Business-to-Business News
Commonwealth Technology & Visual Edge IT Present Virtual Town Hall: 18 Ways to Make Remote Work Secure on May 20th at 11 a.m.
A panel of experts will share important information and actionable tips for you to protect your business from Cyber Security threats. We want to help you ensure your cyber security culture transcends the office walls, so you can protect your family & protect your data. Our experts will share important insights on security in the remote workplace, including: Maintaining Control of Company Data Assets; Threat Vectors; and What you can do to protect yourself. Keynote speaker is Joy Beland, SSAP, Security+, CSX Fundamentals, Senior Cybersecurity Education Director, Connectwise. REGISTER HERE
A panel of experts will share important information and actionable tips for you to protect your business from Cyber Security threats. We want to help you ensure your cyber security culture transcends the office walls, so you can protect your family & protect your data. Our experts will share important insights on security in the remote workplace, including: Maintaining Control of Company Data Assets; Threat Vectors; and What you can do to protect yourself. Keynote speaker is Joy Beland, SSAP, Security+, CSX Fundamentals, Senior Cybersecurity Education Director, Connectwise. REGISTER HERE
Chef Doug's Gourmet Foods Adjusts to New Normal
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chef Doug's Gourmet Foods has adjusted to a "new normal." We continue to practice social distancing, as well as sanitizing all surfaces regularly. All employees have their temperatures taken before the start of each shift and once again halfway through the shift. We continue to follow new guidelines as they are presented to us from the Kentucky Governor and/or CDC.
We are still offering Lunch Service to the business community. Give us a call a day or two in advance to place your order for you and your staff, and it will be delivered to your place of business. Give Chef Doug a call personally to set this up at (859) 585-1464. Thank you so much for sticking with us. We look forward to supporting each other during these challenging times. FIND OUT MORE ON-LINE HERE.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chef Doug's Gourmet Foods has adjusted to a "new normal." We continue to practice social distancing, as well as sanitizing all surfaces regularly. All employees have their temperatures taken before the start of each shift and once again halfway through the shift. We continue to follow new guidelines as they are presented to us from the Kentucky Governor and/or CDC.
- We are offering Curbside Pickup from our Take Out Location at 1039 Industry Road in Lexington. (859) 523-5922
- Our hours of operation have changed! We are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 12 noon to 10 p.m. Last order should be placed by 9:30 p m.
- We are offering Limited Delivery: $5 Delivery inside New Circle and $10 Delivery outside New Circle 10 mile radius.
- Working Man combo $6: White Fish Sand. w/ Lettuce and Tomato, Fries & Drink $6
- Jerk Chicken Salad $10: Mix green Lettuce, carrots, red cabbage, cucumbers, Cherry tomatoes, Jerk Chicken, Bacon, boiled Eggs, cheddar cheese $10
We are still offering Lunch Service to the business community. Give us a call a day or two in advance to place your order for you and your staff, and it will be delivered to your place of business. Give Chef Doug a call personally to set this up at (859) 585-1464. Thank you so much for sticking with us. We look forward to supporting each other during these challenging times. FIND OUT MORE ON-LINE HERE.
Windstream Enterprise Supports Businesses with Remote Worker Solutions; Offering Free 90-Day Trial of OfficeSuite UC and more!
To support businesses implementing new remote work-from-home environments, Windstream Enterprise (WE), a managed communications services provider, launched a free 90-day trial of its award-winning OfficeSuite UC® and HD Meeting® services and video conferencing to all new and existing customers.
New and existing customers are eligible for this free trial, providing enterprises with an easy and affordable option to rapidly enable remote workforces via a robust cloud-based communications and collaboration platform.
Windstream announced that its network is performing well amid a 50 percent increase in voice traffic and a 30 percent increase in data traffic since mid-March. These increases are well within the company’s defined network operational tolerances. Both HD Meeting® minutes and participants have increased sharply, but overall OfficeSuite network traffic is running at approximately 50 percent of capacity, ensuring that new customers will have the service availability they need. In addition, Windstream has a dedicated team to accelerate the delivery of critical services and install additional network capacity for businesses and wholesale customers experiencing spikes in demand.
