COVID-19
Your love of plants and this industry is helping pique the interest in so many people. We need to capitalize on this interest and continue to cultivate it so they may become lifelong gardeners and appreciators of plants. This would not only be a win for our industry, but also the environment and the health of our communities. Below are resources that we have compiled to help you as we make our way through these uncharted times. I appreciate your time and understanding as we navigate the rapid change and adopt new ways of conducting business. I have implemented a number of these programs for my own employer. You are always welcome to call the CNLA office at (800) 562-0610.
Stay Well,
Dustyn Nelson CANP, CNLA President
Below are links to several resources. Changes are happening at such a rapid pace, to provide you the most up to date information we felt it was best to provide links rather than our own information. There are far more resources available as well that may pertain to your situation. CNLA is here to support you, if you have any questions about any of the programs please contact us.
CDC Guidance
These guidelines produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must be obeyed to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
Protect Yourself โย https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses & Employers โย https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html
Unemployment
COVID-19 & CT Unemployment โย http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF
Paid Leave (FMLA) for Employees โย https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employee-paid-leave
Paid Leave (FMLA) for Employers โย https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-employer-paid-leave
Shared Work โย http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/progsupt/bussrvce/shared_work/index.htm
A program that allows employers to reduce hours and retain skilled employees by providing an alternative to layoffs. The reduced hours are compensated by the Shared Work program as a portion of the normal unemployment benefits.
Employee Furlough Letter โย https://www.cbia.com/resources/coronavirus/coronavirus-employer-guidance/employee-furlough-letter/
Employees & Families
Direct Payments to Individuals and Families โย https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
Updated Tax Deadlines & Relief โย https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Idea Center โ COVID Sales Tips
Tips From CNLA President โย March 18th Email
Garden Center Resources โย https://www.americanhort.org/general/custom.asp#retail
Marketing Plants โย https://www.americanhort.org/general/custom.asp#plants
Businesses
Essential Employee Sample Letter โย https://blog.extension.uconn.edu/permission-for-essential-food-and-agricultural-employee-work-032120/
Small Business Guide โย https://courtney.house.gov/sites/courtney.house.gov/files/wysiwyg_uploaded/The%20Small%20Business%20Owners%20Guide%20to%20the%20CARES%20Act.pdf
Paycheck Protection Program (under Assistance for Small Businesses)ย โhttps://home.treasury.gov/cares
A forgivable loan program with the goal of keeping workers on payroll.
Paycheck Protection Program Lenders โย https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/resource_files/CT_Lenders_Fiscal_Year_2020.pdf
A list of institutions in Connecticut that are approved SBA Lenders.
Employee Retention Tax Credit โย https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act
A tax credit for employers whoโs operations were suspended or gross receipts declined by more than 50%.
COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application โย https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/
Up to $2 Million loan to overcome the temporary loss of revenue.
Farmer Relief Fund โย https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/
Facebook Small Business Grants โย https://www.facebook.com/business/grants
Available soon
Updated Tax Deadlines โย https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/COVID19/DRS-COVID-19-Response-FAQ
H-2A Q&A โย https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.americanhort.org/resource/resmgr/h2a-covid.pdf
H-2A Q&A #2 โย https://www.foreignlaborcert.doleta.gov/pdf/DOL-OFLC_COVID-19_FAQs_Round%202_04.01.2020.pdf
H-2A Updates โย https://www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a
Other Resources
https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic
https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus
https://portal.ct.gov/doag-covid
https://courtney.house.gov/COVID19#Payments