Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Cameron Sexton, and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group announced a new relief program for Tennessee businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tennessee Business Relief Program will direct approximately $200 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds through the Department of Revenue directly to small businesses that qualify.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created immense economic pain across our state and especially among small businesses that faced temporary closure,” said Gov. Lee. “As we responsibly steward our federal stimulus money we have worked to quickly prioritize our small businesses and I thank the work of the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for their partnership in this.”
The Tennessee Business Relief Program amounts awarded will be based on the annual gross sales of the business. More details will be posted on the Department of Revenue’s website in the coming days.
“While the COVID-19 crisis started as a public health crisis, the economic crisis it triggered is in some ways even more devastating. The burden the virus has placed on small businesses has been substantial,” said Lt. Gov. McNally (R-Oak Ridge). “Jobs have been lost. Savings accounts have been drained. Credit has been stretched. Small businesses need this relief more than anyone. I was proud to be a part of formulating this plan along with my fellow Financial Accountability group members, particularly Sen. Bo Watson and Sen. Raumesh Akbari. I am hopeful this program will soon be expanded to include non-profits, trade groups and chambers of commerce. These organizations are critical to our economic revival and I look forward to seeing them included in the next phase. Our recovery from this economic disruption will be a slow process. But without small business, it doesn’t happen at all. I am grateful for this opportunity to put our most at-risk businesses on a path to stability and prosperity.”
Roughly 28,000 Tennessee businesses are expected to qualify, with more than 73% of those businesses earning annual gross sales of $500,000 or less.
“Our small businesses drive our local and statewide economies, and their success is critical to our continued, swift economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville). “I am pleased to join with Rep. Marsh, Rep. Love and members of the Financial Accountability Group to support all those businesses who have been adversely affected by these extraordinary circumstances through this program so they remain successful.”
The following types of small businesses are eligible under the program:
Barber shops Beauty shops Nail salons Tattoo parlors, spas, and other personal care services Gyms and fitness centers Restaurants Bars Hotels and other travel accommodations Theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers and similar facilities Museums, zoos, and other similar attractions
Amusement parks Bowling centers and arcades Marinas Amusement, sports and recreational industries Promoters of performing arts, sports, and similar events Agents and managers of artists, athletes, and entertainers Independent artists, writers, and performers
In addition, the following small businesses are eligible if their sales were reduced by at least 25%, as shown on their April sales tax returns (filed in May):
Furniture stores Home furnishing stores Clothing stores Shoe stores Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores Sporting goods, hobby, and musical instrument stores
Book stores Department stores Office supply, stationery and gift stores Used merchandise stores Other miscellaneous stores
The Financial Stimulus Accountability Group includes Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Comptroller Justin Wilson, Sen. Ramesh Akbari, Sen. Bo Watson, Rep. Harold Love and Rep. Pat Marsh.
State testing has moved to care facilities. Cannon County Emergency Management Agency has released information about confirmed cases of COVID 19 in Cannon County at the Woodbury Health and Rehab Center in Woodbury. As per new State of Tennessee guidelines, all employees of nursing homes are required to be tested for COVID-19 by the end of the month and by the end of June for residents.
All employees in Cannon County have undergone testing to meet state guidance. As a result of that testing, 11 staff have tested positive and 3 residents have tested positive for COVID-19. All are asymptomatic which means that they had no signs or symptoms at the time of testing and as of today show no signs. Everyone that tested positive will be retested and monitored closely. Woodbury Health and Rehab has been closely following the guidance from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.
The State of Tennessee Department of Health reports 21 cases of COVID-19 in Cannon County as of May 30th. Five hundred, ninety-one tests have been conducted, five hundred, seventy were negative.
Cannon County Schools is pleased to announce Mr. Ray (Bud) Brandon III as Part-Time Wellness Teacher and Head Girls Basketball Coach at Cannon County High School beginning with the 2020-2021 School Year. A Press Conference was held on Wednesday, May 27th, 2020 – 1:00 PM at the Cannon County High School Gymnasium to announce his hire as CCHS Girls Basketball Head Coach.
