Board meeting minutes Fri., May 15, 2020

Attendees

• Ames Chamber of Commerce: Dan Culhane
• Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance: Doug Neumann, Barbra Solberg
• Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce: Tom Hanafan
• Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce: Molly Grover, Barry Gentry
• Greater Burlington Partnership: Della Schmidt
• Greater Des Moines Partnership: Andrea Woodward, Ryan Moon
• Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance: Kelly Halsted
• Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress: TJ Heller, She Greiner
• Grow Cedar Valley: Cary Darrah, Steve Firman
• Iowa City Area Business Partnership: Kim Casko, Jennifer Banta
• North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp.: Chad Schreck
• Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce: Paul Rumler, Tyler Power, Rachel Anderson 
• Siouxland Chamber of Commerce: Chris McGowan, Barbara Sloniker
• Nyemaster Goode: Dustin Miller, Casey Nickel

Call to Order

.Miller called the meeting to order at 10:00 am.

1. State Actions on COVID-19

The state is reopening today with capacity, gathering, and operating restrictions. Thank you for sharing the webinar information. The legislature will be resuming June 3rd. Miller anticipates the first few days will be the second funnel and then lawmakers focusing on a budget and omnibus bill. It is safe to assume Invest in Iowa is dead, the Senate will continue to work on a tax bill, and tort reform.

1. Federal Actions on COVID-19

PPP released guidance to give safe harbor to people with loans under $2 million, guidance for those who borrowed $2 million or more is still to come. Nyemaster Goode is pushing out memos to clients and will continue to work with the government to gather more guidance.

Phase 4, the Hero’s Act, is likely going to pass the House with a party vote but will be dead upon arrival in the Senate. Miller has been told Senate would prefer to hold off on passing anything until they can determine an economic impact following reopening measures.

1. Discussion

Banta asked about how the universities, community colleges, and k-12 education will be funded. Miller anticipates the regents will see cuts.

Banta asked to push for expansion of rural broadband as there will likely be children learning from home again in the fall. Jennifer is hearing feedback from childcare providers that the state grant is not beneficial or accessible.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 10:23 am

Next Conference Call: May 22, 2020

Next Meeting: TBD