In addition to the resources on our primary COVID page, listed below are some targeted specifically at the food manufacturing industry.
- June 3 – Link to the FAQ on Food Safety and COVID from the FDA that is updated periodically.
Additional information is available at the FDA’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) main page.
- May 5 – Link to some good guidance on how to set up a food manufacturing facility to meet CDC requirements. Though the piece is focused on meat processing there is a good link to creating a risk assessment that any facility could use. Other resources include:
- May 4 – The “New Normal” of social distancing on display below at a Kraft Foods plant in Illinois. Contact TechHelp’s Food Manufacturing Team if you have any questions about food safety or operations.
- April 30 – FDA guidance for food companies on the use of face masks and cleaning of cloth face masks.
Developed in collaboration with CDC, this FDA fact sheet provides a quick reference regarding items worn by workers in the Food and Agriculture Sector.
- April 21 – North Carolina State University provided this fascinating science-based view on how the coronavirus outbreak impacts food and beverage companies.
- April 21 – Definitive information on Food Safety and COVID-19 provided by the FDA.
- May 14 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released six flow charts with basic tips for operating safely during the COVID outbreak. The CDC site includes are specific guidelines for manufacturing workers and employers.
- May 13 – TechHelp Food Specialist, Janna Hamlett, sent us the latest Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID 19 from OSHA and the link to an EPA website of chemicals that can be used to sanitize surfaces for COVID.
- May 12 – The Southwest Idaho Manufacturers Alliance or SWIMA, is hosting a zoom meeting for manufacturers to discuss issues/problems most pertinent to them on Wednesday, 5/13 at 11 am. MDT. Register now if you’d like to bring your issues for the group to help solve or join the conversation to help others in the manufacturing community by sharing what’s worked for you recently.
- May 12 – Steve Watts, President of Image National Signs in Nampa, Idaho says, “Our number one priority is keeping people safe and healthy as they return to work. We have developed new procedures for our team and now manufacture products that can help all businesses return to work safely.” Learn more here.
- May 12 – LSI is participating in the COVID-19 response by coating ventilator parts with Dicronite for several manufacturing companies. Learn more here.
- May 12 – Woodland Manufacturing is making clear acrylic hygiene shields for bank tellers and gas station clerks in addition to essential signage related to COVID-19. Click here for more information.
- May 11 – As organizations move towards reopening, useful guidelines are increasingly available from a variety of organizations:
- Reopening Guidelines from the Association of Food & Drug Officials or AFDO
- Reopening Guidance from the National Restaurant Association
- CDC’s Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
- CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
If you have any questions about or need help with reopening issues, please contact TechHelp or your local TechHelp Manufacturing Specialist.
- May 6 – Idaho Economic Development Association (IEDA) is launching a new Zoom Conference series to help navigate through COVID-19 in our communities. During the first session on Thursday, May 7, participants will brainstorm and learn with other economic developers the best way to help communities and re-open successfully in Phase 2. Register today! https://www.iedassociation.com/zoom-conference-series.html
- May 6 – The US government has authorized additional emergency economic relief for small businesses that qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program. Learn more at sba.gov
- May 5 – TechHelp Food Specialist, Janna Hamlett, sent us a link to some good guidance on how to set up a food manufacturing facility to meet CDC requirements. Though the piece is focused on meat processing there is a good link to creating a risk assessment that any facility could use. Other resources include:
- May 4 – The “New Normal” of social distancing on display below at a Kraft Foods plant in Illinois. Contact TechHelp’s Food Manufacturing Team if you have any questions about food safety or operations.
- May 3 – Gene Hamacher of TechHelp’s Post Falls Office, shared the latest COVID information from the Joint Business Service Providers of North Idaho
- April 30 – Gov. Brad Little plans to distribute $300 million in cash grants to small businesses as the state enters Stage 1 of reopening. More than 30,000 Idaho small businesses to receive Idaho Rebound cash grants, a $300 million investment in Idaho’s small business employers.
- April 30 – FDA guidance for food companies on the use of face masks and cleaning of cloth face masks
Developed in collaboration with CDC, this FDA fact sheet provides a quick reference regarding items worn by workers in the Food and Agriculture Sector. - April 28 – TCC LOOKING FOR COLLABORATORS ON VENTILATOR DEVICE
The NASA Jet Propulsion Lab has invented, designed, and tested a new low-cost, pre-ICU, easy to build ventilator device. They are expected to gain FDA Emergency Use Authorization soon.