Bud Brandon
Bud Brandon graduated from Lebanon High School in 1979 and is a 1984 Graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. Born in Murfreesboro and raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, he is a third generation educator and the son of legendary Hall of Fame Coach Campbell Brandon, who passed away a little over a year ago. He is married to his wife Bonita and raising two granddaughters.
Mr. Brandon has coached basketball all his career as an educator. He has been a coach and educator at various schools including stops at Carroll-Oakland Elementary, Mt. Juliet Junior High, and Walter J. Baird Middle School. He coached 13 seasons at Wilson Central, amassing a 302-115 record and leading the Lady Wildcats to Class AAA state championships in 2006 and 2008. He spent the 2014-15 season as Trousdale County’s boys coach, then went to Smyrna High School to take over the Lady Bulldog program in 2015, guiding Smyrna to a 29-48 record. His best season was 2016-17 when the team went 17-11 and reached the Region 4-AAA quarterfinals. Brandon received the 2007 Wilson County “Great Commission Coach” from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and during his tenure at Wilson Central High School was named “Coach of the Year” three times by the Basketball Coaches Association of Tennessee.
CCHS Principal Courtney Nichols recommended him to Director of Schools William F. Curtis, and Mr. Curtis accepted his recommendation. Coach Brandon met with CCHS Girls Basketball Players on Wednesday, May 27th, 2019, will be conducting Girls Basketball Tryouts on Thursday, June 4th, 2020 for Freshman/Sophomores and Friday, June 5th, 2020 for Juniors/Seniors, and will be meeting with Girls Basketball Parents and Boosters soon afterward.
Cannon County High School Principal Courtney Nichols commented, “After talking with Mr. Brandon in-depth regarding our program, I knew he would be a great fit. His experience plus his knowledge and skill set is exactly what our program needs. He also brings a profound sense of excitement to our Girls Basketball Program, and know he will push our girls to the limit to be successful.”
Director of Cannon County Schools – Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “I am extremely impressed with Mr. Bud Brandon’s experience as an outstanding educator and basketball coach. He was well recommended from numerous individuals and educators including MTSU Girls Head Coach Rick Insell. His experienced coaching abilities will exemplify Cannon School’s MISSION – ‘Preparing All Students for Their Future’ in our Girls Basketball Program and the School System’s VISION – ‘New E3 – Engaged in Excellence Every Day’ on and off the basketball court. I sincerely believe his character and commitment will bring a spirit excellence and excitement to our Girls Basketball Team and Program. ”
Cannon County Schools welcomes Mr. Bud Brandon as CCHS Girls Head Basketball Coach and looks forward to excellence, both in the classroom and in athletics, at Cannon County High School!
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Bonita Jo Atwood to the 16th Judicial District Circuit Court to fill the Honorable Royce Taylor’s vacancy.
“Bonita Jo Atwood is an experienced litigator with the right temperament to serve on the bench,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m proud to nominate her for the Circuit Court and thank her for her willingness to serve the people of Tennessee.”
Atwood has served as a managing partner at Atwood and Moore since 1995, representing more than 7,000 clients in a wide scope of civil litigation. She previously practiced law in the Law Offices of Henry, Kious & Hall. Atwood earned her J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and Bachelor of Science cum laude from Tennessee Tech University. She currently resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and is a charter member of the Middle Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women.
The 16th District covers Rutherford and Cannon counties.
Today, Governor Bill Lee provided an update on Tennessee’s efforts regarding COVID-19. Gov. Lee’s conferences can be viewed here. Visit tn.gov/covid19 for up-to-date administrative action.
Key Updates
Testing Strategy Continues to Meet Goals
Tennessee continues to be a national leader in COVID-19 testing. Tennessee has already tested 2.5% of the state’s population and is on track to reach 3% by the end of May, surpassing the White House’s testing criteria of 2% per month for a safe reopening.
From May 1 – May 20, Tennessee conducted roughly 177,000 COVID-19 tests, more than all previous weeks combined. The state currently conducts, on average, upwards of 8,700 tests per day and was listed by the Harvard Global Health Institute as one of 7 states to reach a benchmark for COVID-19 testing.
Additionally, Unified Command has facilitated testing of the state’s inmate population, major metro urban housing development communities, intellectual and developmental disability communities, long-term care facilities, and veterans homes, with continued availability for those in the community regardless of symptoms.