To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
To support businesses implementing new remote work-from-home environments, Windstream Enterprise (WE), a managed communications services provider, launched a free 90-day trial of its award-winning OfficeSuite UC® and HD Meeting® services and video conferencing to all new and existing customers.
New and existing customers are eligible for this free trial, providing enterprises with an easy and affordable option to rapidly enable remote workforces via a robust cloud-based communications and collaboration platform.
Windstream announced that its network is performing well amid a 50 percent increase in voice traffic and a 30 percent increase in data traffic since mid-March. These increases are well within the company’s defined network operational tolerances. Both HD Meeting® minutes and participants have increased sharply, but overall OfficeSuite network traffic is running at approximately 50 percent of capacity, ensuring that new customers will have the service availability they need. In addition, Windstream has a dedicated team to accelerate the delivery of critical services and install additional network capacity for businesses and wholesale customers experiencing spikes in demand.
To find out more about this offer, VISIT HERE.
Lexington Geek Opens, Ready to Serve Area Businesses
After many years of working with businesses throughout the Lexington community, Louisville Geek has seen firsthand what the city of Lexington has to offer, which is why they have opened Lexington Geek. It is a full-service IT provider backed by local professionals from the Lexington area and the resources and experience of Louisville Geek.
If your business is having any IT support issues during (or after) this pandemic, Lexington Geek is here to help. Many businesses are looking for ways to save money, which is why they are offering a complimentary network assessment, as well as a Free, 6-month Trial of Office 365, which includes all of the Office apps you’ve been accustomed to over the years, plus Teams, which can be used for videoconferencing.
A flyer which contains a general overview of the services we provide can be found HERE. Please keep in mind that many of these services can be performed away from the office in a remote setting. Lexington Geek looks forward to serving the Lexington community! Contact Lexington Geek at (502) 897-7577 or visit on-line at www.lexgeek.com.
After many years of working with businesses throughout the Lexington community, Louisville Geek has seen firsthand what the city of Lexington has to offer, which is why they have opened Lexington Geek. It is a full-service IT provider backed by local professionals from the Lexington area and the resources and experience of Louisville Geek.
If your business is having any IT support issues during (or after) this pandemic, Lexington Geek is here to help. Many businesses are looking for ways to save money, which is why they are offering a complimentary network assessment, as well as a Free, 6-month Trial of Office 365, which includes all of the Office apps you’ve been accustomed to over the years, plus Teams, which can be used for videoconferencing.
A flyer which contains a general overview of the services we provide can be found HERE. Please keep in mind that many of these services can be performed away from the office in a remote setting. Lexington Geek looks forward to serving the Lexington community! Contact Lexington Geek at (502) 897-7577 or visit on-line at www.lexgeek.com.
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Awesome Inc. Presents Webinar to Keep Companies Thinking Entrepreneurially
Our friends at Awesome Inc. have put together an informative webinar to provide companies with some best practices to help them think entrepreneurially, explore pivoting, discover new ideas and implement new strategies in a rapidly-changing work environment. |
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Vincent Fister has Storage Capacity and Trucks Available for Use
For companies that are needing extra storage capacity and assistance in delivering goods to their customers, Vincent Fister currently has over 50,000 sq. ft. of open space, more than 20 tractor-trailers available on a daily basis and over 15 box trucks. The company has also implemented several initiatives to ensure compliance with all CDC and WHO recommendations, including:
For assistance with your moving and storage needs, contact Jorge Lancho at (859) 266-2153 (Ext. 223).
For companies that are needing extra storage capacity and assistance in delivering goods to their customers, Vincent Fister currently has over 50,000 sq. ft. of open space, more than 20 tractor-trailers available on a daily basis and over 15 box trucks. The company has also implemented several initiatives to ensure compliance with all CDC and WHO recommendations, including:
- Developed a special team of senior executives and managers. This team is meeting throughout each day to ensure our employees are updated and aligned to best serve our customers while keeping safety at the forefront. Communication to our internal employees and clients is being sent out as we receive updates from local, state and federal governments as well as the CDC and WHO.
- Most of its office employees are working from home, effective Saturday, March 21st. All travel has been banned at this time.
- Operations and crew members will continue to work as usual taking extra precautions to ensure social distancing and proper health guidelines are followed. We are asking our employees AND customers the following questions. Any team member who has symptoms or answers “Yes” to the following questions are instructed to stay home. We postpone service to any customer that answers “Yes.”
