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EDC Encourages Businesses to Prepare Now for Potential ‘Shelter in Place’ Order

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-Information courtesy Dennis Jarvis, Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Director

The Vance County Government, the Henderson-Vance County Economic Development Commission and Chairman Tommy Hester are hopeful that the current situation facing Vance County, the State of North Carolina, and the United States will be a short time for all concerned.

During this period of uncertainty, we are learning that the value of planning and being prepared is essential for the continuation of business. A key economic sector for Vance County and the state is manufacturing. Other sectors are reliant for manufacturing to progress. Manufacturing in Vance County has and always will be a critical component of our economic health.

On Friday, March 20, 2020, Governor Roy Copper stated he is “not issuing a shelter in place order or an additional closure of businesses,” however, the current trends demonstrate that daily cycles are evolving and can change at any moment.

The Vance County EDC is being proactive with various local, state, and regional organizations to provide access to vital information for citizens and the business community. Our goal is to provide an ability to communicate to state leaders on how to define the essential role your business provides Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

We are asking every manufacturer in Vance County to email beoc@ncdps.gov with the following information:

  • Company Name;
  • Main point of contact for their Vance County operation;
    • Name / Title
    • Email address
    • Phone number(s) – direct office line and cellular
    • Address of the company
    • Number of company employees
  • Brief description of the company products and uses;
  • Please define how your products are utilized either directly or in support of critical operations (examples: medical, food, grocery, agriculture, health, machining, logistics, transportation, national defense, construction materials, hospital supply, textiles, etc.). Be creative and think of all the ways your products, processes or equipment are essential to keeping the critical needs of the community going or could be converted to creating essential products needed in this fight.
  • List of any essential customers that your operation supports or is capable of supporting;
  • Company website.

In the event Governor Cooper does order a “shelter in place,” taking this action NOW will help expedite the possibility that you may receive a letter/certificate for your employees to present to public safety representatives should the need arise in their commute to and from their place of work.

If your business does cease operations and has to furlough your staff, NC Works is able to provide a “Quick Response Team” to address the needs of your employees. The NC Works Career Center is continuing to offer Rapid Response services for companies and their employees that are going to be affected by layoffs. For assistance with a quick response team, contact Lou Grillo, Business Services Manager at Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Board – lgrillo@kerrtarcog.org; Phone 252-436-2040 or 866-506-6223.

All industrial manufacturing, agri-business and distribution are ESSENTIAL. Your company is vital and valued in Vance County and the region. We appreciate all that you do for Vance County and the State of North Carolina.

If you have additional questions, please contact Dennis Jarvis at 252-492-2094 or by email: djarvis@vancecounty.org.

First Baptist Church to Hold ‘Virtual Vespers’ Midweek Community Prayer

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-Information courtesy First Baptist Church

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, at 7 p.m., Dr. Ron Cava, senior minister of First Baptist Church in Henderson, will be hosting Virtual Vespers – a Midweek Community Prayer.

This will be held weekly via the online meeting platform, Zoom.

The public is invited to join by following this link https://zoom.us/j/904449512. You can also join with your telephone by calling (301) 715-8592 and entering meeting ID 904 449 512.

I Voted Sticker

Vance Co. Board of Elections; Please Call Ahead

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-Information courtesy Faye M. Gill, CERA, Elections Director, Vance County Board of Elections

UPDATED 03/27/20

Vance County Board of Elections — Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc. The staff will report to work their normal business hours – 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the Director’s office for mail. Email fgill@vancecounty.org for more information.

Per the board members for the Vance County Board of Elections, effective today, March 25, 2020, the Vance County Board of Elections office will be closed to the public until further notice. The staff will report to work for their normal business hours –  8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

There is a drop-off mailbox outside of the director’s office for mail. Should anyone need voter registration forms, reports, etc., please call the office at (252) 492-3730 or email fgill@vancecounty.org.

The staff will be available to assist you during this closure.

Public access to the Board of Elections office is controlled by the County Board of Elections staff. All members of the public are encouraged to call the office (492-3730) ahead of visiting should they have any questions or need anything like voter registration forms, reports, etc.

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Town Talk 03/24/20: Mayor Ellington Provides Henderson COVID-19 Updates

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

With at least two cases of COVID-19 currently confirmed in Vance County, Ellington assured the community that steps have been taken to contain the spread and measures are in place to assist those in need.

