As key decisions are being made about business operations in preparation for any effects of the COVID-19, it’s important to hear from state leaders at the front lines and subject matter experts who can help navigate the risks. The Chamber will be hosting a COVID-19 Tele-Town Hall Series, with regular guest speakers, to help businesses prepare for the impact of the virus.
Following each presentation, there will be a Q&A portion to share your most pressing needs and get answers in real-time.
Upcoming Sessions
Monday, March 30
10:30 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Ned Staebler
President and CEO of TechTown
Ned Staebler will share information on Detroit’s Small Business Stabilization Fund to mitigate barriers to capital for the most vulnerable businesses with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Chamber.
Monday, March 30
12 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Chad Livengood
Senior Editor, Crain’s Detroit Business
Chad Livengood will share trends and insight he is seeing from covering the coronavirus outbreak through the rapid changes since the start with Brad Williams, vice president of Government Relations for the Chamber.
Tuesday, March 31
11:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker:
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II will discuss the state of Michigan’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and the resources available for businesses. Lt. Gov. Gilchrist II will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Brad Williams, vice president of Government Relations for the Chamber. Participants will have the option to submit questions to Williams during the discussion.
Tuesday, March 31
1:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker:
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens
U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens will discuss the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis and the resources available for businesses. Rep. Stevens will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Sandy K. Baruah, president and CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants will have the option to submit questions to Baruah during the discussion.
Thursday, April 2
11 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Josh Hundt
Chief Business Officer and Executive Vice President at the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
As the Arsenal of Health continues to grow in Michigan, effort is underway to ensure businesses able to support the fight against COVID-19 with critical supplies are connected directly with the health and human services providers and municipal governments who need them most. Josh Hundt, chief business officer and executive vice president of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. will discuss resources available for these vital matchmaking efforts. Hundt will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Tammy Carnrike, chief operating officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Participants will have the option to submit questions to Carnrike during the discussion.
Listen to Previous Tele-Town Halls:
March 27: Michael RobinetMichael Robinet, executive director of Automotive Advisory Services at IHS Markit, will share his insight and advice on the automotive and mobility industry through this crisis. Robinet will engage in a one-on-one discussion with Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MICHauto. Participants will have the option to submit questions to Stevens during the discussion. Listen.
March 27: U.S. Small Business Administration of Michigan
U.S. SBA Michigan’s Romualdo Ancog discussed the Federal Disaster Loan Assistance available to businesses and engaged in a discussion with the Chamber’s Devon O’Reilly. Listen.
March 26: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell
Hear from U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell on the federal response to COVID-19. Listen.
March 25: Beaumont Health Leaders
Beaumont Health’s John Fox, president and CEO and Susan Grant, executive vice president and chief of nursing provided an update on their plan for providing care to more than 450 patients plus their online, call-in, and curbside testing operations. Listen.
March 24: U.S. Sen. Gary Peters
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters discusses the federal response to the COVID-19 crisis. Listen.
Brian Calley, the president of the Small Business Association of Michigan focuses on the local and federal support available to small businesses, specifically the U.S. Small Business Association Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), and additional support to tap into. Listen.
Hear directly from Jeff Donofrio, director of Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, about what Michigan is doing today to support the business community in response to COVID-19. Donofrio provided an update on the expansion of unemployment benefits and strategies for businesses to support employees. Listen.