They are looking for partnerships with industry to build and distribute these devices royalty-free for a limited time.
A Q&A session has been set for April 29th with proposals due on May 4th. Register at: https://lnkd.in/eFigw5z.
For more information about the TCC, click here. - April 27 – The Spokesman-Review has an article on how engineers from Continuous Composites of Coeur d’Alene, ID are teaming up with Altek of Liberty Lake, WA to turn their expertise of making high-strength aircraft components into reusable N95 masks that could help ease the shortage of protective equipment.
- April 27 – Here is the latest Info Sheet from the Joint Business Service Providers of North Idaho. The BSP regularly provides valuable information tailored to help businesses and citizens deal with the COVID-19 situation.
- April 24 – Idaho announces a plan for reopening the economy.
Governor Brad Little has established a data-driven approach to opening up Idaho’s economy.
- April 24 – “Support Local Gems” initiative. On Friday, April 24th, Idaho Commerce and Visit Idaho invite all Idahoans to find ways to support the small businesses in your community whose operations have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. April 24th will serve as an all-day celebration of the local businesses that make our communities thrive.
- April 22 – The Idaho Press reports another collaboration aims to increase COVID-19 testing to the Treasure Valley. Access to COVID Testing (ACT Idaho) does a blood draw to test for antibodies that have developed against COVID-19. The presence of antibodies means a person had been exposed to the virus and could possibly be immune. Data on immunity is not conclusive. ACT Idaho testing starts Wednesday, April 22 at Cole Diagnostics, 7988 Marigold St. in Garden City. Residents can book an appointment online Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and noon, and 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. The cost is a flat rate of $50 and the test will be available to anyone.
- April 21 – North Carolina State University provided this fascinating science-based view on how the coronavirus outbreak impacts food and beverage companies.
- April 21 – Definitive information on Food Safety and COVID-19 provided by the FDA.
- April 20 – The great innovators at Mountain Home’s In The Ditch Towing Products are now manufacturing face shields for frontline essential workers. See more here.
- April 14 – The Idaho Business Review reports that Crush the Curve Idaho is bringing businesses together to test workers for COVID-19. The group has a plan to test all of Idaho’s essential workers to avoid inadvertently spreading COVID-19 from essential workers to others and get all Idahoans back to work.
- April 13 – The Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers webinars, information, and consulting services to help Idaho businesses weather the COVID storm. Information is changing fast and SBDC offices statewide are working with subject matter experts to deliver the most current information and business assistance options. Click here to learn about upcoming Webinar topics that could help your business through this difficult time.
- April 13 – Labor Department Releases Timeline for Implementing CARES Act Programs
Idahoans currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits could start seeing the additional $600 federal benefit authorized by Congress under the CARES Act by the end of April. Answers to FAQs about COVID-19 and applying for unemployment insurance can be found here.
- April 13 – Paul Edwards of Compressed Air Consultants will offer a webinar on how to perform “Remote Energy Performance Analysis of Compressed Air Systems”. The webinar takes place on April 16th from 12:00 – 1:00 pm MDT. For many energy managers, the pandemic means working from home while trying to maintain a focus on energy efficiency. Paul will share what he is learning from the process of monitoring energy systems from an offsite location. Paul estimates that 40-70% of the kWh savings found in a compressed air audit can still be found without setting foot on-site.
- April 10 – Idaho PPE Exchange (IPX) is a non-profit exchange that quickly connects suppliers and buyers of Personal Protective Equipment or PPE. The IPX seeks to assist Idaho buyers in locating potential sources of scarce but critical supplies. The IPX hopes that buyers will find sellers close to their operations to shorten the supply chain. The IPX has no financial interest in any suppliers/buyers. The IPX earns no revenue from the site or any transactions that occur as a result of the site.
- April 9 – Your Brain on Stress and COVID-19 brought to by the Boise State Center for Professional Development.
