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Sheri Jones, director of the Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
U.S. Small Business Administration Loans
In discussing the various ways the VGCC Small Business Center is working with local businesses during the current health crisis, including assistance with loan applications, Jones emphasized that time is of the essence.
“The best advice I can give is to go ahead and apply now; don’t wait,” Jones stated. “People are applying and getting approved, but this situation is unprecedented. We don’t know how long the funds will hold out and how many are going to apply.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses in all states and territories that are suffering economic injury as a result of the virus.
Terms for these Economic Injury Disaster Loans range from 15 to 30 years and the total loan amount is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to Jones, for-profit businesses will pay 3.75% interest, while non-profits will pay 2.75%.
“These loans are available directly through the Treasury Department with no third-party lender involved,” explained Jones. “Most businesses are eligible to apply.”
According to the SBA’s website, the disaster loans may be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid due to the disaster’s impact.
VGCC Small Business Center’s “Coronavirus Business Ready” Webinars
In an effort to further support local businesses and offer encouragement, the VGCC Small Business Center has scheduled a series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”
Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing. The remaining webinars include:
Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –
April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)
Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –
April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –
April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –
April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –
April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –
April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.
For more information on assistance for small businesses, please email Sheri Jones at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu, visit the VGCC Small Business Center website at www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/ or visit the Facebook site at www.facebook.com/vgccsmallbusinesscenter/.
To hear the interview with Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Residents Asked Not to Burn Yard Debris During Spring Wildfire Season
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-Press Release, NCDA&CS
N.C. Forest Service officials urge citizens to reconsider burning yard debris through the end of May, which historically marks the end of spring wildfire season in North Carolina. Consider alternatives to burning. Some types of debris, such as leaves, grass and stubble, may be of more value if they are not burned but used for mulch instead.
“In North Carolina, most wildfires are caused by human action and careless debris burning. When left unattended, debris burns can escape, igniting tragic wildfires,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Minimizing the number of escaped debris burns will reduce the risk of wildfires while also reducing the risk of community exposure to COVID-19 by allowing first responders to limit close-contact interactions and maintain social distance.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the N.C. Forest Service continues mission-critical work such as wildfire suppression and other emergency response functions.
For tips to protect property, prevent wildfires or to access the Online Burning Permit System, visit ncforestservice.gov.
Warren Co. Schools to Offer Free Meal Service Pickup at WCHS April 6-9
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-Information courtesy Warren County Schools
The Warren County School’s Child Nutrition Department will have Meal Service Pickup at only ONE site during the week of Spring Break April 6 – 9, 2020.
Meals may be picked up at Warren County High School on Monday, April 6 – Thursday, April 9 from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
ALL sites will be CLOSED Friday, April 10 and Monday, April 13.
NC Department of Revenue Offers Expanded Penalty Relief for Taxpayers
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-Press Release, NCDOR
Secretary of Revenue Ronald G. Penny announced on Tuesday that the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) is expanding tax relief as part of Governor Roy Cooper’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCDOR will not impose penalties for late filing or payments of many tax types, including sales and use and withholding taxes, through July 15. The NCDOR previously announced tax relief for individuals, corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estates.
“These measures will come as welcome tax relief for individuals and businesses across North Carolina,” Penny said. “We are providing the maximum flexibility under existing state law.”
In the notice issued today, the NCDOR announced that it will not impose penalties for failure to obtain a license, failure to file a return, or failure to pay a tax that is due on March 15, 2020, through July 15, 2020, if the corresponding license is obtained, return is filed, or tax is paid on or before July 15, 2020.
The NCDOR cannot waive interest from the due date under current state law–currently 5% per year, the minimum rate allowed by statute. Additionally, sales and use and withholding taxes are trust taxes and the money collected must be remitted to the state and cannot be used for other purposes.
The relief from Late Action Penalties applies to the following tax types:
• Withholding Tax
• Sales and Use Tax
• Scrap Tire Disposal Tax
• White Goods Disposal Tax
• Motor Vehicle Lease and Subscription Tax
• Solid Waste Disposal Tax
• 911 Service Charge for Prepaid Telecommunications Service
• Dry-Cleaning Solvent Tax
• Primary Forest Products Tax
• Freight Car Line Companies
• Various Taxes Administered by the Excise Tax Division
Governor’s Newest Order Prohibits Utility Disconnections in the Wake of COVID-19
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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
On Tuesday, Governor Roy Cooper announced another step to help families by prohibiting utilities from disconnecting people who are unable to pay during this pandemic. The Order applies to electric, gas, water and wastewater services for the next 60 days.
