• TRAINING & UPSKILL PROGRAM: Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) recently received over $255,000 in grant funding to develop a training and upskilling program for the region’s hospitality industry. The training is available to restaurant and lodging employees in our surrounding localities. Learn more and register here. Press release with details can be found here. 

• RETURN TO EARN GRANT PROGRAM: Last month Governor Northam launched the Return to Earn Grant Program to support small businesses with their post-pandemic hiring needs. Through this initiative, Virginia's local workforce development boards will match up to $500 that a qualifying small business pays directly to a new employee in the form of a hiring bonus. Childcare businesses are not required to match. More information about which specific businesses and employees are eligible is available here. Flyer with additional details, contact information and the application link can be found here. 

GENERAL UPDATES

Resources from Virginia Governor's Office

• • Governor Northam's main website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/
  • State Coronavirus website:  https://www.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
  • Vaccination Plan Update, released January 6, 2021: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/

Local Covid-19 Testing for Businesses - Secure Testing Services, LLC (STS)

• In addition to our core service offering of drug and alcohol testing, we will be now providing Occupational Health Services, as well as OSHA Consulting, Auditing and Training out of our new 2500 sq/ft building located just north of Richmond, VA in Ashland, VA. We have also been providing onsite Covid-19 testing at many different locations around the US! We will continue to provide our services locally, regionally, and nationally (when logically possible). Secure Testing Services, LLC (STS) 11075 Air Park Rd., Ashland, VA 23005; (804) 368-0890 - Phone; (804) 368-0913 - Fax; (804) 403-7755 - After Hours Dispatch

Unemployment & Hiring

• THE VIRGINIA RESTAURANT, LODGING & TRAVEL ASSOCIATION has created (as of April 2021) a jobs portal specific to positions at related companies. Though the site lists jobs across the Commonwealth, many are located within our local area. Be sure to check this link often for updates and share it with those searching for a new position.
• • Go to the Job Portal
    
• Companies Who Are Hiring - Virginia Career Works' live link page for employers in VA who are currently hiring: https://vcwcapital.com/covid-19-related-resources/jobs-available/
• Virginia Employment Commission - For information on unemployment, especially notes specific to new policies around Coronavirus job reductions/losses: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/; https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/11757
• • If you were denied regular Unemployment payments in the past weeks, you may now apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). This includes those who are self-employed, gig workers, clergy and other nonprofit staff previously ineligible. See details: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/html/pua.html

Chickahominy Health District - Hotline:  804-365-3340 to answer health questions related to COVID-19. The District includes Hanover, New Kent, Goochland and Charles City http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/. As a note, King William is part of the Three Rivers Health District http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/.

Hanover County Updates - Closings, modified services and alert information for many offices including Circuit Court, Library, Parks & Rec, DMV Select, Jail and others.

• Highlight for the Planning Department: New submission procedure to limit face-to-face visits effective 3/19 and until further notice; Memo Planning Apps 3.18.2020 (1).pdf
• Hanover County Public Schools - http://hanover.ss12.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=1251067&pageId=3125587
• If you are not receiving County updates, it is recommended that you sign up for the HAN (Hanover Access News) email blasts at https://www.hanovercounty.gov/list.aspx?ListID=255

Hanover residents who have questions or need specific assistance can get help by calling one of four important County phone numbers:

• Chickahominy Health District Covid-19 Hotline 365-3340. The District includes Hanover, New Kent, Goochland and Charles City http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chickahominy/. As a note, King William is part of the Three Rivers Health District http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/three-rivers/.
• Hanover County Community Resources 365-4300
• Hanover Community Services Board– Mental Health 365-4222
• Hanover Social Services 365-4100 

Hanover residents that are facing financial challenges are also reminded to apply for food assistance (SNAP), temporary financial assistance (TANF) or health insurance benefits (Medicaid) through Hanover Social Services. For more information on these programs you may call the Social Services Call Center at 1-855-635-4370 or apply on line at www.Commonhelp.Virginia.Gov 

Hanover County Economic Development

Frequent updates to numerous local and regional and state resources with a focus on business news and tools. 

https://www.hanovervirginia.com/grow-your-business/covid-19-information-and-resources/

Town of Ashland Updates - Posts and updates shared on their website often

https://www.ashlandva.gov/

Sheriff's Office Updates -

• Our HCSO deputies, lead by Sheriff Colonel David R Hines, are working diligently to keep our county safe. Read an update from the Sheriff here, also published in the Mechanicsville Local. 
• Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. They’re setting up web sites to sell bogus products and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts as a ruse to take your money and get your personal information. Tips to help keep the scammers at bay can be found in the SHEILD newsletter on the HCSO SHEILD Program website. 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Since the Hanover Chamber is a association member of the US Chamber, all of their resources, detailed blogs, webinars and conference calls are available to our local chamber members individually.

• https://www.uschamber.com/
• See more details about their Foundation's grant program below, under "Funding".