“We cannot control what happens, but we can control how we respond and how we react,” Ellington stated. “I want to reassure the citizens of Henderson that we have taken steps to carry us through these moments. This is the time to stand on the side of grace, as we realize our own shared humanity, and to be there for your family, friends, neighbors and the elderly.”

Ellington thanked Terrell Blackmon, Henderson’s new city manager, and City Council members for their dedication to keeping residents and City staff safe.

Last week, Blackmon elected to close Henderson City Hall to the public, changing operations to an ‘appointment-only’ format for the foreseeable future.

City Hall staff will still be available to answer questions by telephone at (252) 430-5700 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Utility payments may be made online, by phone, by mail or placed in the drop box outside of City Hall (click here for more details).

Ellington also praised the City’s decision to temporarily suspend water disconnections due to non-payment of utility bills “so people will have access to safe, sanitary water during this difficult time.”

Accounts will continue to be billed as normal for any water used during this suspension period and residents are reminded that they are still responsible for payment of all account balances.

Calling the world-wide coronavirus pandemic a “fluid situation that is constantly evolving,” Ellington said the City will continue to work with state and federal officials, as well as community partners, to provide the latest information to the public.

Ellington said he suspects we will see an increase in closings and restrictions coming down from the State and governor’s office in the next few weeks, but a bounce-back and return to normalcy is expected.

“This is going to pass, we know,” said Ellington. “True character is revealed in these times that we face.”

To hear the interview with Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

H-V Emergency Operations

Emergency Management Confirms Second Case of COVID-19 in Vance County

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Henderson-Vance Emergency Management Director Brian Short has released the area’s latest situation report, including information about Vance County’s second positive COVID-19 case.

The report reads:

Late last evening, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Management was informed of a second individual who had tested positive for the Coronavirus in Vance County. Like the previous case, this individual is being isolated at home and our local health department is conducting contact tracing to determine the level of exposure to others.

This being the second occurrence in our county does not constitute any changes to our current response posture or our recommendations to the general public.

Keep in mind this continues to be a very fluid situation and the information provided and included could change at any time. As the confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to increase throughout the state, nation and in fact the world, we continue to coordinate with Public Health agencies, Maria Parham Health, Department of Social Services, State Emergency Management and our local emergency services response partners. We are communicating several times daily in an attempt to gauge their needs and be as proactive in meeting those needs as we can be.

Testing is ongoing through both Maria Parham Health and our local Health Department. There are currently 297 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in North Carolina and, thus far, 0 deaths.

Please visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus statistics page at the following link to stay current on the number of cases in our state: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/covid-19-case-count-nc

Personal protective equipment (PPE) continues to be very scarce as global competition for the same supplies is occurring. Responders and health care providers are being encouraged to reuse PPE, in particular masks, as often as possible to ensure that we hold on to our supplies for as long as possible. Once they run out, they could be out for an extended period of time.

We continue to submit requests for PPE and related resources to State EM as they are received and so far all of our requests have been filled or are in the process of being filled as supplies become available.

Vance County and the City of Henderson continue to be under a local State of Emergency. Being under a local state of emergency allows us to implement certain emergency protective measures if and when they should become necessary.

The Emergency Operations Center is currently not activated, however, our Emergency Management staff is closely monitoring the situation across the country and at home on a continuous basis.

To date, calls into the Vance County 911 Communications Center have not shown a significant increase, however, we are poised to up staffing should it become necessary. The 911 Telecommunicators are asking additional Coronavirus screening questions on all medical-related calls and will continue to do so until it is no longer needed. As a precaution, our Backup 911 center remains prepped and ready to be occupied if needed.

We continue to ask that citizens please DO NOT call 911 to ask general questions about the Coronavirus. 211 has established a hotline for this purpose and we ask that our citizens contact their local physician or take advantage of the hotline if they have medical-related questions.

There is also a toll-free Coronavirus hotline manned by trained individuals that can answer questions that you may have. The number is 888-892-1162.

You may also visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website at the following link: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina

Both the Henderson Police Department and Vance County Sheriffs Office are now responding to nonemergency calls via telephone but are still responding as they always have to emergency calls.