Carol Barkes is a best -selling author, neuroscience-based conflict resolution and communication thought leader and an instructor at the Boise State Center for Professional Development. This topic and other forthcoming are intended to provide you with the tools and skills that will strengthen our ability to meet challenges together and accelerate out of the curve as soon as possible. #boisestate #cpd #accelerateoutofthecurve - April 9 – Idaho’s Congressman Simpson Urges Support for Farmers During COVID-19 Pandemic
Congressman Mike Simpson joined 66 of his colleagues in sending a letter Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, requesting relief for farmers and ranchers who have lost markets due to COVID-19. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included $9.5 billion for USDA to assist farmers and ranchers. - April 9 – Idaho Makers for Equity has pivoted to respond to Idaho’s urgent public health need due to the COVID-19 crisis. Announcing the #IdahoMakersUnite project! Be part of an army of Idaho Makers providing solutions to keep those on the front lines of care safe and healthy!
- April 9 – CLIF BARS is donating 3 million bars help sustain health-care workers around the world. They’re made in bakeries in Twin Falls, Idaho and Indianapolis, Indiana and being delivered to hospitals and health-care facilities in need. CLIFF BAR thanks everyone who is working hard to #feedthefight.
- April 8 – I90 Corridor Aerospace Corridor Conference & Expo Rescheduled for November 2-3, 2020 in Spokane, WA. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we’ll see everyone in Spokane this fall.
- April 7 – In the Ditch Towing is Manufacturing Face Shields
In an effort to help in the PPE shortage, In the Ditch Towing in manufacturing face shields of their own design. The face shield portion is replaceable in about 20 seconds. These shields are made from a plastic that can be cut with scissors to adjust the length. In the Ditch is producing about 50 per day. The design is available for free to anyone that wants it. For more information click here. - April 7 – Slant 3D is Printing 1000 Face Shields per Day for Hospitals – Slant 3D is working to maximize the production of 3D printed face shields to meet the need created by the spread of COVID-19. This design is optimized to be highly manufacturable. Slant 3D is currently producing 1,000 units per day with the intent to scale up to 2,000 per day. Nearly 100 3D printers are creating face shields and other PPE for the healthcare systems in Idaho and other hospitals across the country.
Please click here if you have a need for other PPE as well. - April 6 – COVID-19 Fallout Threatens Idaho Farmers & Ranchers – In an interview with the Capital Press, Alan Reed of Reeds Dairy in Idaho Falls says the free-fall in the price of milk is a threat to the industry. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, milk prices have declined by 26% to 36%, cotton and hogs 31%, cattle 25%, corn 14%, and 8% for soybeans. Another story shows how the coronavirus outbreak has hurt the markets for lamb and wool.
- April 6 – The Idaho Small Business Development Center is Collecting COVID-19 Idaho Business Impact Information.
Please fill out this form to help the SBDC better understand how your business is being affected by the COVID 19 virus. SBDC will only share the aggregate and anonymous data collected. - April 6 – Caldwell Food Industry Company, Reyco Systems, Lends Technology to Hospitals in COVID-19 Battle
Reyco Systems normally supports the food industry. Now Reyco is helping hospitals across Idaho in the fight against the new coronavirus. Reyco specializes in what’s known as “ultraviolet germicidal irradiation.” The company’s products — large racks and wands of ultraviolet light bulbs — allow those in the food processing industry to sanitize raw materials using ultraviolet light. - April 3 – Idaho’s Computrol Making circuit boards and parts for ventilators.
- April 3 – Idaho’s Bucks Bags pivots from sporting goods to masks and gowns for health workers.
- April 3 – College of Southern Idaho Printing Masks
Jim Kellis, a machining and manufacturing instructor at CSI (and husband of TechHelp’s Janna Hamlett), partnered up with Kyle Kutz, a food processing and automation engineering lab assistant, are 3D printing about 60 masks per day for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. - April 3 – TechHelp Partner, Idaho State University is using 3D printers to produce coronavirus personal protection equipment including components for face shields, N95-compliant face masks and other personal protective equipment for use by ISU clinics, ISU health care workers, and Southeast Idaho emergency responders and health care workers.
- April 3 – TechHelp Partner, University of Idaho 3D Printing Masks
- April 3 – The Team at Packing Specialties Inc in Burley is handing out appreciation bags to the truck drivers that pick up and deliver at PSI.
- April 3 – Idaho Technology Council list of companies that are stepping up includes Micron, Albertsons, Sparklight, Idaho Power, Zions Bank and more.
- April 3 – Here are some of the ways Boise State is helping out.