- “Is anyone in the home currently ill or experiencing flu-like symptoms?”
- Has anyone in the home traveled internationally within the past 14 days?”
- On a daily basis we are taking each crew member’s temperature and asking the critical question from above.
- We are replenishing our crew members’ and Van Operators’ safety kits as needed to ensure they have an ample supply of hand sanitizer, Clorox wipes, gloves and antibacterial soap to use in their trucks and in our customers’ homes each day. Our crews are frequently cleaning and disinfecting tools, equipment and the interior surfaces of our trucks.
- While we are open for business as usual, we understand customers may be uncomfortable with moving at this time. We are making every accommodation possible to reschedule these moves for an agreeable date.
For assistance with your moving and storage needs, contact Jorge Lancho at (859) 266-2153 (Ext. 223).
Thompson Catering & Special Events Helping with Drop-Off Catering
I'm sure your business is taking precautions with outside vendors. If a need for drop-off catering develops we're eager and ready to help. It's a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for the hard working associates showing up each day. Protocols from one business to the next are different. We can put food on carts outside the building and let you roll everything in. We're also very happy to help you set it up. Stay positive and stay well. Contact Thompson Catering & Special Events at (859) 745-2019 or visit them on-line partyky.com and https://www.facebook.com/partyky.
I'm sure your business is taking precautions with outside vendors. If a need for drop-off catering develops we're eager and ready to help. It's a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for the hard working associates showing up each day. Protocols from one business to the next are different. We can put food on carts outside the building and let you roll everything in. We're also very happy to help you set it up. Stay positive and stay well. Contact Thompson Catering & Special Events at (859) 745-2019 or visit them on-line partyky.com and https://www.facebook.com/partyky.
Littler Mendelson COVID-19 Task Force Helps Employers Confront Workplace Challenges by Compiling Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses particular concerns for employers for several reasons, beyond the obvious need to protect employees who may be at risk and the need to address employee concerns: coronavirus might be transmittable in the workplace, and is serious; medical experts are still searching for a test to detect its presence; the incubation period after exposure but before symptoms appear is believed to be a minimum of several days; and early symptoms can mimic less severe respiratory problems, such as the flu. Check out the resources ON-LINE HERE.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) poses particular concerns for employers for several reasons, beyond the obvious need to protect employees who may be at risk and the need to address employee concerns: coronavirus might be transmittable in the workplace, and is serious; medical experts are still searching for a test to detect its presence; the incubation period after exposure but before symptoms appear is believed to be a minimum of several days; and early symptoms can mimic less severe respiratory problems, such as the flu. Check out the resources ON-LINE HERE.
Coronavirus & Employers: Critical Compliance Information
BLOG POST BY CLEX MEMBER MCBRAYER, PLLC [MARCH 13, 2020]
As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has reached global pandemic status, it is critical for employers to understand how to administer their workforce in the face of the new illness, especially in light of state and federal employment laws. Luckily for employers, there is fresh guidance from several agencies on how to put team health first while protecting businesses and complying with relevant workforce laws and regulations. McBrayer attorneys have provided information in their latest BLOG POST HERE.
BLOG POST BY CLEX MEMBER MCBRAYER, PLLC [MARCH 13, 2020]
As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has reached global pandemic status, it is critical for employers to understand how to administer their workforce in the face of the new illness, especially in light of state and federal employment laws. Luckily for employers, there is fresh guidance from several agencies on how to put team health first while protecting businesses and complying with relevant workforce laws and regulations. McBrayer attorneys have provided information in their latest BLOG POST HERE.
Latest Message from Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton
Our citizens are doing a great job, paying attention to warnings, helping neighbors, and working together to slow the speed of this virus. It will take all of us to get past it, but we will get past it. A few updates: Governor Andy Beshear has directed restaurants and bars to close. Drive through, delivery and carry-out remain open. The City is suspending meetings of all city boards and commissions, except the Planning Commission, Police and Fire Pension Board, and the Civil Service Commission. Beginning March 23, yard waste service will be suspended to ensure the City has personnel needed to pick up solid waste and recyclables. Our fire stations will be closed to the public, except for emergency walk-ins … firefighters will be responding to calls, following social distancing as the situation dictates. Kentucky American Water and LG&E and KU have suspended utility disconnects/shut-offs. Keeneland announced the cancellation of the upcoming Spring Meet. Stay tuned to www.lexingtonky.gov/coronavirus-response for continued updates.
