News

Three important items to be aware of:

1. The City of Austin and Travis Co still have not issued a clarification to their orders earlier in the week that provides a clear exemption for manufacturers. However, it is in process and being finalized now. We have been told that all enforcement and inspection agents have been informed and you should not have any issue. If you want to be informed once it is released, let us know and we will get you information. To those of you in Williamson Co, the orders were clear, manufacturers are exempt.

2. At this time, there is no indication that City, County or State officials are moving toward a Shelter In Place order, however, please be prepared. The Department of Homeland Security, Cyber and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), released guidance on how they define “critical infrastructure” and which industries might be protected in this situation. I am optimistic many of you fit into one of several categories. See here: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency guidance. ARMA is working with local officials to understand the importance of the CISA guidance. The Texas Association of Manufacturers is working closely with State officials to do the same. The Austin Chamber of Commerce is also working locally and at the State level. Both have been helpful to ARMA.

   It is still unclear how individual businesses will declare or be recognized as “critical infrastructure.” As we get answers on this, we will let you know.

3. Today Texas has been declared eligible for disaster related SBA loans. The applications will be processed in the order they were received so consider moving quickly.
   • Main site with information on eligible areas, online application and application status: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
   • Link to application registration page: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fela%2FLoanApplication%2FStartApplication
   • Loan process and requirements for approval: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Three_Step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf
   • Applicants will be required to provide profit/loss statements/credit and ability to repay the loan
   • Working capital loan rate is set at 3.75%
   • Companies that already have SBA-backed loans through other programs can ask to delay their payments for six months, though the lender will make the final decision