Chamber Connections BLOG
Chamber Connections BLOG
For Immediate Release: April 18, 2023
East Bay Chamber Holds 2023 Job & Career Fair The East Bay Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce their first annual Job & Career Fair for the Community, High School, and College Students on Thursday, May 11th, 4:30 – 6:30pm at the Highlander Charter School, 360 Market Street, Warren, R.I. This is a unique opportunity to meet and connect with over twenty local businesses offering real jobs and careers. From 4:30 – 5:00pm a recent panel of High School & College students will hold an open Q&A session. Followed by an Expo format with Local Businesses offering informational and on the spot interviews. FREE and open to the public. For more information smunroe@eastbaychamberri.org Or call 401-245-0750. ###
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IRS opens free portal to file information returns; new electronic option can reduce millions of paper Forms 1099 estimated to be filed by businesses in 2023
IR-2023-14, Jan. 25, 2023 WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that businesses can now file Form 1099 series information returns using a new online portal, available free from the IRS. Known as the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS), this free electronic filing service is secure, accurate and requires no special software. Though available to any business of any size, IRIS may be especially helpful to any small business that currently sends their 1099 forms on paper to the IRS. “The IRS is excited to offer any business, especially small companies, a great new way to electronically file their 1099s for free,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “This simplifies filing for those issuing 1099s and helps recipients receive information timely. The launch of IRIS can help reduce the millions of paper Forms 1099 we project will be filed in 2023 and demonstrates our commitment to finding useful and innovative ways of reducing paperwork on the business community and others issuing 1099s. This is part of the larger effort underway to make improvements and transform operations at the IRS.” Filers can use the platform to create, upload, edit and view information and download completed copies of 1099-series forms for distribution and verification. With IRIS, businesses can e-file both small and large volumes of 1099-series forms by either keying in the information or uploading a file with the use of a downloadable template. Currently, IRIS accepts Forms 1099 only for tax year 2022 and later. The IRS encourages any business, especially those that now file on paper, to switch to e-filing through the platform and share in its benefits. These benefits include: · E-file security standards keep information safe and protected. · The portal is an accurate filing method that automatically detects filing errors and provides alerts for missing information. · Filers can submit automatic extensions and make corrections to information returns filed through the platform. · The IRS acknowledges receipt of the return in as early as 48 hours. · The platform keeps issuer information from year to year, and prior years filed through this platform, providing convenience to 1099 filers. · E-filing eliminates trips to the post office and can reduce office expenses for paper, postage and storage space. Enrollment for the IRIS filing platform is now open. Filers should begin the enrollment process immediately. The Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system will remain available for bulk filing Form 1099 series and the other information returns through at least the 2023 filing season. For more information about IRIS visit www.irs.gov/iris. Additional resources· Publication 5717, IRIS Taxpayer Portal User Guide. · General Instructions for Certain Information Returns (Forms 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922, 5498 and W-2G), provides general information, instructions and requirements for 1099-series forms and other select information returns. -30- For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org ** Calendar Listings ** Events at Mount Hope Farm January / February 2023 Recurring - Saturdays, 10 am to 12:30 Join us at our ongoing Farmers Market in our historic Barn with vendors of produce, baked goods, fish, cocktails and ethnic foods, along with artisans and more. Attend 10 markets through end of March and enter our Winter Warrior program to win a selection of market products. Daily Throughout January, 8 am to 6 pm The StoryWalk at Mount Hope Farm features the gorgeous children's book The Night Gardener this month. If the StoryWalk concept is new to you, think of it as a great family outing where you enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise while stopping at stations that feature pages from a book perfect for young readers. Saturday, January 21, 10 am to 12:30 pm Recycle your old electronics when Indie Cycle visits the Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm. Accepting computers, TVs, monitors, printers, small household appliances, air conditioners, and much more. (Note: fee required for some items.) Details: https://indiecycle.blogspot.com/ Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, February 19, 10 to 11 am Warm up on winter Sunday mornings with gentle vinyasa flow and guided breath yoga in our cozy Barn. All levels are welcome. Sessions led by certified instructor Valerie Griffiths. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Thursday, January 26, 6 to 7:30 pm The creative and knowledgeable staff of Bristol’s Thistle & Posy join us in the Barn with instruction on how to Build a Succulent Terrarium. All materials provided, so attendees leave with a very special plant arrangement to brighten up winter days. Two Gals Cocktails will have a cash bar and complimentary empanadas from The Perfect Empanada. Farm Members: $65. Nonmembers: $75. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, January 28, 2 to 5 pm Two local physicians – Michael Fine, MD, and Edward Iannuccilli, MD – speak about expanding their medical careers to become published authors in a conversation entitled Doctoring Words. They share their stories of expanding their horizons to become published authors of memoirs, fiction and nonfiction, and offer tips on how you, too, can write your story and get it in print. Moderated by Dante Bellini, Jr., the director of the award-winning film Ken Burns: Here & There. Farm Members: $15. Nonmembers: $20. Monday, February 13, 6 to 8:30 pm Our classes in making a perfect charcuterie board are always sellouts and this session – Gal-entines Day DIY – not only teaches how to make a creative board (presented by The Perfect Parcel) but also includes the basics of hand lettering (presented by Perfectly Personalized). All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $120. Tuesday, February 14, 6 to 7:30 pm Our Valentine’s Day Date Night program offers couples a fun new way to celebrate the holiday. Crystal from The Perfect Parcel leads a lively session on making a creative – and delicious – Valentine’s Day themed charcuterie board. All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $85. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paula Martel CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty 401-254-1900 pmartel@c21bristol.com CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty Agent Receives 2021 President’s Producer Award for Commitment to Quality Service and ProductivityBristol, RI (Grassroots Newswire) March 17, 2022 -- Paula Martel, broker of CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty is pleased to announce that in recognition of his outstanding sales production and commitment to quality service, Century 21 Real Estate LLC recently honored Ryan Fonseca, sales associate with CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty with the 2021 CENTURY 21® President’s Producer Award. The annual award is bestowed upon those CENTURY 21 System sales affiliates that earn the CENTURY 21 CENTURION® award and the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer award in the same calendar year. The CENTURION Producer award honors CENTURY 21 System sales affiliates that earn $288,000 in sales production or 65 closed transaction sides within the calendar year. To earn the CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award, a C21® sales affiliate must receive completed customer surveys for at least 80 percent of their transactions surveyed from January 1 - December 31, with an average survey score of at least 95 percentage or better for two consecutive years. "The power of the CENTURY 21 brand rests on the shoulders of the relentless sales professionals like Ryan Fonseca who always elevate and give 121% to their clients throughout the entire client relationship," said Michael Miedler, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate. "So as we celebrate their accomplishments we understand that delivering extraordinary experiences is what homebuyers, sellers and property investors deserve, and they should be demanding from their real estate company and agent of choice." About CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty CENTURY 21 Topsail Realty is an independently owned and operated franchise affiliate of CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC (century21.com), franchisor of the iconic CENTURY 21® brand. Century 21 Real Estate LLC is comprised of approximately 14,250 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 86 countries and territories worldwide with about 153,000 independent sales professionals. Century 21 Real Estate has numerous websites to help answer specific consumer needs. They are www.c21topsail.com, century21.com, century21Global.com, commercial.century21.com, century21.com/finehomes, and century21espanol.com. ©2022 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21®, the CENTURY 21 Logo and C21® are registered service marks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Century 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. ### Thursday, January 6, 2022 12:35 PM
Subject: Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund Final Rule Good afternoon, Today, Treasury adopted the final rule implementing the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program under the American Rescue Plan. The final rule is the result of extensive dialogue with our stakeholders, including Congressional offices and recipient governments, and will enhance the capacity of state, local, and Tribal governments to meet immediate pandemic response needs and promote longer-term recovery. The State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program provides governments across the country with the resources needed to:
