I have taught various management courses in adjunct positions for more than 25 years at various colleges and universities in three states.
I started researching and writing about politics in 1966 and for more than 50 years have seen and reported on the activities, actions and abominations of hundreds of politicians at all levels of the political spectrum.
That does not mean I am an expert in business or politics, just that I have experience in research and writing about topics in those areas.
Look at this list:
Cruel.
Crude.
Antagonistic.
Misogynist.
Thin-skinned.
Attacks perceived foes on personal level.
Makes wild accusations based on whims, not evidence
Lacks empathy.
Petty.
Impatient to a fault.
Will not read important documents and reports.
Ignorant on many subjects directly connected to the job.
Believes “gut” over acclaimed experts.
There is no way that a person with this extensive list of faults could be selected as CEO of a major company or be elected to any public office. Yet, Donald J. Trump embraces all of these negative traits and was elected president.
Via frequent tweets, Trump brags about his prowess as a manager and leader even as he is daily giving historians ammunition to declare him the most divisive, abrasive m, corrosive and corrupt president in U.S. history.
Why do do many people follow this man with a cult-like fervor?
To some, it boils down to a one-issue situation, i.e., abortion or immigration or the perceived need for religious freedom.
To others, Trump is seen as a leader in the white supremacy movement;m, the white-is-right believers that has abject racism as their core mantra.
And, a slice of his supporters sing his praises simply because he is seen as an outlier, someone from outside the political area whom they thought would hear their frustration and create change.
Trump has brought change: Regulations that protected workers, the environment and the animal population have been gutted; public lands are being raped by big businesses who donate campaign funds to Trump; racist tension is back to the 1960’s level, with distrust between police and the people they are sworn to protect increasing exponentially and with protests and riots becoming along racial lines more commonplace.
This president has made sure to cut ties with longtime foreign allies, alienating friendly nations while cozying up to dictators, despots and third world strongmen.
He has not hidden the fact that he wants to dismantle any program from the Obama Administration, simply because he is piqued by the former president’s constant popularity and the fact Obama has more Twitter followers.
We are stuck with this petulant degenerate and will wake up every day wondering what new hell our president perpetuated via tweet overnight.
We are stuck through election day. Trump’s antics, incompetencies, malignant actions and benign neglect of traditional protocol will be a part of history. His supporters’ stated reasons for kowtowing to his bizarre and corrosive whims will also be examined by history’s prolific authors.
The final stories on leader and his cultish followers will be brutal. Count on it.
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To my friends and political frienemies who are hardcore on the Trump train. I feel for you, I really do. Carrying around that much angry and delusion is a burden.
And to those who believe immigrants are taking certain jobs:
Few WASPs over the age of 16 in this country would agree to do stoop labor or haul hay or pick peaches for anything less that $12-$15 an hour. And after one dawn to dusk shift, even that is iffy.
It’s called community culture. Some folks run to hard labor because it is necessary, while others run just as hard in the other direction because they hate hard work.
I decided to go to college when I was 14; that was the summer I tried picking tomatoes and cucumbers and hauling hay.
Nope. Nada.
Uh-uh. Nyet.
The fact that some folks think U.S. citizens raised on social media, video games and hip-hop are going to do stoop labor is laughable and ludicrous.
Who do you think picks strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelons snd cantaloupes that we, the self-entitled, gently place in our grocery carts?
Who stands elbow to elbow to elbow with other workers deboning chickens or cutting slabs of beef and pork into salable packages? Or pulling the entrails out of fish, goats and turkeys?
Be thankful for immigrants, illegal or otherwise; they do work that Most American citizens do not want to do, or cannot do.
And most of Americans are grateful for those who do. And damn well we should be.
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Marshall Depot Board shares Amtrak’s plans to restore staffing that was eliminated in 2018at the Amtrak station in Marshall, Texas and 14 other cities nationwide
Passenger rail advocates from the Marshall Depot Board of Directors shared exciting news on Wednesday that Amtrak is in the process of restoring, in the coming month to six weeks, the paid Customer Service Representative positions at the Marshall, Texas station, as well as the staffing of 14 cities nationwide, which were all eliminated by Amtrak in 2018.
