Starting July 1, face masks will be required in indoor public spaces in the state of Oregon. We hope to keep our local businesses open by following the below guidelines:

• We encourage all visitors to wear a mask upon arrival. If you do not have a mask, we are happy to provide a disposable one.
• Follow social distancing guidelines of 6 ft.
• Use hand sanitizer when entering the office and wash hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face and mouth.
• Stay at home if you are not feeling well (fever, chills, coughing, or shortness of breath).

A two trillion-dollar stimulus package was passed by the Senate on Wednesday, March 25. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is intended to help businesses, households and independent contractors during this pandemic. The National Association of REALTORS® played a major roll in procuring aid for independent contractors.

Realtors can now benefit from this relief package, which includes direct payments from the U.S. Government to individuals and households, unemployment insurance, expanded sick and paid family leave and no/low-interest rate loans. Other benefits include student loan relief, tax payment relief/deferrals, mortgage payment and foreclosure relief and insurance premium relief. See a complete list of the financial benefits here.

The CARES Act now includes the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which helps businesses keep their employees employed.

Small Business Owners Guide to the CARES Act

The Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Governor Brown’s request for emergency loans for small businesses on Friday, March 20. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with other Oregon congresspeople wrote to the SBA pleading for the loan.

By declaring the State of Oregon as an “Economic Disaster,” this low-interest loan became available to businesses, renters and homeowners suffering from the economic impact of COVID-19. The loan offers up to $2 million in assistance to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue. Interest rates for small businesses are at 3.75% and non-profits’ interest rates are at 2.75% with long-term repayments.

Apply for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) here.

Compass Commercial encourages and supports the success of our local businesses during these tough times. All of our brokers and property managers can easily be reached by email or cell for questions. Our property management maintenance team will continue to work in the field to ensure our managed properties are maintained. Our construction services team is still working and ready to help with any tenant improvements.

On Monday, March 23, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced a new Executive Order detailing the new “stay home, save lives” requirements.

The order outlines social distancing conditions, such as the prohibition of all social gatherings and a safe distance of six feet between individuals. It also lists other business types set to close, including retailers, gyms, yoga studios, barber shops and hair salons, bowling alleys, spas, theaters, etc.

Those not included were restaurants, bars and cafes with the requirement of take-out or delivery options only. Businesses are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home if options are available. Medical facilities and grocery stores are deemed essential and as a result are excluded from the list and will remain open.

The Executive Order will remain in effect until terminated by the Governor.

Compass Commercial intends to follow safe workplace practices and all members of our team can easily be reached by their email or cell and are ready to help. Our maintenance and construction services teams will continue to work in the office and the field.

With recent office closures and employees working remotely throughout the country, the way of conducting business has changed. No longer is it customary to go into an office or conference room for a meeting. Due to the COVID-19 viral outbreak, video conferencing has become the new normal.

Below, you will find different tools you can use to conduct your regularly scheduled meetings. Most can be downloaded as an app for mobile purposes or installed directly onto your computer.

1. Zoom: Great for frequent video chats and meetings. Their free package allows up to 40 minutes of video chatting with team members. Through their help center, they offer live training webinars.
2. Microsoft Teams: Included in the Microsoft 365 package, Teams is great for companies looking to share files and communicate through its chat function or video conferencing. You can find multiple training videos here.
3. Google Hangouts: If you have a Google account, you already have Google Hangouts. By simply opening a new tab and clicking on the menu button on the upper right-hand corner, scroll down until you see the Hangouts logo. Learn more about how to use Hangouts here.

Please use this as a resource for you next conference meeting. We at Compass Commercial encourage video conferencing for meetings throughout the course of the pandemic.