The Order directs utilities to give residential customers at least six months to pay outstanding bills and prohibits them from collecting fees, penalties or interest for late payment.
Telecommunication companies that provide phone, cable and internet services are strongly urged to follow these same rules.
“This action is particularly important since tomorrow is the first of the month, and I know that’s a date many families fear when they can’t make ends meet,” said Governor Cooper. “These protections will help families stay in their homes and keep vital services like electricity, water, and communications going as we Stay at Home.”
Additionally, the Order encourages banks not to charge customers for overdraft fees, late fees and other penalties. Landlords are strongly encouraged in the Order to follow the spirit of Chief Justice Cheri Beasley’s Order and delay any evictions that are already entered in the court system.
Governor Cooper was joined by Attorney General Josh Stein to announce the order and he thanked companies that have already voluntarily announced policies to prevent shutoffs, including Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, AT&T, and local electric co-ops, among many others. Today’s Order follows the Governor’s Stay At Home order, which is in effect until April 29.
The Council of State concurred with the Order.
Read the full Order here.
Read an FAQ about the Order here.
Henderson Optimist Club Accepting Applications for $6K in College Scholarships
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-Information courtesy the Henderson Optimist Club
The Henderson Optimist Club is offering two $3,000 college scholarships for high school seniors who live in Vance County. Scholarships are given annually in memory of deceased club members.
Interested? Please contact your school guidance counselor and go online to www.henderson-optimist.org and click on the “Scholarships” tab.
Download all of the scholarship pdf files and complete the nine-page application form. Completed applications must be turned in to the front desk of the Henderson Family YMCA no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2020.
Please note that June 10 is an extension of the original deadline due to the current national health crisis. Applications cannot be accepted after the deadline.
Memorial Scholarship Requirements:
-Official transcript from high school
-GED Examination score (if applicable)
-Acceptance letter from the university, college, trade school or institute of higher learning he or she plans to attend.
-Current guidance counselor or other assigned administrator
-Community member
-Employer, or if not employed, a current high school teacher of the student’s choice.
Timely submission of the scholarship renewal application (for those who have previously received a scholarship) and requested documentation is the sole responsibility of the recipient of the scholarship. Receipt of renewal applications after July 15 will void the scholarship. For the scholarship renewal form, click here.
Get Ready for Another Virtual ‘Body Blast’ Workout!
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-Information courtesy Tara Goolsby, Henderson-Vance Recreation and Parks Program Superintendent
Don’t let the gyms being closed stop you from working out and staying healthy! Join Henderson-Vance Recreation & Parks staff on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 10 a.m. for a Facebook Live “Body Blast” workout led by VJ Hunt.
Body Blast is a 45-minute high energy, high impact group circuit training, focusing on all the problem areas.
Please like H-V Rec. and Parks on Facebook (Henderson-Vance) and join us for this free virtual workout!
VGCC Assists Local Health Facilities in the Fight Against Coronavirus
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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College recently donated a variety of personal protective equipment to assist area healthcare facilities in reducing the spread of the Coronavirus. Donated items included 3,500 medical gloves, 60 medical gowns, 120 medical masks and 75 medical masks with shields.
The donation is a part of an ongoing partnership between Vance-Granville Community College and area healthcare facilities in working to improve the health of our community.
As word of the national shortage of medical gloves, gowns and masks became public, Vance-Granville Community College President Rachael Desmarais, with the support of the North Carolina Community College System, began exploring all aspects of making the donation of PPE to local healthcare facilities. Dr. Desmarais realized the positive impact the donation would make on our local medical community and made the offer of medical supplies to Maria Parham Health and Granville Health Systems.
“Vance-Granville Community College healthcare students train at area healthcare facilities on a year-round basis. Therefore, we feel a special obligation to share the resources of the community college with our medical community at every possible opportunity. It just so happens that in this instance, our donation has the opportunity to make an immediate impact on public safety,” Dr. Desmarais stated.
Dr. Desmarais and Vance-Granville Community College remain true to the community college mission of service to our community, especially during these uncertain and rapidly changing times. We commend our brave healthcare professionals as they work tirelessly to care for the ill and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Town Talk 03/31/20: VGCC Small Business Director Discusses SBA Loans, Webinars
/by Kelly Bondurant100.1 FM ~ 1450 AM ~ WIZS, Your Community Voice ~ Click to LISTEN LOCAL
Sheri Jones, director of the Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.