Our citizens are doing a great job, paying attention to warnings, helping neighbors, and working together to slow the speed of this virus. It will take all of us to get past it, but we will get past it. A few updates: Governor Andy Beshear has directed restaurants and bars to close. Drive through, delivery and carry-out remain open. The City is suspending meetings of all city boards and commissions, except the Planning Commission, Police and Fire Pension Board, and the Civil Service Commission. Beginning March 23, yard waste service will be suspended to ensure the City has personnel needed to pick up solid waste and recyclables. Our fire stations will be closed to the public, except for emergency walk-ins … firefighters will be responding to calls, following social distancing as the situation dictates. Kentucky American Water and LG&E and KU have suspended utility disconnects/shut-offs. Keeneland announced the cancellation of the upcoming Spring Meet. Stay tuned to www.lexingtonky.gov/coronavirus-response for continued updates.
Kentucky Utilities Co. Suspends Residential Disconnects & Late Fees
The utilities, until May 1, will suspend disconnects for residential customers who may have difficulty paying their bill and waive new late fees incurred during this time.
“While we’ve historically taken similar measures during extreme weather conditions, we are in unprecedented times with this virus and we want to ensure that our residential customers, who may need some extra time to make payments, have the additional grace period,” said Eileen Saunders, Vice President-Customer Services. “We are committed to working with our customers who may be having difficulty paying their energy bills and connecting them with available resources that can further assist them.”
KU will work with customers to establish arrangements and connect them with available resources to help. In addition, we encourage each customer to pay as much as possible even if unable to pay the entire account balance.
The utilities, until May 1, will suspend disconnects for residential customers who may have difficulty paying their bill and waive new late fees incurred during this time.
“While we’ve historically taken similar measures during extreme weather conditions, we are in unprecedented times with this virus and we want to ensure that our residential customers, who may need some extra time to make payments, have the additional grace period,” said Eileen Saunders, Vice President-Customer Services. “We are committed to working with our customers who may be having difficulty paying their energy bills and connecting them with available resources that can further assist them.”
KU will work with customers to establish arrangements and connect them with available resources to help. In addition, we encourage each customer to pay as much as possible even if unable to pay the entire account balance.
Homewood Suites Seeking Additional Hours for Housekeeping Staff
With the dramatic effect the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the travel industry, hotels are seeing a major shift in occupancy in the upcoming months, a time that is typically the peak season throughout the year. As a result, Homewood Suites is having to cut hours for its cleaning staff, and wanted to reach out to see if there is anyone in Lexington who might benefit from bringing a person or two in to clean office space (whether that be a deep disinfecting or just general janitorial duties, etc.) as it is in demand at this point in time, but not for places of high traffic travel where many businesses and groups are no longer traveling. If you would be interested in a referral for one of our housekeepers looking for extra work during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amanda Ruggles at (859) 223-0880 to see how we may be of assistance.
With the dramatic effect the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the travel industry, hotels are seeing a major shift in occupancy in the upcoming months, a time that is typically the peak season throughout the year. As a result, Homewood Suites is having to cut hours for its cleaning staff, and wanted to reach out to see if there is anyone in Lexington who might benefit from bringing a person or two in to clean office space (whether that be a deep disinfecting or just general janitorial duties, etc.) as it is in demand at this point in time, but not for places of high traffic travel where many businesses and groups are no longer traveling. If you would be interested in a referral for one of our housekeepers looking for extra work during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to Amanda Ruggles at (859) 223-0880 to see how we may be of assistance.
Columbia Gas to Suspend Shutoffs During COVID-19 Pandemic
Columbia Gas today announced that it will voluntarily suspend shutoffs for nonpayment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively immediately. This suspension will apply to residential, commercial and industrial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. In addition, Columbia Gas will offer its most flexible pay plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19 and will suspend late payment charges until May 1. Columbia Gas will continue to monitor current events and support our customers and communities.
