The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA), in coordination with the Association of Washington Business chambers and other business associations around the state, were successful in advocating at the local, county, state, and federal levels for more help to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on marine businesses.
The Governor responded with expanded benefits programs and a resource list. These include programs such as SharedWork that provides partial wage replacement to avoid layoffs; and standby status, which suspends the job-search requirement for workers to collect unemployment benefits if an employer must make temporary layoffs.
Seattle’s Mayor Durkan has set up a business task force to help with Seattle’s response to the economic impact of the outbreak. Peter Schrappen (our own NWY columnist) from NMTA is in touch with the Seattle Metro Chamber delegate regarding that task force. Mayor Durkan also announced an initial recovery package, which includes expanding the Small Business Stabilization Fund, tax deferral, utility relief, and assistance to access SBA loans.
NMTA is also creating a list of disruptions and would like to hear about the business disruptions you may be experiencing. Please contact Peter Schrappen, NMTA Vice President and Director of Government Affairs at peter@nmta.net. He is compiling a report that he plans to share with lawmakers and staff at the city, state, and federal levels.
The NMTA is focused on the growth of the marine business. Visit NMTA.net for additional resources that may be available to help weather the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
