Thomas Dahbura and Kelly M. Schulz watched a batch of window clings roll off a Hub City Labels press Tuesday afternoon.

Dahbura is president of Hub Labels on Shawley Drive outside of Hagerstown. He spent some time Tuesday explaining how his company made those labels.

Schulz is secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce and a partner in the label-making. She was there to say thanks.

The window clings feature the state flag and the words "Proud to be Safely Open. Maryland Open for Business." They are part of the effort to help Maryland's economy safely recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another part of that effort includes a "Maryland Strong: Back to Business Pledge" that businesses can take, promising they will follow safety protocols to help fight the pandemic. Those protocols include promoting social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting and providing flexibility for employees, among other steps.

In an interview at Hub Labels on Tuesday, Schulz said advisory groups have helped set best practices for businesses in different sectors, such as office work and manufacturing.

"We needed the employees to be safe," she said. "We needed the general public to be safe."

She also said employees need to feel safe in returning to their workplaces. And members of the public need to feel safe when they go to stores and other businesses.

"These window clings, along with the business pledge, offer much needed assurance in knowing that a business is taking the steps to adhere to health protocols and offer a safe environment for customers," Schulz said in a prepared statement.

She said the Department of Commerce is spreading the word through other means as well, such as public service announcements that promote safe practices to fight COVID-19.

According to Hub Labels, the company partnered with the Department of Commerce to make 10,000 of the window clings. The clings do not need adhesive to stay on the glass.

The clings will be distributed to each of the state’s 23 counties and the city of Baltimore.

In an interview, Dahbura called it a "sign of confidence" for consumers.

“Times are uncertain right now, for so many reasons, COVID-19 just being one of the factors. I want to make a difference, however big or small, to help our communities find a path forward to recovery," he said in a prepared statement.

Hub Labels makes pressure-sensitive and linerless labels for a variety of customers, including food and beverage businesses.

https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/special/coronavirus/hub-labels-helps-spread-safely-open-message/article_5c78f3d7-fac5-5ce9-8efa-517a8430a466.html?fbclid=IwAR0Bim1chLjJFSuuJkqMMU8yKlqx22umDEqQf4GN7cx_r9ABlJ5jOWEOi1I

MWCC Board Member Carl Livesay's interview with WJZTV:

When a southwest Baltimore company became aware that some healthcare workers did not have enough equipment to stay safe, they decided to switch over their manufacturing plant to produce what they could.

Click here for story.

TIP: If you’re on the fence about whether to obtain an EIDL during these uncertain times, the time to apply is now. There is no obligation for a business to take the loan if one is offered, but starting the application process will secure your place in the queue.

How to Apply for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

MARCH 27, 2020 SC&H GROUP

Updated on 3/27/2020 at 8:40am EST

In light of the economic turmoil brought on by the COVID-19 global pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been thrust into the national spotlight to provide assistance to thousands of small businesses looking to apply for disaster assistance loans for Coronavirus-related economic disruptions.

The SBA is providing low-interest working capital loans of up to $2 million to almost all U.S. small businesses (must have fewer than 500 employees) and private non-profit organizations to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other expenses. These loans carry an interest rate of 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for nonprofits — the loan repayment terms vary by applicant, up to a maximum of 30 years. There are a few exceptions:

• Agricultural Enterprises
• Religious Organizations
• Charitable Organizations
• Gambling Concerns
• Casinos and Racetracks

Additionally, due to increased volume the time to receive funds may take longer than normal and there are no fees to apply. Applicants are permitted to have an existing EIDL and still qualify for this disaster relief, but the loans cannot be consolidated (ie. If a Howard County small business has an EIDL due to the flooding, they are still eligible to obtain another EIDL for the COVID-19 disaster.) In the event their request is denied, the applicant will be given up to six months to provide new information and submit a written request for consideration.

We wanted to share this post and video from one of our consultant partners Kelly Petrock, Lead Institute (LinkedIn Profile).

In today’s business as Unusual world, many of us will be forced from our professional and personal habits and comfort. Drawing upon and strengthening your Emotional Intelligence will be paramount. Use this short video to anticipate and navigate common emotional triggers.