A Message from TRIDEC about COVID-19

The true economic impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) may still be unfolding, but one aspect is already clear – every industry, working family, and member of our community has been affected. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the individuals personally affected and the medical professionals who are dedicated to their care.

TRIDEC is especially sensitive to the severe impact of COVID-19 throughout the Tri-Cities.  With breaking news about COVID-19 constantly developing, our goal is to ensure that the Tri-Cities community has access to critical resources during this time.

In the coming weeks, the human and economic toll of this global pandemic may be difficult to grasp.  Facing this challenge makes us even more committed to supporting the community and each other.

During these uncertain times, TRIDEC remains committed to upholding our core mission of improving and sustaining the economic health of the Tri-Cities.

As the situation continues to unfold, TRIDEC will strive to remain open as a resource for questions, concerns, and news regarding economic health, workforce, and business support available due to the Coronavirus. Should you have any questions, please contact TRIDEC at tridec@tridec.org.

Important Links:

• Benton County Emergency Services
• Franklin County Emergency Management
• Benton-Franklin Health District
• WA State Coronavirus Response
• Employer Resources from ESD
• Business and Workers Resources
• Washington Department of Health – COVID-19 Information
• COVID-19 Business Resources for WA State
• Governor Page
• Spread the Facts
• Department of Financial Institutions: Financial Resources for WA Residents
• 211

The Impact – Road to Recovery

State leaders have launched a new Q&A series with TVW called “Road to Recovery” to talk about how businesses and workers can navigate their way through the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 14: Host Mike McClanahan and Employment Security Department Commissioner Suzi LeVine discuss the steps people must take to receive financial help due to the COVID-19 situation.

April 16: Road to Recovery what business owners need to know about emergency state funding related to the COVID-19 crisis. Host Mike McClanahan interviews WA Commerce Director Lisa Brown.

April 16: Two federal programs aimed at helping businesses stay afloat have stopped taking applications. What now? Host Mike McClananhan interviews SBA District Director Kerrie Hurd.

April 23: What will it take to resuscitate Washington’s economy when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted? Will the workplace be changed forever? Q & A with Kris Johnson, president of the Association of Washington Business.

April 23: Masks, barriers, hand washing – a look at what safety protocols may be required to reopen businesses across the state. Host Mike McClanahan interviews Joel Sacks, Director of the WA Department of Labor and Industries.

April 30: Will the night scene ever look the same? WA Hospitality Association President Anthony Anton explains the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on restaurants, hotels, owners, and workers and describes how the industry is changing in response.

April 30: Q&A with BIAW Executive VP Greg Lane about the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on private construction jobs and the availability of affordable housing, plus the plans keep workers safe as job sites reopen.

May 6: The Impact:” Road to Recovery” – shortages, masks, & sanitization. Q&A with WFIA President Jan Gee about how grocery stores and convenience stores are adapting to the challenges of COVID-19 and what customers and business owners can expect.

May 8: The Impact’s Mike McClanahan hosts a Q&A with former WA Governor and Challenge Seattle CEO Chris Gregoire on the new COVID-19 checklist tool to help businesses reopen, the role of public-private partnerships during the crisis, and her takeaways from the last big recession.

May 13: State Senator David Frockt (D-Seattle), chair of the new COVID-19 economic recovery committee, weighs in on immediate steps to help business owners and families and envisioning a long term transition for the state economy.

May 13: Sen. Randi Becker (R-Eatonville), vice-chair of the new COVID-19 economic recovery committee, weighs in on tax policy, deregulation, innovation, and delayed impacts to the state budget.

May 21: A billion pound potato backlog, supply chain breakdown, worker safety challenges, an in-depth look at the plight of Washington farmers during the COVID-19 crisis. Q&A with WSDA Director Derek Sandison.

Manufacturers Are Needed!

The State of Washington is seeking manufacturers who are willing to re-tool to fill shortages of specific personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection-control products to support our medical system, first responders, public health and care facilities.

While product in stock is the state’s first priority, we know that many manufacturers could re-tool to meet the need. If you are are a company willing to shift gears and re-purpose manufacturing operations to help with the COVID-19 crisis, fill out this form and email covidmanufacturing@commerce.wa.gov to provide details on what you can offer.

Thank you so much for your willingness to step up in this time of need!

Governor Inslee Calls on Manufacturers

AWB President Kris Johnson Talks about the Governor’s Call to Manufacturers

Latest News:

May 19, 2020: U.S. Department of Labor Adopts Revised Enforcement Policies for Coronavirus

April 20, 2020: Governor, bipartisan legislative group offers plans for reopening

April 20, 2020: It’s time to rally around Washington employers

April 20, 2020: Working group sends letter to governor calling for opening of construction work

April 17, 2020: Construction Roundtable Lays Out Plan for Safely Restating Construction in Washington

April 17, 2020: Reopening after COVID-19

April 16, 2020: Washington state’s total unemployment claims climb to nearly 600,000 as coronaviurs pushes nationwide tally toward Depression territory

April 16, 2020: A Letter to Employers from Employment Security Department

April 14, 2020: PNNL Scientist Takes a Nuclear Magnetic Aim at the Coronavirus

April 14, 2020: Prepare yourself for the COVID-19 ‘new normal,’ says state health chief

April 13, 2020: Governors of Washington, California and Oregon announce ‘shared vision’ on COVID-19 response and reopening economies

April 13, 2020: Protection for High-Risk workers: Governor Inslee’s Proclamation

April 13, 2020: Inslee announces strategies for reducing the number of individuals incarcerated to address COVID-19 in DOC system

April 13, 2020: Commerce announces Small Business Resiliency Assistance program focused on disadvantaged communities

April 2, 2020: Flattening the curve on coronavirus: What California and Washington can teach the world.

April 2, 2020: Governor Inslee extends ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ through May 4

April 1, 2020: Commerce awards $15.1 million to preserve nearly 1,000 affordable housing units

April 1, 2020: Coronavirus: Inslee pleas for help from manufacturers to produce medical equipment

March 30, 2020: Governor Inslee, law enforcement announce measures to enforce WA stay-at-home order

March 26, 2020: Commerce announces $1.8 million to rural counties for COVID-19 pandemic response.

March 24, 2020: Commerce and Employment Security Department leaders partner for economic resilience and recovery effort during COVID-19 outbreak

March 24, 2020: Update: Immediate impact grants available for organizations serving people experiencing homelessness in COVID-19 pandemic

March 22, 2020: Disaster Assistance Now Available to all Washington Small Businesses Economically Impacted by COVID-19

March 14, 2020: Leave some for your neighbors: Don’t buy more than you need.