For a full primer on Unified Command’s testing efforts, please see the attached document.
Executive Order No. 38
Today, Gov. Lee issued Executive Order No. 38, which allows groups of up to 50 people to participate in social and recreational activities while encouraging strong social distancing measures. The order’s provisions include:
Effective Friday, May 22, this order supersedes and repeals Executive Order Nos. 30, 33, and 35.
The order permits more Tennesseans and businesses to return to work in all industries where that can be safely accomplished by following health guidelines and maintaining social distancing from persons outside of your household, while continuing to urge employers to allow or require remote work/telework if possible.
Requirements with respect to social and recreational gatherings, such as festivals, fairs, parades, large parties or picnics, noncontact sporting events and activities, summer camps, and other types of social or recreational gatherings, are clarified to focus on the importance of social distancing from persons outside your household and avoiding social/recreational groups of 50 or more persons, consistent with recent conversations and input from counties across the state, including the six locally run county health departments with independent orders or plans in place.
This limitation does not cover places of worship, for which there are guidelines for safe operation of worship services and gatherings if in-person services are conducted, but the order strongly encourages places of worship to continue virtual or online services where possible.
This limitation does not apply to weddings, funerals, and related events, but encourages postponement of large-gathering components of such events.
Non-contact sporting events and activities and summer camps should be conducted in accordance with operational guidance from the Governor’s Economic Recovery Group (e.g., Tennessee Pledge), which is forthcoming soon.
Contact sporting events and activities, where there is a requirement or substantial likelihood of routine close contact and adequate social distancing is not feasible, are prohibited, but this does not apply to collegiate or professional sports conducted under the rules or guidelines of their respective governing bodies. This also does not prohibit training or otherwise practicing the elements of such sports that do not involve close contact with persons.
Nursing homes and similar retirement and long-term-care facilities must remain closed to visitors, unless in the discretion of the facility the visit involves critical assistance for the resident or is to a resident receiving end-of-life care, provided that such a visit may be accomplished without unreasonable risk. These facilities must also ensure that residents with disabilities are afforded necessary visitation by service providers and other persons.
Administrators of nursing homes and similar retirement and long-term-care facilities are strongly encouraged to provide COVID-19 testing to all residents and staff or take substantial steps toward completing such testing by May 31, 2020. Financial and operational support for such testing is available from the Tennessee Department of Health and Tennessee National Guard.
Senior centers or equivalent facilities remain closed to members or the public.
Attractions and larger venues may reopen, but should follow the Economic Recovery Group Guidelines (e.g., Tennessee Pledge), including with respect to social distancing and capacity limits
Bars may reopen, but may only serve customers seated at appropriately spaced tables and must follow the Economic Recovery Group Guidelines (e.g., Tennessee Pledge) for restaurants.
Tennesseans are urged to continue limiting activity and staying home as much as possible to preserve and build on the health progress we’ve made.
All employers and businesses that choose to open are expected to comply with the Governor’s Economic Recovery Group Guidelines for operating safely, as well as general health guidelines from the CDC and other government entities.
Persons and businesses are urged to take special care to protect and provide for the well-being of vulnerable populations, including by offering delivery or special shopping hours if possible.
Persons with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms are required to stay at home, and employers may not require or allow employees with COVID-19 to work.
Persons are urged to wear a cloth face covering in places where in close proximity to others, especially where social distancing is difficult.
Take-out and delivery alcohol sales by restaurants and limited-service restaurants will continue to be permitted to encourage customers to utilize take-out or delivery options.
For the 89 counties without a locally run county health department (all but Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan), this order supersedes any contrary orders or measures, meaning that the counties cannot issue independent orders that would limit application of Executive Order No. 38, though counties may continue issuing or enforcing orders or measures on other matters related to COVID-19, such as opening or closure of their governmental buildings, governing their employees, or dealing with the operation of their local government.
The county health departments in the 6 counties with locally run county health departments (Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Shelby, and Sullivan) shall have authority to issue orders or measures that permit or restrict to a different degree than this order the opening, closure, or operation of businesses, organizations, or venues, or the gathering of persons, except for in the case of places of worship. Otherwise, this order governs on the topics it covers.