Christina Anderson, member of the Marshall Depot Board and I-20 Corridor Council, who, along with her husband former Harrison County Judge and former Texas State Senator Richard Anderson, headed up the local and regional grassroot efforts in 2018 to urge Amtrak to not eliminate the important staffing at the Marshall station and the other stations nationwide, shared the following statement, on behalf of the Marshall Depot Board:
“During the sadness and difficulty of the ongoing pandemic and with continued gratitude for the brave service of our frontline workers and all working together to battle the current health crisis, we’re very grateful and honored to be able to share some welcomed and happy news with our community and region. On Tuesday, May 19, we received a phone call from Amtrak informing us that Amtrak plans to restore the paid Customer Service Representative staffing at our Marshall Depot station, as well as at the 14 other U.S. cities who had staffing eliminated in 2018.”
Ms. Anderson added: “Congratulations and much appreciation to all who worked with such dedication—locally, regionally, and nationally—on the grassroots effort to help Amtrak understand the critical role that staffing of our stations plays in our rural and urban communities, plus the critical role that Amtrak’s long-distance National Network plays in providing much-needed transportation options to citizens throughout America. Our community greatly values and appreciates our strong, long-standing partnership with Amtrak, as Marshall is proudly one of the stops along the Texas Eagle route. And, with regard to this issue, we are grateful that our local and national unified voices were heard.”
Cathy Wright, President of the Marshall Depot Board, echoed this sentiment: “We’re so appreciative to all who worked so hard and effectively to bring about this successful outcome, not only in 2018 but over the past two years. We’re thankful for the strong working relationship we have with Amtrak, now and in the past, and we look forward to the relationship continuing to strengthen in the many years to come.”
Amtrak shared the information that there would be a posting internally within Amtrak for the two restored Customer Service Representative (CSR) jobs in Marshall from May 20-May 27. The jobs will then be posted externally. One CSR agent would work Monday through Thursday, the other CSR agent would work Friday through Sunday, for a fully-staffed station in Marshall.
The CSR agents will provide service at the Marshall Depot station in the three hours before, during, and after the arrival and departure of the northbound, as well as the southbound trains on the Texas Eagle route, which provides service between Chicago and San Antonio. The northbound train to Chicago departs each day at 7:31pm and the southbound train to Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio departs at 7:50am. Marshall is one of only about 525 cities nationwide that has an Amtrak stop.
By way of background, Amtrak announced in the spring of 2018 that the company planned to eliminate the Customer Service Representative staffing at the Marshall Depot station by the end of June of that year.
At that time, Amtrak also announced the elimination of staffing at 14 other cities–Texarkana, Arkansas; Cincinnati, Ohio; Topeka, Kansas; Meridian, Mississippi; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Hammond, Louisiana; Charleston, West Virginia; Fort Madison, Iowa; Ottumwa, Iowa; Garden City, Kansas; La Junta, Colorado; Lamy, New Mexico; Shelby, Montana; and Havre, Montana.
In 2018, upon hearing the news of the proposed staffing elimination, members of the Marshall Depot Board went into action to inform the community and region about the proposed de-staffing and to mobilize them through a letter-writing and petition-signing campaign to Amtrak officials and members of Congress.
“We worked not only throughout our community and region,” Richard Anderson shared, “but also with advocates in some of the other 14 affected cities. We also worked with national rail advocacy groups such as Texas Eagle Marketing and Performance Organization (TEMPO) and Rail Passengers Association to raise awareness with members of Congress and Amtrak about the negative economic, tourism, and quality of life impact that the staffing elimination would have on Marshall, the other cities, and the National Network.”
The Marshall Depot Board received more than 750 signatures on the petition from citizens throughout the region. Petitions were provided to be signed at community events and at local business such as The Ginocchio Restaurant, East Texas Office Supply, Central Perks, Red Poppy Hair Salon, and the T & P Railway Museum, located at the Marshall Depot.
The final petition from our region was presented via mail to the President of Amtrak, Chairman of the Board of Amtrak, as well as to various members of the Texas Congressional delegation.
