best fit your needs and your budget.

Visit their website at www.modernhardwareva.com to learn more about what they have to offer.Shop Local and support our businesses!

VCEDA Compiles List of COVID-19 Business Assistance Resource Links

There are a number of resources available to employers and small business owners whose businesses and employees have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus, or COVID-19.

VCEDA has compiled a list of links to make it easier for businesses to navigate through the variety of loan and grant programs available – from those offered through the Small Business Administration to those programs referenced in the recently-approved CARES Act.

Resources available include:

* Forgivable loans for qualified employers;

* Enhanced unemployment benefits for affected workers;

* Measures to help employers meet financial obligations to provide paid family and sick leave benefits;

* 50 percent tax credit for qualified wages paid during the crisis; and

* Emergency child care information and other resources.

Links to programs and information available include the following:

Small Business Administration:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance

U.S. Treasury Department (which links to CARES Act and more):

https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act

OSHA for guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID19:

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf

U.S. Department of the Treasury, IRS and the U.S. Department of Labor overview:

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osec/osec20200320

Paycheck Protection Program:

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/paycheck-protection-program-ppp

Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employer Paid Leave Requirements:

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave

Full text of the Cares Act:

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/748/text

Virginia Chamber of Commerce:

www.vachamber.com/covid-19/

Interested persons may also contact any of the following offices to learn more about workforce programs available: Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, 276-608-1851; Virginia Employment Commission, 276-963-2660; or Small Business Development Center at Southwest Virginia Community College, 276-964-7345.

Get Out the Count Video Prize Challenge!

Get Out the Count Video Prize Challenge

OVERVIEW 

Census Accelerate, an initiative within the innovation arm of the U.S. Census Bureau, has launched its first-ever video prize competition to reward the most engaging, impactful and informative videos about the 2020 Census - with a total of $50,000 in cash prizes. Census Accelerate has partnered with national and local advocacy groups, the entertainment industry, federal agencies, civic engagement groups and more to leverage outreach efforts of cross-sector organizations dedicated to ensuring a complete and accurate count. Now, we’re challenging civically engaged content creators, ranging from students to pros, in supporting a complete count of everyone living in the United States.

IMPORTANT LINKS 

• Challenge.gov  | Extended deadline - April 17th at 11:59pm EST

• Accelerate.census.gov/video-challenge (FAQs)

• Questions? Contact: census.accelerate@census.gov 

IDEAL PARTNERS

• Colleges/ Universities

• Advocacy groups

• non-profits

• civic grassroots organizations

• CCC/ SCCCs

Census Accelerate, an initiative of the U.S. Census Bureau’s innovation lab, has launched a first-of-its-kind Video Prize Challenge for partners and content creators to help get the word out about the 2020 Census for a chance to win up to $30,000. 

This open call for content is designed to help educate and motivate individuals so that they understand why it’s critical to complete the 2020 Census — from getting the funding their community needs, to representation in congress. The goal of this challenge is to reach hard-to-count communities with engaging and informative content. 

Submission period is open through April 17th at 11:59pm EST (extended deadline!), and winners will be announced in May. 

Three prizes will be awarded: a $30,000 grand prize, $10,000 runner up, and $10,000 student prize. 

This is an excellent opportunity to be creative, civically engaged and make sure your community is counted!

Please see FAQ's here and contact census.accelerate@census.gov if you have any questions. 

2020 Census Facts

Did you know that Census data is used to determine how more than $675B in federal funding is allocated for programs like school breakfasts and lunches? Be counted. Complete your #2020 Census today by visiting: 2020Census.gov #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

This year for the first time-ever, YOU can complete your Census online at 2020Census.gov, via phone by calling 844-330-2020, or by mail. Don’t wait. Complete your #2020Census today. #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

Census data is used to bring important resources like Community Development Block Grants (CBDGs) to Virginia communities. Don’t leave our community behind. Complete your #2020Census today by visiting: 2020Census.gov. #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

The Census is a population count of every person living in the United States of America and the data collected is used to determine where schools will be built and other resources allocated. Help bring resources back to Virginia communities. Complete the #2020Census today #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

Here are the #2020Census Quick Facts.

1. The Census is a population count of every person living in the United States of America regardless of citizenship status.

2. Only 1 Census form should be completed per household and the 2020 Census includes only 10 questions.

3. Data from the Census is used to determine how more than $675B in federal funding is allocated for programs school breakfasts and the National School Lunch Program, Medicaid and Medicare (Part B), Federal Student Loans and Pell Grants, WIC, SNAP, TANF, and more.

4. The Census is CONFIDENTIAL AND DOES NOT ASK FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION such as your political affiliation, SSN, or bank account information.

5. You can complete the census by mail, online at 2020Census.gov or via phone in 13 different languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, Arabic, Tagalog, Polish, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Japanese by calling 844-330-2020. #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

Did you know that you can text “PLEDGE” or “CENSO” to 804-203-0393 for #2020Census reminders and updates? That’s right! Don’t wait. Text your questions today. #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

Did you know that Virginia has a #2020Census Help Desk? That’s right! Visit, census.virginia.gov (and look for the red circular icon) to ask your questions. #2020Census #VACompleteCount #CountOnVirginia

WHAT IS THE 2020 CENSUS AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

The Census is a U.S. Constitution mandated population count of every person living in the United States of America. It is conducted every 10 years (or decennial) and the data collected helps determine how more than $675B in federal funding is allocated. Additionally, the Census determines how many seats each state will receive in the United States House of Representatives.

Here are the TOP 10 Things You Need to Know About the Census:

1. The Census is a population count of every person living in the United States of America.

2. The first Census was conducted in 1790 and a Census has been conducted every 10 years (or decennial) since.

3. Census data is used to determine how more than $675B in federal funding is allocated. This includes programs such as Medicaid, Medicare (Part B), SNAP, WIC, TANF, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Pell Grants and Federal Student Loans.

4. Census data is used to determine how many seats each state will receive in the United States House of Representatives.

5. In 2020, for the first time, you can complete the Census online, by phone, or by mail.

6. By law, all Census responses are completely confidential and your information cannot be shared with law enforcement. Additionally, the Census will not ask for your SSN, bank account, political affiliation, or citizenship status. Your responses are protected by law and will only be used for statistical purposes.

7. Everyone, including children ages 0-5 and undocumented residents should complete the Census.

8. You must complete the Census form in its entirety.  If you do not, it is likely that a Census taker will visit your home to get the remaining information.

9. It will take you approximately 10 minutes or the time it takes to enjoy your morning coffee to complete the Census.

10. The 2020 Census is now underway.

Workforce Information for COVID-19

• The CARES Act: What Employers Need to Know (Part I)

• Navigating Unemployment Benefits & COVID-19 - For Businesses

• Navigating Unemployment Benefits & COVID-19 - For Employees

• Emergency Childcare Information

• SWVA Works - WIOA Programs

• Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist