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Thursday, September 24, 2020Transitions in Leadership at the HBAGNO
The Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans writes to announce that we have received and accepted Chief Executive Officer Jon Luther’s letter of resignation beginning October 1, 2020. We would like to express our deep gratitude to Jon for his 15 years of service to our nearly 1,000 members in the residential construction industry. Within one week of beginning his position, Jon was immediately faced with the impacts and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He led the HBAGNO and
Monday, July 06, 2020Treasurer Schroder: Main Street To Start Taking Grant Applications By July 28
Small businesses can start applying by July 28 for grants to help cover COVID 19-related expenses, State Treasurer John M. Schroder announced today at the State Capitol.Through the Main Street Recovery Program, businesses can apply for up to $15,000 to cover eligible expenses. In the first 21 days of the program, grants will be given to businesses who didn’t receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan, insurance payment or an Economic Injury Disaster loan. In the first 60 days, $40 million will go to
Tuesday, June 16, 2020SBA Now Accepting New Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Advance
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are able to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. This advance is designed to provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. This loan advance will not have to be repaid. Recipients do not have to be approved for a loan in order to receive the advance, but the amount of the loan advance will be
Monday, June 08, 2020Businesses with PPP Loans Now Eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral
President Trump has signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act, which makes a number of positive changes to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP). Among these changes, business owners who take out a PPP loan and have that loan forgiven are now eligible to delay their payroll tax payments. Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, businesses are eligible to delay certain employer-paid payroll tax benefits. However, the CARES Act blocked businesses who have
Friday, May 15, 2020SBA & U.S. Treasury Release PPP Loan Forgivness Application
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, has released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the CARES Act. SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their
Tuesday, May 12, 2020New Orleans: Phase 1 Re-Opening
BEGINNING MAY 16, 2020Phase One: Safest at Home Phase One will ease the Stay Home Order and restrictions on some low-risk operations, while implementing limits on occupancy, social distancing measures, and requirements for personal protective equipment. If milestones for progress are not met or if there is a spike in cases or deaths, it may be necessary to move back to stricter measures. Phase One in Orleans Parish will begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, May 16.What Stays the SameContinue to stay home except for
Tuesday, May 05, 2020SBA Accepting PPP and EIDL Applications (Updated with PPP FAQ)
The Small Business Administration will resume accepting PPP loan applications on Monday, April 27 at 10:30 a.m. EST. The new $484 billion aid package approved by Congress includes $60 billion to renew funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program and adds $320 billion to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Those who were caught in the middle of the loan application process when funding ran dry need to know the following: If you were in the process of applying for a EIDL loan and have
Monday, May 04, 20208 Features Home Buyers Want After COVID-19
There's no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic has changed our way of life. It's shifted our priorities in everything from work to love. Even once the virus subsides, the effects of this experience will be long-lasting. In particular, sheltering in place has made us think about the concept of home in a new light. There's little doubt that homebuyers who enter the market after the risk of COVID-19 is in the rearview mirror will have a whole new set of priorities in place for their home search. Here
Tuesday, April 28, 2020HUD Secretary Carson Updates NAHB Members on COVID-19 Housing Response
In an exclusive webinar for NAHB members, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Federal Housing Commissioner Brian Montgomery today outlined specific measures the agency has implemented to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and lauded the efforts of NAHB during this outbreak. “I commend NAHB for your work in educating employees and subcontractors about jobsite practices to stop the spread of COVID-19 – while keeping our nation’s foundational industries moving,” said Carson. “NAHB has
Monday, April 20, 2020Save Small Business Fund Application is Now Live
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched the Save Small Business Fund, a grant-making initiative offering short-term relief for small employers. Apply Now "Small businesses are the foundation of our communities and our economy. Employing nearly half the American workforce, companies like yours keep our neighborhoods running and make them feel like home... Funded by corporate and philanthropic partners, the Save Small Business Fund is a collective effort
Wednesday, April 15, 2020IRS Creates App to Speed Stimulus Check Deliver + Review Your Check Status
This week the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will release a free app, Get My Payment, which will be available through its website at IRS.gov. This app will allow taxpayers who filed their tax return in 2018 or 2019 but did not provide their banking information on their return to submit direct deposit information. The IRS also released a new tool to allow eligible non-filers to submit the necessary information to the IRS to claim their payment. Review your check status here The Coronavirus Aid, Relief,
Wednesday, April 15, 2020Coronavirus' effect on mortgage volume likely limited to 1H20
The brunt of the coronavirus' impact on the housing market will hit in the first half of 2020, with a likely recovery and pick up in home sales in the second half, according to Freddie Mac. "Although the uncertainty of the crisis means forecasts of economic activity are more unclear than usual, we expect that most of the economic damage from the virus will be contained to the first half of the year," Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said in a press release. "Going forward, we should see a
Tuesday, April 14, 2020Apply for The Payment Protection Program and EIDL Loan
Use links below to apply: Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) The SBA has provided small business owners and non-profits impacted by COVID-19 with the opportunity to obtain up to a $10,000 Advance on their Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). The Advance is available as part of the full EIDL application and will be transferred into the account you provide shortly after your application is submitted. To ensure that the greatest number of
Monday, April 13, 2020OSHA Guidance: COVID-19 Illnesses Not Recordable for Construction
On April 10, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its guidance on whether employers are required to record cases of COVID-19 in their Form 300 Logs for reporting occupational injuries and illnesses. OSHA’s memo is in direct response to significant concerns raised by NAHB and construction industry partners in a letter to OSHA regarding its position on the recordability of COVID-19 cases. OSHA states that in areas where there is ongoing community transmission, employers may have
Monday, April 13, 2020FEMA to Allow for Remote Inspection of Flood Losses
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a new COVID-19 Remote Claims Adjusting Guidance memorandum that allows for remote inspections of flood losses to protect the health and safety of National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders and NFIP adjusters during the outbreak. Traditionally FEMA relies on in-person adjustments to administer NFIP claims. This process is when a flood insurance adjuster travels to a policyholder’s house to
Thursday, April 09, 2020President Trump: The Paycheck Protection Program Applies to All Small Construction Firms
New guidance from the Treasury Department appears to allow any U.S. firms with 500 or fewer employees to qualify for the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program regardless of revenue, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The initiative was created as part of the $2 trillion coronavirus rescue bill enacted late last month. President Donald Trump's administration released the new guidance yesterday after the AGC raised concerns that many small construction
Monday, April 06, 2020PPP: Builders Pursuing COVID19 Relief Loans
On Wednesday, March 25, in light of the increasing spread of the coronavirus in his state and nationally, Washington state Governor Jay Inslee declared residential construction, among other activities, nonessential, and that all work on those jobsites must cease immediately until April 6, at least. By 7:30 p.m. that night, Heather Dosch, CEO of John Buchan Homes (JBH), in Seattle, knew she was going to have to make some difficult decisions about the company's employees, especially those working in the
Thursday, April 02, 2020Governor Announces New State-Led Loan Program
Today, Gov. John Bel Edwards announced a new Louisiana Loan Portfolio Guaranty Program, which will offer loans of up to $100,000 to Louisiana small businesses of fewer than 100 employees that are impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. To help Main Street and rural businesses sustain operations, the loans will require no payments for 180 days and carry below-market interest rates of no more than 3.5 percent. LPGP Highlights Firms of fewer than 100 employees will be able to borrow up to $100,000 at below-market
Monday, March 30, 2020DOL Explains Paid Sick Leave, Expanded Family and Medical Leave Benefits
March 27, 2020 U.S. Department Of Labor Publishes More Guidance for Workers and Employers Explaining Paid Sick Leave, Expanded Family and Medical Leave Benefits WASHINGTON, DC –Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced more guidance to provide information to workers and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1, 2020. The new
Monday, March 30, 2020Small Business Administration Loans & Local Lender Locations
Many FDIC-backed banks will be able to offer the SBA economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) and 7(a) loan. Click hereto view our financial institution members. The Jefferson Economic Development Commission released this list of SBA approved lenders in Louisiana. Click here The application may be submitted online through the SBA’s website: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Details about the loan program are as follows:Loans may be made in an amount of up to $2,000,000 per borrower.Loans carry an
Thursday, March 26, 2020Construction Job Site Guidance for Coronavirus
The Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC) today published guidance for construction employers, employees and contractors on coronavirus exposure prevention, preparedness and response. NAHB is a key member of CISC. The guidance describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the job site, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and what to do if a worker becomes sick. The documents are