U.S. Small Business Administration Loans
In discussing the various ways the VGCC Small Business Center is working with local businesses during the current health crisis, including assistance with loan applications, Jones emphasized that time is of the essence.
“The best advice I can give is to go ahead and apply now; don’t wait,” Jones stated. “People are applying and getting approved, but this situation is unprecedented. We don’t know how long the funds will hold out and how many are going to apply.”
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest federal disaster loans to small businesses in all states and territories that are suffering economic injury as a result of the virus.
Terms for these Economic Injury Disaster Loans range from 15 to 30 years and the total loan amount is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to Jones, for-profit businesses will pay 3.75% interest, while non-profits will pay 2.75%.
“These loans are available directly through the Treasury Department with no third-party lender involved,” explained Jones. “Most businesses are eligible to apply.”
According to the SBA’s website, the disaster loans may be used for fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid due to the disaster’s impact.
VGCC Small Business Center’s “Coronavirus Business Ready” Webinars
In an effort to further support local businesses and offer encouragement, the VGCC Small Business Center has scheduled a series of free, live webinars entitled “Coronavirus Business Ready – Protecting Your Small Business.”
Each part addresses various areas of concern that all businesses are currently facing. The remaining webinars include:
Keeping Customers & Employees Safe During Unsettling Times –
April 2, 2 – 3 p.m. (Register)
Promoting Your Business & Products During a Crisis –
April 4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Ideas to Keep Cash Flowing During a Pandemic Shutdown –
April 7, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
How to Manage Employees as Coronavirus Spreads –
April 9, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Business Planning & Strategizing as a Coronavirus Antidote –
April 14, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Communicating With Customers & Employees in Light of COVID-19 –
April 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (Register)
Participants must register at least two days prior to each session with a valid email address in order to receive the webinar login information. After registering, the link will be sent approximately 24 hours before the event, and a reminder email will also be sent approximately an hour prior to the start time.
For more information on assistance for small businesses, please email Sheri Jones at smallbusiness@vgcc.edu, visit the VGCC Small Business Center website at www.vgcc.edu/coned/small-business-center/ or visit the Facebook site at www.facebook.com/vgccsmallbusinesscenter/.
To hear the interview with Jones in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.
Warrenton PD: No Curfew, Travel Questioning or Issuing of ‘Essential’ Letters
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-Information courtesy the Warrenton Police Department
On Friday, March 27, Governor Roy Cooper ordered people in the state of North Carolina to stay at home for thirty days, until April 29, 2020, in another step to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 121 took effect on Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m. and reduces the size of gatherings to 10 people. This order limits citizens and businesses to ONLY conduct essential activities. This DOES NOT limit citizens and those working within the essential business parameters to a curfew.
While we encourage our citizens to abide by the governor’s order and limit to ONLY essential trips to stop the spread, the Town of Warrenton does not have a curfew issued at this time. You may continue to go out for your essential needs with no time/curfew restriction.
In addition, the Town of Warrenton is not issuing letters to businesses declaring their essential status.
In addition, Warrenton officers will not be stopping legal, non- traffic violating persons for the purpose of questioning their comings and goings.
Any questions or concerns should be directed to the Warrenton Police Department at 252-257-3123.
Governor Signs Executive Order to Get Equipment to Healthcare Workers, Schools
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-Press Release, Office of Governor Roy Cooper
On Monday, Governor Roy Cooper signed Executive Order No. 122 to help schools and local governments access state surplus property to help bridge gaps during the response to COVID-19. The Order also provides transfer or donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) that state government may have and not need.
“This crisis has created hardships for so many, but this Executive Order can help students and local governments with the equipment they need,” said Governor Cooper. “This order helps speed more personal protection equipment to frontline healthcare workers. In addition, it allows local governments and students to get other equipment they may need.”
By request, surplus property including computers owned by the state may be requested by governments and school districts, and the state will supply them to try to bridge the digital divide during school closures.
The Order went into effect Monday. Read the full order here.
Make sure the information you are getting about COVID-19 is coming directly from reliable sources like the CDC and NCDHHS. For more information, please visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus and NCDHHS’ website at www.ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus, which includes daily updates on positive COVID-19 test results in North Carolina.