On Monday, Gov. Lee visited the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South to help volunteers distribute meals. This program distributes 900+ meals per day to families in the Shelby Co. community. Additional information on the program is available here.
The Tennessee Dept. of Human Services established the COVID-19 Essential Employee Childcare Payment Assistance Program to provide support for essential workers serving our communities through this pandemic. The program has been expanded until mid-August to support essential employees through the summer. All categories of essential workers identified in EO 22 are now eligible for the program. The full list is located at TN.gov.
The Department has also partnered with YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee to establish free child care for the school aged children of essential workers. Full listing of YMCA and Boys & Girls Club temporary/emergency care locations is available for the YMCA here and the Boys & Girls Clubs here.
Education Update
PBS Teaching Tennessee virtual learning program will continue through the summer, allowing students and families to have access to education and instructional content during time away from the classroom. The full schedule is available here.
All Tennessee families will continue to have access to ReadyRosie, a virtual early childhood education platform made possible through partnership with the Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation, through September. More information on ReadyRosie is available here.
Tennessee State Funding Board
In order to better understand the economic impact that has occurred as a result of COVID-19, as well as the implications of those effects, the Governor will be convening a meeting of the State Funding Board, which include state economists as well as economists from the Atlanta Federal Reserve, on Wednesday, March 27, at 10am in Senate Hearing Room I. With the exception of the Funding Board Members, who will appear in-person, the meeting will be conducted through electronic means announced in detail on the Comptroller’s website.
Current Department of Health Testing Results (as of 2 p.m. 5/22)
Confirmed Cases
Hospitalizations
Fatalities
Recovered
Total Tested
19,394
1,560
315
12,566
368,170
For more information on COVID-19 in Tennessee, please visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.
On May 18, 2020, Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) Interdiction Plus (IP) Trooper Andrew Connors stopped a silver GMC Yukon XL on Interstate 24 at the 82-mile marker in Rutherford County, Tennessee for a traffic violation. During the investigation, Trooper Connors became suspicious that the occupants of the vehicle were involved in criminal activity. IP Troopers Daniels and Campbell arrived to assist.
Trooper Connors obtained consent to search the vehicle. Troopers located 42 re-encoded credit cards, nine Bluetooth skimmer ribbons, one laptop, one USB skimmer ribbon attachment for a computer, multiple gas pump keys, gas pump security seals, five grams of cocaine, and other paraphernalia consistent with credit card fraud and identity theft. Troopers also observed an address on the vehicle’s GPS system and discovered that address to be a BP gas station in Illinois.
Law enforcement in Illinois were notified and responded to that address and contacted the gas station owner who unlocked the gas pumps computer system. Later, THP Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Sergeant William Gregory assisted roadside. Through FaceTime, IP Troopers and CID worked with law enforcement in Illinois to locate Bluetooth skimmers attached to the gas pump card readers. Illinois law enforcement placed the skimmers into their evidence room.
Yosvany Cabrera, 35, of Miami, Florida and Rodovaldo Gonzalez, 31, also of Miami, Florida were arrested without incident and booked at the Rutherford County Detention Center for felony possession of Schedule II, 42 counts of criminal simulation, 42 counts of identity theft, and 42 counts of identity theft trafficking. The investigation is ongoing and will be presented to the United States Secret Service for federal prosecution.
Booking photos can be obtained through the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.
Tennessee continues to advance the state’s reopening plan under the Tennessee Pledge, as the Economic Recovery Group HAS issued updated guidelines for restaurants and retail, along with new guidelines that enable attractions and larger venues to reopen with social distancing and capacity restrictions on or after (Friday) May 22. The State continues to meet the White House gating criteria with a downward trend in case growth, increase in testing capability and sufficient hospital capacity.
According to Gov. Lee, “Tennesseans have worked hard to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our state, and their efforts have allowed us to continue to reopen our economy further. These guidelines share best practices to ensure our state’s businesses can continue to operate in a way that protects customers and employees while putting people back to work.”
The updated guidelines enable restaurants and retail to increase capacity as long as social distancing protocols remain in place. Restaurants should continue to space tables 6 feet apart, or install physical barriers where adequate separation isn’t possible. Bars remain closed unless used for seated, in-restaurant dining where there is 6 feet of separation between customer groups. Live music is permissible with appropriate precautions, which include maintaining at least 15 feet of separation between performers and audience in order to reduce potential exposure.