Additional information and background on the final rule is provided below. Treasury invites House and Senate staff to attend an informational session on the final rule on Friday January 7th. You can register for the informational session using the following link. About the Final Rule: The final rule – which takes effect on April 1, 2022 – provides state, local, and Tribal governments with even broader flexibility to pursue a wider range of uses to respond to local public health and economic needs – as well as greater simplicity so they can focus on responding to the needs in their communities and maximizing the impact of their funds. Recipients may find the full text of the final rule on our website with available supporting materials. Prior to April 1, 2022, recipients may take actions and use funds in a manner consistent with the final rule, and Treasury will not take action to enforce the Interim final rule if a use of funds is consistent with the terms of the final rule, regardless of when the SLFRF funds were used. Please see the Statement Regarding Compliance with the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Interim Final Rule and Final Rule for more information. Additional Treasury Resources for Navigating the Final rule: Treasury is committed to working with recipients to help them digest the final rule and effectively maximize their use of funds. Recipients are encouraged to consult the Overview of the Final Rule, which is a user guide that boils the rule text down into an easy-to-understand summary. The Overview of the Final Rule includes a non-exhaustive list of projects that recipients can undertake with these funds without undergoing additional independent analysis. Treasury is hosting webinars with recipients and stakeholders to brief and answer questions about the Final Rule. We encourage Congressional offices to share these links with their local officials. Treasury will also provide a follow up briefing in the coming weeks for interested members of Congress. If Treasury reaches RSVP capacity and you cannot attend a webinar or prefer to be briefed at your convenience, Treasury will post a recording of the webinar hosted on January 7, 2022.
Treasury looks forward to working with recipients to navigate any remaining questions that they may have about the final rule so they can deploy these resources in their communities with confidence. Please email our inbox at slfrp@treasury.gov with your questions and Treasury will respond as soon as possible. Thank you. Jj-- J.J. Ricchetti Special Assistant, Office of Legislative Affairs U.S. Department of the Treasury BRISTOL, RI- On Thursday, November 25th, 2021, the Town of Bristol announced the launch of Propel East Bay RI.
Propel East Bay RI is a new online job board dedicated to promoting work opportunities in Bristol County, Rhode Island. This free-to-use platform is available to local businesses, residents, and students. Users have the ability to create online profiles to search, save, and apply to selected jobs. Businesses have access to a dashboard to manage job postings, create custom applications, and view job listing statistics. Propel East Bay RI was created in collaboration with the Bristol Town Administration, the Bristol-Warren Regional School District (BWRSD), and the East Bay Chamber of Commerce. The initiative also received support from the Town of Warren and the Town of Barrington. "As we continue to deal with impacts of COVID-19 on our local economy, businesses are having a difficult time finding talent to fill job openings," said Chris Vitale, Bristol's Economic Development Coordinator. "The goal of this platform is to help bridge the gap between our local businesses and job seekers and encourage workforce participation." Propel East Bay RI is sponsored in part by the Town of Bristol and BWRSD through a Pell Grant. The job board also offers paid Premium Listings, which give businesses a way to promote immediate openings while supporting the platform's maintenance costs. In addition to listing available full-time, part-time, and seasonal job opportunities, BWRSD is also working with local municipalities to develop an internship program. Students can explore their career interests more in-depth and access opportunities directly through the job board. "As a district, we want to expand access for each student to gain valuable on-the-job experience to develop their skills for whichever career they decide to pursue," said Dr. Nicole Lyons, College and Career Coordinator at Bristol-Warren Regional School District. "The job board will allow the community access to the untapped power of our students and connect students with our local economy." During the development of Propel East Bay RI, students at Mt. Hope High School played an integral role in designing the branding for the platform. "The MHHS Art Department appreciated the opportunity for our graphic design students to work with the Town of Bristol to create the logo for the new Propel East Bay RI job board," said Mt. Hope High School Teacher Lauren Enjeti. "Seniors Chelsea Goodman, Brandon Nelson, Kristiana Cabral, and Logan Justa contributed to the design, with Chelsea Goodman taking the lead on the finished logo." Businesses, residents, and students in the East Bay are encouraged to register for the online job board at propeleastbayri.com. For additional questions, please contact Chris Vitale, Economic Development Coordinator at cvitale@bristolri.gov, or by calling 401-253-7000 ext. 129. ### Release Date: November 19, 2021
Release Number: 21-110 SBA Announces Updated Guidance Regarding Applicant Deadlines for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Agency Strongly Encourages Submission of Supplemental Advance Applications by December 10; All Applications Due by December 31 WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available. Since its inception, the COVID EIDL program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels, has approved nearly $300 billion in relief aid. Specifically, the following updated guidance is being provided:
“The COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs still have billions of dollars available to help small businesses hard hit by the pandemic. More than 3.8 million businesses employing more than 20 million people have found financial relief through SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans,” said Patrick Kelley, Associate Administrator for SBA’s Office of Capital Access. “Key enhancements have been made to the loan program that will help our nation’s businesses recover and get back on track.” In September, Administrator Guzman announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Key changes announced included:
How to apply Eligible small businesses, nonprofits, and agricultural businesses in all U.S. states and territories can apply. Visit www.sba.gov/eidl to learn more about eligibility and application requirements. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. Applications received by December 10 for Supplemental Advance will be processed in the order received and the SBA cannot guarantee processing of all applications by December 31. All applicants should file their applications as soon as possible to allow for processing. For additional information on COVID EIDL and other recovery programs, please visit www.sba.gov/relief. Small business owners may call SBA’s Customer Service Center 1-833-853-5638 (855-440-4960 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov for additional assistance. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Abbreviated hours will be observed during the Thanksgiving holiday (closed on Thanksgiving Day; open Friday, November 26 – Sunday, November 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST). Multilingual representatives are available. Small business owners may also contact SBA’s Resource Partners by visiting www.sba.gov/local-assistance. Application Process and Fraud Control Enhancements In addition to the policy enhancements, the SBA has invested in optimized processes and increased capacity to improve the customer service experience for applicants. Directed by Administrator Guzman to swiftly and drastically enhance COVID EIDL, the revamped management team implemented new processes and performance management such as prioritizing personnel for COVID EIDL and increasing the average number of application decisions made. The SBA accelerated daily processing of loan increases from close to 2,000 applications to more than 37,000 applications daily. Loan officer productivity also went from 1.86 applications per day to 15 applications per day. As a result of these increased loan review rates, the 600,000+ loan increase backlog has been cleared and new applications are processed immediately. At the same time, and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to support businesses that need COVID EIDL funding most, the SBA increased fraud controls and is working in collaboration with the SBA Inspector General to closely monitor the program. All business owners that have received previous loans through the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), or Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) may still benefit from COVID EIDL. To learn more about the application process, visit www.sba.gov/eidl. About Economic Injury Disaster Loans In response to COVID-19, small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories can apply for the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The purpose of EIDL is to provide financial assistance for small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred ### About the U.S. Small Business Administration The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. The Rhode Island Small Business Relief Grant Program is now accepting applications. This program provides grants of up to $5,000 for Rhode Island-based small businesses that have suffered financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through 5 PM on Friday, April 30, 2021. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE For eligibility criteria and to help you prepare to apply, please find additional resources below. Should you have any questions, please email info@commerceri.com. Thank you. Update: Applicants who have received more than $25,000 in grants are now eligible to apply provided they meet all other criteria. Additional Resources: 👉 Prepare to Apply Checklist 👉 Frequently Asked Questions 👉 Information on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) |
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