Braintree recovery: Mayor Kokoros’ COVID-19 story; more money available for small businesses7/2/2020 The Braintree Chamber of Commerce hosted its fifth COVID-19 recovery meeting with local officials via a video conference on June 29. In addition to town and state updates, participants heard about grants available for workforce training, worksite safety improvement, and economic relief. Led by Braintree Chamber chair Kim Kroha, these recovery meetings are open to anyone in Braintree’s business community as well as Chamber members. Here’s the recap: Mayor Kokoros shares experience with COVID-19, urges mask-wearingMayor Charles Kokoros reported he is back in good health after suffering from COVID-19 earlier this month. He said the illness is “an absolutely terrible thing to go through” and the experience reaffirmed his confidence in Braintree’s early and strict interventions to contain the spread. The mayor said he contracted the virus through a family member and was likely contagious at work for a few days before developing symptoms. However, none of his colleagues tested positive, which he attributes to his diligent mask-wearing. “The masks make a difference. It’s the only way we’re going to stop spreading this virus,” he said. Braintree business update
Councilor David Ringuis said the town is well-positioned for recovery thanks to its contact tracing and other safety interventions. He thanked everyone for their work to get businesses back on their feet. Grants and other money available to small businessesMargaret Laforest of the Massachusetts Economic Development Office announced that the Baker-Polito administration has released its $275 million COVID-19 economic recovery package to promote equity and economic growth. The plan is focused on four pillars: responding to the housing crisis; building vibrant communities; supporting business competitiveness; and training a skilled workforce. Employers who wish to train staff, avoid layoffs, make their worksites safer, or find economic relief should look into these state and federal resources:
For information on any of these programs, contact Margaret Laforest at 617-939-3097 or [email protected] News from the CommonwealthState Senator John Keenan provided these updates from Beacon Hill:
State Senator Walter Timilty reported that the state has passed a temporary budget for fiscal year 2021 due to COVID-19-related uncertainty on revenue projections. Legislators are currently weighing bills to fund information technology upgrades in cities and towns, as well a supplemental budget in anticipation of federal aid. What do you think Braintree needs for economic recovery? Make your voice heard! Visit braintreechamber.com to sign up for email alerts, learn about Chamber membership, or drop us a line. You can also follow us on Facebook.
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