We continue to encourage our citizens as they shop for groceries and other related items to please shop smart. Our local convenience stores and grocery stores are working hard to restock their shelves and, for the most part, items are available for them to do so. That means using good shopping practices and buying only what you need for yourself and your family.

We are strongly encouraging our citizens to continue to observe the social distancing parameters and closing orders being issued by the Governor and suggested by our local and state public health agencies. If you need to go to work, the grocery store or pharmacy, please do so, but we are encouraging everyone to stay home as much as they possibly can. In particular, those individuals that are already at risk due to age or other medical conditions.

Many of our local restaurants have remained open and have been very creative about continuing to provide their services to our citizens whether it be keeping their drive-through services open, offering online ordering or curbside services, and this is greatly appreciated.

Our office will continue to monitor this event very closely and will continue to issue informational releases as the situation develops.

Golden LEAF Deploys $15M to NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program

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-Press Release, The Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation announces $15 million in funding to launch a rapid recovery loan program in response to economic losses related to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Golden LEAF funding will support the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program by enabling loans to be made to eligible businesses for up to $50,000 with zero interest and no payments for six months. If not repaid in six months, the loan will automatically convert to a term loan.

The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program (https://ncrapidrecovery.org/) is managed by the NC Rural Center, a statewide nonprofit that has been supporting small business owners for more than 30 years. The Rural Center will lead a broad coalition of nonprofit lending partners to directly assist small business owners. Participating Rapid Recovery organizations include Business Expansion Funding Corporation (BEFCOR), Carolina Small Business Development Fund, Mountain BizWorks, Natural Capital Investment Fund, and Thread Capital.

“Small businesses are more than just job providers, they are pillars of our communities,” Governor Roy Cooper said. “They need our support now more than ever, and this program can help people across the state as we weather the effects of this pandemic.”

Speaker of the House Tim Moore said, “This rapid response by the Golden LEAF Foundation to support North Carolinians through the COVID-19 crisis will provide immediate financial benefit for folks who are hurting during an uncertain economic upheaval, serving as a strong example of our state activating every asset available to help families and businesses in all 100 counties through this difficult time.”

Senate Leader Phil Berger said, “This action by Golden LEAF is welcome news and much needed. Everybody — the private sector and local, state, and federal governments — will need to work toward the common goal of restarting the economic engine once this crisis passes.”

“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors is making funds available to help meet the immediate needs of businesses affected by the pandemic by building upon a model used following Hurricanes Matthew, Florence, and Dorian,” said Bo Biggs, Golden LEAF Board Chair. “This program is designed to assist businesses working to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Loan or other commercial loan but that have more immediate needs for capital.”

The federal government has made Economic Injury Loans available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) in all 100 North Carolina counties. The NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program will complement the SBA by providing a bridge until businesses can access funding from the SBA.

“The Golden LEAF Foundation recognizes the critical role small-business owners play in our state’s economy,” said Scott T. Hamilton, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Golden LEAF Foundation. “The ‘LEAF’ in Golden LEAF stands for Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation. Golden LEAF cannot let this pandemic cause irreparable economic damage to our state’s small businesses.”

Small-business owners affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19) can learn more about the NC COVID-19 Rapid Recovery Loan Program and apply for a loan at https://ncrapidrecovery.org/. To speak with someone about this program or other resources available to small businesses, contact BLNC at 800.228.8443.

ACTS of Henderson Still Serving Meals; Food & Cleaning Supply Items Needed

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-Information courtesy ACTS of Henderson, NC

ACTS of Henderson is still serving a hot meal each weekday from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. Meals are being served ‘walk-thru style’ in take-out trays outside in the parking lot.

ACTS Food Pantry remains open for eligible individuals and is continuing to deliver Mobile Meals to existing clients. BackPack Buddies has stopped temporarily due to school closure. Food donations are accepted weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

ACTS is located at 201 South William Street in Henderson, NC.