- April 3 – Killing COVID with Kindness – See our List of Cool Things Idaho Companies are doing to combat COVID.
- April 3 – COVID-19 Resources for North Idaho – Information and resources specific to N Idaho also contains good tips for all of us.
- April 2 –Apply for an SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan – This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. Click the link above to access the SBA page.
- April 2 – Ask your bank if you can apply for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program or PPP. This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program.
- April 2 – Apply for an SBA Bridge Loan – Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
- April 2 – Apply for SBA Debt Relief – The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
NOTE – If you know of people looking for work, SBA is very busy and is HIRING - April 2 – Full list of resources from NIST MEP
- April 2 – Full list of resources from Idaho Commerce
- April 2 – How to obtain an SBA Coronavirus PPP Loan and have it forgiven. It’s the best funding option to keep employees on the payroll and small businesses open.
Note from former Idaho SBDC Consultant, Dr. Cameron Wold, who now runs a small business in Arizona.
“Corporations are going to be processed first for the PPP Loans. The application is going to be online through your bank’s web portal. Check with your bank in a day or two. SBA hopes to have all banks ready to deal with Sole Proprietorships by April 10. If SBA/banks are ready then all small businesses would fill out the form online with their bank and submit. We have no idea how long before the money would land in an applicant’s account.” - April 2 – A Small Business Guide to Obtaining Financial Assistance Under the Coronavirus Stimulus Package.
- April 2 – Intermountain 3D of Garden City, ID prints reusable face masks for health care workers.
- April 2 – IRS News – Webinars, Coronavirus Tax Relief, Filing & Payment Deadlines and more.
- March 31 – COVID – 19 Related Food Production & Safety – Given the critical importance of our food production system, TechHelp’s Food Manufacturing Team will continue to meet the needs of Idaho’s food processors. If you have any questions or need an FSPCQ, SQF or other food safety certifications, please contact Catherine Cantley or Janna Hamlett and we will see what we can do to help.
Contact Catherine at 208-426-2181 or catherinecantley@techhelp.org.
Contact Janna at 208-731-9363 or jannahamlett@techhelp.org
Vital Information Related to the Food Sector
Critical Workforce – Guidance On The Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
Food Northwest Recommendations for Food Manufacturers– Emergency Prevention Measures for Physical (Social) Distancing in Food Manufacturing Facilities as Related to COVID-19
Protocols for if/when employees test positive in food industry
FDA Food Safety and Coronavirus disease 2019NC State comprehensive facts YouTube video - March 30 – Food Safety Guidelines For Plants with Positive Covid -19 Tests – Food production facilities are part of our nation’s “critical infrastructure” and must remain operational to feed the country. This document recommends a consistent approach in how a company can continue operations in the event an individual has tested positive.
- March 30 – America Makes – In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), America Makes is partnering with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to help ensure the additive manufacturing industry can effectively and safely meet the needs of America’s health care workers on the front lines of the Coronavirus crisis. Today, America Makes launched the next phase of the COVID-19 Health Care Needs and Additive Manufacturing (AM) Capabilities Repository, where additive manufacturers can upload 3D print designs to be reviewed and placed on the NIH 3D Print Exchange.
- March 26 – How to Help – FEMA – Everyone has a role to play in the whole community fight against COVID-19. Learn how to help if you are a company with medical supplies to donate or sell, a volunteer who is medically trained, or a member of the general public.
- March 25 – Idaho Governor Issued a Stay at Home Order – Idaho Gov. Brad Little is ordering Idahoans to stay home as he ramps up efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. The order will last for 21 days.
List of Essential Business Functions
Link to Governor’s Stay-Home Proclamation
Link to Stay-Home Informational Poster
- March 23 – Disaster Relieve Assistance from SBA – Small, non-farm businesses across Idaho whose operations have been disrupted by the 2019 novel coronavirus may be eligible for disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance. READ MORE
- March 23 – Employment Law – FREE WEBINAR – Employment Law Covid 19 Updates w OMEP on March 27 at 11 am MTN.
- March 22 – Manufacturing Innovation – St. Luke’s Hospital partners with Koenig Distillery- to mass-produce hand sanitizer.
- March 20 – Critical Infrastructure – Department of Homeland Security identifies essential critical infrastructure workers during COVID-19 response. Manufacturing is included. Read More