Thursday, March 26, 2020Recommendations for Construction Jobsite Safety
NAHB is a leading member of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition (CISC), which has provided a detailed plan to outline the steps that every employer and employee can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The plan describes how to prevent worker exposure to coronavirus, protective measures to be taken on the jobsite, personal protective equipment and work practice controls to be used, cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and OSHA guidance on what to do if a worker becomes sick.CISC
Thursday, March 26, 2020Small Business Resources - COVID-19
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy. Economic Injury Disaster Loan ProgramSBA Express Bridge LoansGuidance for Businesses and EmployersSBA Products and ResourcesGovernment ContractingLocal AssistanceEconomic Injury Disaster Loan Program Small business owners in all U.S. states and territories are currently eligible
Tuesday, March 24, 2020Coronavirus Impact on Construction Projects
Construction projects are expected to take a hit thanks to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. From scheduling delays to challenges acquiring materials and labor, projects will move forward at a different pace, requiring general contractors to keep up. In this on-demand webinar, Susan Eccles shares insights for construction industry players on what to expect thanks to the coronavirus. Learn about documents you need to review now, as well as how and when to take action to ensure progress or
Monday, March 23, 2020Unemployment Insurance Rule and Information: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Louisiana Workforce Commission’s Office of Workers’ Compensation has issued an emergency rule that aims to ensure that injured workers receive the medical attention their injury warrants under the Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Act. [Scroll down to see links for Unemployment Insurance]. (Cont'd) The rule is effective from March 19 until April 13. It includes the following:Workers’ compensation insurers should accept an approved LWC-WC 1010 for longer than thirty (30) days, especially if a treatment
Friday, March 20, 2020Louisiana Parishes Eligible for COVID-19 Business Aid
Gov. John Bel Edwards announced that small businesses in all 64 Louisiana parishes will have access to federal Small Business Administration disaster aid in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza confirmed that Louisiana’s more than 440,000 small businesses are eligible to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans, which will be made available to eligible firms suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus. “COVID-19 is a unique crisis affecting all
Thursday, March 19, 2020Revised Bill Signed into Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave due to Coronavirus
Revised Bill Signed into Law Requiring Small Businesses to Provide Paid Leave due to Coronavirus On Monday, March 16, the House of Representatives went back to the drawing board and made “corrections” to its Emergency Family First Response Act. The revised bill somewhat decreases the financial burden on small businesses and changes the circumstances under which employers are required to continue to pay their employees for COVID-19 related reasons. On March 18, the Bill was passed in the Senate without
Thursday, March 19, 2020Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites
Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites The effects of the COVID-19 illness associated with a new coronavirus have already proven to be extraordinarily broad, ranging from the obvious strain on countries’ healthcare systems to a global economic slowdown spurred by social distancing and reduced commerce. Those impacts might be felt for months to come. But NAHB has identified at least two areas of concern for home builders in the short term, both related to compliance with OSHA
Wednesday, March 18, 2020Employment Law Changes and Challenges (COVID-19)
Employment Law Changes and Challenges (COVID-19)The spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has resulted in uncharted territory for employers throughout the United States. Now that the World Health Organization has labeled the coronavirus a pandemic, what do employers need to know, and what are they required to do? What should an organization do if one of its employees tests positive for the virus? What relief could be coming for small businesses and other organizations that may struggle to stay afloat without
Wednesday, March 18, 2020NAHB Economist Robert Dietz
The last two weeks have seen growing concern and economic stress related to coronavirus mitigation efforts and social distancing. These recommended strategies will continue to place large sections of the U.S. economy on pause for at least the next few weeks — and potentially much longer. Postponed events, cancelled travel plans and deferred service consumption all represent lost economic activity. With a growing number of individuals altering their work schedules and working from home, construction and
Monday, March 16, 2020Federal Disaster Loan Assistance for Businesses, Private Nonprofits, Homeowners, and Renters
Disaster Loan InformationSBA provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters. SBA disaster loans can be used to repair or replace the following items damaged or destroyed in a declared disaster: real estate, personal property, machinery and equipment, and inventory and business assets. 3-Step Process can be found here. Apply For A Disaster LoanComplete your disaster loan application online.Disaster Loan Application Paper