In the ensuing months, through a continued collaborative effort by rail advocates nationwide concerning the 15 affected cities and related routes, advocates were able to convince Congress to provide the directive to Amtrak to restore the CSR positions in all 15 cities, including Marshall.
Dr. Bill Pollard, President of the Texas Eagle Marketing and Performance Organization (TEMPO) who also served for nearly 20 years as volunteer Local Revenue Manager for the Texas Eagle, underscored the importance of the CSR staffing to the safety of Amtrak stations.
“Due to their knowledge, experience, and recurrent training,” Dr. Pollard shared, “the Customer Service Representatives provide services to ensure safe entraining and de-training of passengers, safety on the platform, assistance to persons with disabilities and/or special needs, assistance with luggage, and other important services. They are often the ‘face of Amtrak’ and are the initial or primary contact for the traveling public to access Amtrak’s important transportation services.”
Ms. Anderson shared that the Marshall Depot Board looks forward to sharing additional information as things progress regarding this positive news regarding the restoration of the Amtrak staffing.
She shared: “We can’t underscore enough how fortunate we are to be an Amtrak-served community and the important economic, transportation, and quality of life benefits that Amtrak and the Marshall Depot provide our community and region. We’re also thankful to be a part of such a strong local, regional, and national network of grassroots advocates in support of passenger rail. Plus, in this uncertain time of the pandemic, we’re fortunate that two jobs are being added to the Marshall economy.”
Cathy Wright added: “On behalf of all the members of the Marshall Depot Board, we wish to thank everyone in our community and region for their support of Amtrak and the Marshall Depot.”
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The CDC estimates more than a third of coronavirus patients don’t have any symptoms at all, and 40% of virus transmission happens before people feel sick. The figures are part of the agency’s new guidance for mathematical modelers and public health officials, and are not supposed to be predictions of how many people could have or contract Covid-19. The CDC has also released mortality figures and scenarios intended to help public health preparedness. Under the most severe of the five scenarios outlined, the CDC lists a symptomatic case fatality ratio of 0.01, meaning that 1% of people overall with Covid-19 and symptoms would die. But some experts say the figures lowball the proportion of people who are succumbing to the disease.blic pools it is impossible to prevent viral spread).
“…I understand the importance of opening up the economy. The worry that I have is that we haven’t put in place a public health system — the testing, the contact tracing — that’s commensurate to sustain the economy…”
TEST DATA AND SWEDEN’S SITUATION FROM J. HOPKINS:
SWEDEN SEROLOGICAL STUDY Sweden’s Public Health Authority announced preliminary results from a serological study, based on more than 1,100 specimens collected across 9 regions. The study is ongoing and aims to collect 1,200 specimens per week over an 8-week period. The preliminary results described in the press release correspond to Week 18 (April 27-May 3). During that period, 7.3% of participants in Stockholm had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, the highest of the regions tested. The press release included results from two other regions—4.2% in Skåne and 3.7% in Västra Götaland. Among the specimens tested, participants aged 20-64 years had the highest seroprevalence (6.7%), followed by 0-19 years (4.7%) and 65-70 years (2.7%). Sweden has previously reported results of studies conducted using molecular tests (e.g., PCR). Molecular tests only detect active infection, whereas serological testing can identify individuals who were previously infected. Sweden has been criticized for not implementing more restrictive mandatory community mitigation measures. Sweden continues to report elevated per capita incidence compared to most of Europe, and its daily per capita deaths is currently the highest in Europe.
Kawasaki’s Disease Report: An unusual vasculitis seen is some children with Covid is also showing up in young adults — just as many of the young had decided that they were “bulletproof.”
COLLIN PUN FOR THE DAY: A rubber – band pistol was confiscated from an algebra class, because it was a weapon of math disruption.
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May 20, 2020 – Today we have 11 additional positives to report in Harrison County. That brings our total to 223 in HARRISON COUNTY
May 21 Tyler Newspaper:
Smith County coronavirus cases increased by three Wednesday for an active case count of 49, according to the Northeast Texas Public Health District.
Total confirmed positive cases in Smith County are at 195.