Food Pantry Needs:

* Canned fruit (all kinds) 

* Canned diced potatoes 

* Pork & beans 

* Baked beans 

* Diced tomatoes 

* Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon, chicken & dumplings, beef stew, etc.; pop-top preferable)

* Jelly 

* Canned mixed vegetables 

* Powdered milk (boxes with pouches) 

* Canned carrots 

* Canned tomato soup

* Jiffy corn muffin mix

* Flour (1-2 lb. bags) 

* Boxes of crackers (with sleeves—like Ritz or Saltines) 

* Dry cereal 

* Canned spaghetti sauce 

* Canned beans (like great northern, pinto, navy, black-eyed peas) 

* Canned tomato sauce 

* Boxed ‘Helper’ mixes (like Hamburger, Chicken or Tuna)

* Canned tomato-based soups 

* Packaged cookies 

* Instant mashed potatoes

Soup Kitchen & Cleaning Supplies Needs:

* Paper towels

* All-Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (From The Dollar Tree)

* Styrofoam take-out trays with lids

* Dawn dishwashing liquid 

* Canned cream of chicken soup

* Canned cream of mushroom soup 

* Dry pasta

* Gallon cans of string beans 

* Brown sugar

* Gallon cans of corn 

* Ketchup

* Gallon cans of green peas 

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Governor Extends School Closure Date To May; Orders Group Limit To 50 People

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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper

On March 23, Governor Roy Cooper ordered tighter limits on gatherings and extended school closures statewide to May 15, 2020. The order also closed some businesses that require close social interaction and limited visitors to long-term care centers.

The Executive Order’s effective date will be Wednesday, March 25.

“Each and every choice we are making is intended to flatten the curve and provide our health care system the ability to treat the sickest patients in the coming months. This is what we need to do to slow the spread of this illness and protect the health and safety of North Carolinians,” Governor Cooper said.

Also Monday, the Governor’s request for a major disaster declaration for North Carolina was received by FEMA. This specifically requested Individual Assistance, Crisis Counseling Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance and more.

50-PLUS MEMBER GATHERINGS BANNED; CLOSE-CONTACT BUSINESSES CLOSED

Monday’s announcement prioritized social distancing by lowering the threshold on large gatherings to ban crowds of more than 50 people. To stay consistent with this number, it will require certain businesses to close, including:

  • Bingo Parlors, including Bingo sites operated by charitable organizations
  • Bowling Alleys
  • Indoor Exercise Facilities (e.g. gyms, yoga studios, martial arts facilities, indoor trampoline and rock-climbing facilities)
  • Health Clubs
  • Indoor Pools
  • Live Performance Venues
  • Movie Theaters
  • Skating Rinks
  • Spas
  • Sweepstakes Lounges
  • Video game arcades
  • Barber Shops
  • Beauty Salons (including waxing and hair removal centers)
  • Hair Salons
  • Nail Salons/Manicure/Pedicure Providers
  • Massage Parlors
  • Tattoo Parlors

Grocery stores and restaurants providing takeout and delivery will remain open. Additionally, Governor Cooper reminded North Carolinians to show restraint in buying groceries and supplies.

“I know today’s orders cause hardship for a lot of people. I do not treat these decisions lightly,” added Governor Cooper. “We have made them in the interest of health and safety.”

SCHOOL DEADLINE EXTENDED, EDUCATION LEADERSHIP TO BUILD PLAN FOR EDUCATION

The May 15 school closure date is based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As the situation in North Carolina evolves, more may be needed. Governor Cooper has asked the State Board to collaborate with the Department of Public Instruction and legislators to:

  • develop a plan to ensure access to a quality education for students through the remainder of the school year.
  • provide students with remote learning while school buildings are closed.
  • ensure that all school employees – including janitors, bus drivers, teaching assistants and cafeteria workers — will work in safe environments and be paid.

MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS, SUPPLIES NEEDED

Also Monday, Cooper highlighted the need for medical and health care workers and urged qualified, available professionals to volunteer by signing up at ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus. Already more than 300 people have volunteered.

Specifically, the Governor highlighted the need for doctors and nurses, pharmacy, imaging and respiratory care, and facility maintenance and administrative support workers.

Critical supplies and equipment like masks, gloves, and gowns are low. Governor Cooper is convening North Carolina’s top manufacturers to explore transitioning production lines to start making these critical supplies.

The full order is available HERE.

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Vance County DSS Service Changes

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— courtesy Denita DeVega, MA, Director of Vance County Department of Social Services

Vance County Department of Social Services has adjusted operational protocols in response to advisories regarding social distancing. Until further notice, effective March 24, 2020, face to face interactions will be limited.