“The safety of our employees and customers is at the forefront of everything we do at Columbia Gas,” said Columbia Gas President Kimra Cole. “We are taking a proactive, coordinated approach to prevent, mitigate and respond to COVID-19.”
Any customer who has received a termination notice or is having trouble paying his/her bill should call 1-800-432-9345 to discuss payment arrangements and/or financial assistance programs.
Columbia Gas today announced that it will voluntarily suspend shutoffs for nonpayment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, effectively immediately. This suspension will apply to residential, commercial and industrial customers and will remain in effect until further notice. In addition, Columbia Gas will offer its most flexible pay plans to customers who indicate either an impact or hardship as a result of COVID-19 and will suspend late payment charges until May 1. Columbia Gas will continue to monitor current events and support our customers and communities.
“The safety of our employees and customers is at the forefront of everything we do at Columbia Gas,” said Columbia Gas President Kimra Cole. “We are taking a proactive, coordinated approach to prevent, mitigate and respond to COVID-19.”
Any customer who has received a termination notice or is having trouble paying his/her bill should call 1-800-432-9345 to discuss payment arrangements and/or financial assistance programs.
Kentucky American Water Places Moratorium on Shutoffs
(March 13, 2020) – At Kentucky American Water, the health and safety of our customers, communities and employees is our top priority. We provide an essential service that is critically important and much like many other companies in the U.S. and around the globe, Kentucky American Water has established coronavirus preparedness plans.
To minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have initiated our business continuity plans to help provide additional stability to our operations that include water and wastewater services to our customers’ homes and businesses.
Kentucky American Water continues to monitor situational updates provided by the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University as well as other state and federal organizations. We are continuously evaluating the situation and latest developments to determine how we can adopt and amend measures, as necessary, to support our customers and communities we serve and our employees.
It is important for you to know that Kentucky American Water’s drinking water treatment barriers provide protection that includes filtration and disinfection of our surface water supplies (lakes, reservoirs, or rivers). These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses. Our water meets all current federal and state drinking water requirements.
In an effort to keep our customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, Kentucky American Water will be placing a moratorium and discontinuing service shut offs at this time. We will continue to evaluate this moratorium as more information becomes available.
Additionally, Kentucky American Water will begin the restoration of service to previously shut-off customers. The restoration may take some time, but we will work as quickly and safely as possible. If your service has been turned off prior to March 12, 2020, we will restart your service.
Kentucky American Water has been focused on two high priorities as the spread of the coronavirus has evolved -- the health and safety of our employees and the health and safety of our customers. As such, Kentucky American Water will also be suspending all non-essential field appointments and will limit the amount and nature of contact with customers during all emergency field appointments.
(March 13, 2020) – At Kentucky American Water, the health and safety of our customers, communities and employees is our top priority. We provide an essential service that is critically important and much like many other companies in the U.S. and around the globe, Kentucky American Water has established coronavirus preparedness plans.
To minimize the risk of exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we have initiated our business continuity plans to help provide additional stability to our operations that include water and wastewater services to our customers’ homes and businesses.
Kentucky American Water continues to monitor situational updates provided by the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization and Johns Hopkins University as well as other state and federal organizations. We are continuously evaluating the situation and latest developments to determine how we can adopt and amend measures, as necessary, to support our customers and communities we serve and our employees.
It is important for you to know that Kentucky American Water’s drinking water treatment barriers provide protection that includes filtration and disinfection of our surface water supplies (lakes, reservoirs, or rivers). These treatments are effective in removing and/or inactivating viruses. Our water meets all current federal and state drinking water requirements.
In an effort to keep our customers safe during the coronavirus pandemic, Kentucky American Water will be placing a moratorium and discontinuing service shut offs at this time. We will continue to evaluate this moratorium as more information becomes available.
Additionally, Kentucky American Water will begin the restoration of service to previously shut-off customers. The restoration may take some time, but we will work as quickly and safely as possible. If your service has been turned off prior to March 12, 2020, we will restart your service.
Kentucky American Water has been focused on two high priorities as the spread of the coronavirus has evolved -- the health and safety of our employees and the health and safety of our customers. As such, Kentucky American Water will also be suspending all non-essential field appointments and will limit the amount and nature of contact with customers during all emergency field appointments.