Large, non-contact attractions and venues including concert and performance venues, amusement and water parks, auditoriums, theaters and dinner theaters, zoos, large museums and more can also reopen safely under new Tennessee Pledge guidelines. Strong measures to protect employees and customers are recommended, including screening of employees and customers, creating plans for managing guest flow, and limiting capacity to ensure separation between small groups.
Six counties – Shelby, Madison, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox and Sullivan – may continue to follow individual, county-specific reopening plans created in consultation with State and local health departments.
The Economic Recovery Group (ERG), composed of 30 leaders from the public and private sector, is crafting guidance to assist businesses in a safe reopening. The industry representatives participating in the ERG collectively represent over 140,000 Tennessee businesses that employ over 2.5M Tennesseans. More information about ERG is available here.
The Woodbury Lions Club annual donor appreciation bloodmobile day is Thursday. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be making their last trip of the fiscal year. Lion Carl Hirlston has transformed the May blood drive into a celebration for donors with gifts for those who take the time to give the gift of life.
The need for blood is important as the current pandemic has slowed contributions across the nation. Donors can reserve an appointment time by visiting redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor: Woodbury 019
Hours of operation will be Noon till 6pm at the Lions Memorial Building at the intersection of We Serve Circle and Lehman Street.
After breaking a ten week decline last week, Tennessee gas prices continue to inch higher. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $1.63 which is only a two cent increase over last week and three cents higher than one month ago. To keep things in perspective, Tennesseans are still experiencing gas prices that are 92 cents cheaper compared to this time last year. “Gas prices around Memorial Day have not been this cheap in nearly 20 years. However, as the country continues to practice social distancing, this year’s unofficial kick-off to summer is not going to drive the typical millions of Americans to travel,” said Megan Cooper, spokesperson, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Despite inexpensive gas prices, AAA anticipates this year’s holiday will likely set a record low for travel volume.”
Quick Facts Tennessee is the 10th least expensive market in the nation 23% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $1.50 The lowest 10% of pump prices are $1.42 for regular unleaded The highest 10% of pump prices are $1.95 for regular unleaded
National Gas Prices Pump prices continue to increase across the country with nearly every state’s average pushing more expensive on the week, on average by four cents. At the start of the Memorial Day work week, the national gas price average is $1.87. The last time the national gas price average leading into the holiday was under $2/gallon was 17 years ago in 2003. That year motorists paid, on average, $1.50 to fill-up. Gas prices this year won’t be as cheap as 2003, but today’s national average is a dollar cheaper than one year ago. Americans can expect gas prices to continue to push more expensive, possibly hitting $2/gallon in the next few weeks. This is mostly due to demand increasing as states re-open. This week will also bring the Environmental Protection Agency’s waiver on the sale of winter-blend gasoline to an end. Stations will switch over to summer-blend gasoline, which has a lower Reid Vapor Pressure to prevent excessive evaporation when outside temperatures rise. Reducing the volatility of summer gas decreases emissions that contribute to unhealthy ozone and smog levels. Typically, the switchover to summer-blend can cause gas prices to spike during the summer driving season, but that will likely not be the case this year due to the impact of COVID-19 on demand and crude oil prices.
Tennessee agricultural producers who lost property due to recent natural disasters may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physical loss loans. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers these low-interest loans to agricultural producers in Wilson County who incurred losses due to tornadoes that occurred on April 25, 2020. Approval is limited to applicants who suffered severe physical losses only, including the loss of buildings and livestock. Applications are due by Jan. 8, 2021.
“Tennessee’s hardworking ag producers feed our neighbors, the nation and the world,” said State Executive Director Mike Mayfield. “When they suffer losses because of extreme weather, helping them get back on their feet is important. We encourage those affected to reach out to their local USDA Service Center to apply for these emergency loans.”
Producers in the contiguous Tennessee counties of Cannon, Davidson, DeKalb, Rutherford, Smith, Sumner, and Trousdale, are also eligible to apply for emergency loans.
Physical loss loans can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.
For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs or to find your local USDA Service Center visit farmers.gov/recover.