Services will continue to be provided via email, fax, telephone, and in person as needed. There is a drop box located at the entrance of DSS available Monday through Friday 8:30AM-5PM. For assistance please continue to call 252-492-5001 and you will be directed to appropriate staff.

If your call is not returned timely, please call the following numbers for assistance 252-492-5001 ext. 3304 or 3307. For additional information on applying for services, requesting information, or making reports, please refer to the contact information below.

Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) – Applications and Recertification’s
Call (252) 492-5001 / Fax (252) 438-5997
Apply online for Food and Nutrition using https://epass.nc.gov

Medicaid
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #2 / Fax (252) 438-5997
Apply for Medicaid using https://epass.nc.gov or www.healthcare.gov or email your application to teresa.wright@vance.nc.gov.

Medicaid Transportation
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #4 / Fax (252) 438-5997

The eChild Support Portal provides customers an easy and convenient way to connect with child support services 24-7. Contact www.ncchildsupport.com for more information. For case status update and payment questions you can call Child Support Customer Service at 1-800-992-9457 or our main office at (252)-492-5001.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)
Call (252) 492-5001 then Option #3 or ext. 3900 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Work First (Cash Assistance Applications, Reviews, and Employment Services)
Call (252) 492-5001 Option #7 then Option #2 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Subsidized Child Care Assistance (SCCA)
Call (252) 492-5001 Option #7 then Option #1 / Fax (252) 438-5997

Adult Services, Adult Protective Services, and Services for the Blind
Call (252) 492-5001 / Fax (252) 438-5997
(Call 911 to make a report after hours)

Child Protective Services (CPS) Intake
Call 252-436-0407 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:00pm
After Hours/Weekends: 252-492-0202

Children’s Services-In-Home Services, Foster Care, Adoptions, LINKS, Licensing, Placement, etc.
Call 252-436-0407 Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
After Hours/Weekends: 252-492-0202

Vance County Senior Center
Call (252) 430-0257 / Fax (252) 433-9694

Vance County NC

H-V Chamber, Economic Development & Partners Support Local Small Businesses

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THIS STORY IS PRESENTED IN PART BY DRAKE DENTISTRY

Henderson-Vance County Chamber of Commerce President Michele Burgess and Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission Director Dennis Jarvis appeared on WIZS Town Talk Monday at 11 a.m.

Burgess reported that the Chamber of Commerce and Vance County Economic Development offices are working together in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College, the Kerr Tar Regional Council of Governments (COG), the Henderson Downtown Development Commission, and other entities to ensure local businesses, especially small business leaders, have updated information on remaining afloat during the coronavirus pandemic.

With the U.S. Small Business Administration granting Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a disaster declaration, NC small businesses that are suffering economic losses due to coronavirus will have the opportunity to apply for low-interest economic injury disaster loans (EIDLs).

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov.

While encouraged by the assistance provided by the SBA, Jarvis stated that there are also local organizations, such as the Kerr Tar COG, offering business owners a range of low-interest loans to suit their needs.

“It’s not any different than going to a traditional lender – the terms are the same, your amortization schedule is the same,” said Jarvis. “What they are able to do is to wave some requirements that are on traditional funding programs.”

The COG serves the five-county area of Vance, Granville, Warren, Franklin and Person and can be reached by phone at (252) 436-2040 or online at www.kerrtargcog.org.

For workers who have been laid off or temporarily furloughed due to the coronavirus shutdown, Governor Cooper’s office announced a relaxing of sorts on unemployment qualifications, including the removal of a one-week waiting period after termination and not holding employers responsible for benefits paid.

Burgess listed NC Works Career Center as a local Vance County agency that will assist with issues affecting your workforce such as lay-offs, hiring, etc. Visit them online at www.ncworks.gov or call (252) 438-6129 for assistance.

You may also visit the NC Department of Commerce’s Employment Security website for more detailed information (click here) and to apply for unemployment (click here).

Information regarding the coronavirus outbreak and its effect on local businesses and the economy may be obtained by visiting the Chamber’s website at www.hendersonvance.org and the Economic Development website at www.vancecountyedc.com.

According to Burgess, the website for the H-V Chamber of Commerce is being updated daily.  Clicking on the link at the top of the home page marked “COVID-19” will give viewers access to information including low-interest loans, phone numbers to call for questions about unemployment, employee layoffs, the latest news from the Granville Vance Public Health Department, etc.