In Smith County, there are 49 active coronavirus cases, 142 recovered patients and four coronavirus deaths.
Tyler hospitals are currently treating 24 patients from East Texas for the coronavirus.
Of the 195 cases, 161 are in Tyler, nine in Flint, six in Whitehouse, six in Lindale, four in Troup, two in Bullard, two in Overton, two in Arp and one each in Hideaway, Winona and rural Smith County near Mineola.
One hundred and sixty-two cases are a result of community spread and 33 are travel-related.
Here is the breakdown of cases:
• 0-20, 14 cases
• 21-40, 74 cases
• 41-59, 61 cases
• 60-79, 42 cases
• 80 and over, 4 cases
Of the 195 cases, 100 are men and 95 are women.
Tyler hospitals are currently treating 24 patients from East Texas for the coronavirus. Some of those patients may not reside in Smith County.
Through May 18, a total of 3,418 tests were performed on patients from Smith County.
PLEASE STUDY THE SMITH COUNTY (TYLER) DATA ABOVE. THESE ARE NOT JUST A BUNCH OF OLD FOLKS OR NURSING HOME PATIENTS WHO ARE POSITIVE FOR COVID 19 OR PATIENTS UNDERGOING TREATMENT IN A HOSPITAL. MOST OF THESE POSITIVE TESTEES ARE WALKING AROUND IN TOWN AND MANY ARE WORKING. 135 OF THE CASES ARE UNDER 60. ALL AGE GROUPS NEED TO TAKE PREVENTATIVE MEASURES….IF YOU ARE GETTING AROUND, YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM GRANDMA. THERE ARE ESTIMATES THAT THERE ARE 40 CARRIERS WHO ARE UNTESTED FOR EVERY POSITIVE TEST OBTAINED. MAYBE MORE? BE CAREFUL THE PANDEMIC IS NOT OVER.
MARSHALL HAS A HIGHER PROPORTION OF ILLNESS AND POSITIVE TESTS THAN SMITH COUNTY DOES.
FROM THE HOUSTON PAPER: Using cellphone data, national study predicts huge June spike in Houston coronavirus cases
Houston is one of several cities in the South that could see spikes in COVID-19 cases over the next four weeks as restrictions are eased, according to new research that uses cellphone data to track how well people are social distancing.
The updated projection, from PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, found that traffic to non-essential businesses has jumped especially in Texas and Florida, which have moved aggressively to reopen.
America’s Patchwork Pandemic Is Fraying Even Further JHarris: Medically, this article is sound and VERY important and worth reading carefully. You don’t have to agree with the author’s political or sociological opinions. His explanation about the timing and patterns of disease spread in the U.S. is proving to be very accurate, and I agree with him. Incidentally, were I young and unemployed, I’d learn how to track medical cases, and when I got good at it, I’d start my own tracking company — like the “Danile Boone and Sam Spade Trackers, LLC.”
“—The patchwork is not static. Next month’s hot spots will not be the same as last month’s. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is already moving from the big coastal cities where it first made its mark into rural heartland areas that had previously gone unscathed. People who only heard about the disease secondhand through the news will start hearing about it firsthand from their family. “Nothing makes me think the suburbs will be spared—it’ll just get there more slowly,” says Ashish Jha, a public-health expert at Harvard…..“It’s inevitable that we’ll see stark increases in infections in the next weeks,” says Oscar Alleyne of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The experiences of other countries support that view. Success stories like South Korea, China, Singapore, and Lebanon all had to renew or extend social-distancing measures to deal with new bursts of cases. And they had all restrained the virus to a much greater extent than the U.S., which despite having just 4 percent of the world’s population has 31 percent of its confirmed COVID-19 cases (1.5 million) and 28 percent of its confirmed deaths (92,000)…..The better strategy is not to try and prevent the virus from traveling, but to build a public-health system nimble enough to catch it when it arrives. Don’t build one big wall; instead, ready a thousand nets….
May 19, 2020 – Today we have no new cases to report and 5 new recoveries. That’s the good news. I also must report 3 new fatalities. Thank you all for your continued prayers for these affected families. We remain at 212 total cases, our fatalities have increased to 22, our recoveries have increased to 39 and our current cases have dropped down to 151.
