Happy (Almost) St. Patrick’s Day!





St. Patrick’s Day reminds us we’ve all a chance to enjoy the Luck of the Irish! 

Can’t help but think Ireland could use a bit of its own Irish Luck, as could the rest of us, when it comes to ridding our communities from the COVID-19 Virus. St. Patrick is famed for driving the snakes out of Ireland. I can’t help but think Ireland would appreciate the beloved Saint making a return visit to drive the virus out of the country, just as he did the snakes. 

Good news from Governor Inslee yesterday as he announced the entire state would be moving to Phase 3 of his re-opening plan. Effectively that moves all businesses that were at 25% occupancy up to 50%.  While still not at a level that is profitable for many businesses, especially in the food and beverage industry, it is a welcome step in the right direction. It also means we ALL must continue to be vigilant about wearing a mask and socially distancing. The governor also announced a step up in the vaccination process moving to allow all those in Tier 2 to seek a vaccination. Learn more about the Statewide Plan, here.


Update on the American Rescue Plan’s $19.6 billion COVID relief package 
Tucked into the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package due to be signed today by President Biden is $28.6 Billion dollars dedicated to a Restaurant Grant Program. Priority for the grants will be for socially and financially disadvantaged owners.  The eligible expenses include Payroll, mortgage payments, lease payments, construction supplies for such things as outdoor seating and PPE supplies. The grants will be administered by the SBA who is currently writing the application guidelines. Qualification for the grants will be based on the deficit between 2020 and 2019. Read about additional benefits of the American Rescue Plan, here. 

Additionally, $83 million of the stimulus package will go straight to Clark County rather than going first to the State of Washington. According to County Councilor, Julie Olson on the SW Washington Restaurant Roundtable call this week, the majority of those dollars will be earmarked for small businesses across the County. Look to us for updates on how those funds will be distributed – we will be keeping you informed. 


GRANT OPPORTUNITY: Apply for the Restaurant & Bar Workers Relief Fund
By the United Way of Cowlitz & Wahkaikim Counties, this grant is to support restaurant or bar workers who have been impacted by COVID-19. At this time, applications are still being accepted for Clark County restaurant and bar workers allocation. Please take a look at the guidelines, here, and apply on the same website.


ACTION REQUESTED: VOTE Pro or Con on the Capital Gains Tax (SB 5096)
The state Senate passed SB 5096 (Capital Gains Tax) on Saturday by just one vote. This vote sets the state on a path toward an income tax. Your testimony is needed, whether it is in person or submitted as written testimony, as the bill will go to the Washington State House of Representatives where it is scheduled for a public hearing at 10 AM Monday. Even simply registering "PRO" or "CON" to the Capital Gains tax is very important. Make your voice heard, here.
 

DIRECTIONS: This is what you need to know to testify live OR submit written testimony. 

1. Go to https://app.leg.wa.gov/csiremote/House
2.  On the Committee button, click and scroll to "Finance"
3. On the Meetings button, click and scroll to 10AM
4. Selecting those two items will bring you to a screen showing a green box with "Select agenda item" choices. Select SB 5096 (the proposed income tax on capital gains)

5. Select the type of testimony you would like to submit (written, live during the hearing, or your position submitted for the legislative record)
6. Click your preference and leave your testimony.
7. You can do more than one option.

Savor The Couve – ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT! 
There are only two weeks left of Savor The Couve (at least for now) and we are thrilled to finish up these 16 weeks with a Plant Based (Vegan) night as well as a PNW-Inspired evening. Thanks to presenting sponsor ilani, and all of our incredible participating restaurants and volunteers, we’ve had nearly all sold-out weeks since we’ve started. Take a look at the upcoming weeks, here, and purchase your five-course takeout dinner for two before they’re all gone! 


And with that, enjoy your weekend and make sure you wear your sunscreen – looks like Spring is coming! 


John McDonagh 
President/CEO 
Greater Vancouver Chamber 
VancouverUSA.com/SavorTheCouve