As businesses and activities begin to return to normal, don’t forget to act responsibly and take precautions for your safety and those around you. In an earlier Facebook post today I provided additional information about the Governor’s latest directive.
EXCELLENT AND PRACTICAL GUIDE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW. READ IT ALL
“…you’ll have to try to make an informed decision about what’s safest for you and others… “It depends on your own health, your age, preexisting conditions, how much risk you’re willing to tolerate, and the benefit that the activity could provide to you.” Another crucial variable: how much risk you might be introducing for everyone else around you.
Case tracking works if reliable testing for the virus is available.
FROM JOHNS HOPKINS:
The New York Times continues to track state-level COVID-19 incidence, with a focus on state policies regarding social distancing. This tracker has been updated to differentiate between states that have relaxed social distancing measures statewide and those that have done so on a regional basis. After holding relatively steady for several weeks—approximately April 7-26—Texas has reported increasing incidence over the past 3 weeks, including a record high daily incidence (1,801 new cases) on May 16. Texas’ “stay at home” order expired on April 30, and non-essential businesses, including restaurants, barbershops/salons, retail stores, gyms, and movie theaters were permitted to reopen. Texas’s COVID-19 incidence was beginning to increase when the statewide order expired, and it has continued that trend in the weeks since. Texas also reported its 2 highest daily death totals on May 14 and 15—58 and 56 new deaths, respectively. Notably, Texas’ testing capacity has increased as well, more than doubling since the “stay at home” order expired. The positivity ratio decreased over that time, from approximately 6% to 4.5%.
[Marshall, Texas] Mayor Terri Brown has issued a New Declaration of Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency Related to Communicable Disease on May 19, 2020. The declaration shall continue in effect until the Marshall City Commission terminates its consent to the continuation of this declaration or until the Mayor terminates this declaration, whichever occurs first. This declaration is a direct reflection of Executive Order GA-23 issued by Governor Greg Abbott on May 18, 2020.
Valid immediately on May 18, 2020, these local orders allow the following openings:
Massage establishments and other facilities where licensed massage therapists or other persons licensed or otherwise authorized to practice under Chapter 455 of the Texas Occupations Code, provided all facilities must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.
Tattoo studios, piercing studios, hair removal services, and hair loss treatment and growth services, provided all facilities must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating work stations.
Child-care services other than youth camps as described below.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, in Marshall:
Dine-in restaurant services may operate at up to 50 percent of the total listed occupancy of the restaurant; provided, however, this applies only to restaurants that have less than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages. Interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, interactive games, and video arcades, must remain closed.
Bars and similar establishments that hold a permit from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed indoor occupancy of the establishment. Interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, interactive games, and video arcades, must remain closed.
Aquariums, natural caverns, and similar facilities (excluding zoos) may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy or, for outdoor areas, at up to 25 percent of the standard operating limits as determined by the facility owner if permitted by the city. Interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, must remain closed.
Bowling alleys, bingo halls, simulcast racing to the extent authorized by state law, and skating rinks may operate at up to 25 percent of the total listed occupancy of the establishment; provided bowling alleys must ensure at least six feet of social distancing between operating lanes. Video arcades must be closed.
Rodeos and equestrian events may operate at up to 25 percent of the facility’s total listed occupancy or, for outdoor areas, up to 25 percent of the standard operating limits as determined by the facility owner. This policy does not permit a larger gathering, such as county fairs, where such an event is not authorized.
Drive-in concerts, under guidelines that facilitate appropriate social distancing, that generally require spectators to remain in their vehicles, and that minimize in-person contact between people who are not in the same household or car.
Amateur sporting events are eligible where there is no access to the general public allowed. All participants have tested negative for COVID-19 before the event. Participants are to be quarantined for the duration of the game, temperature-checked and monitored for symptoms daily, and tested again for COVID-19 at the end.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020, in Marshall:
Youth camps, including but not limited to those defined as such under Chapter 141 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, and including all summer camps and other daytime and overnight camps for youths.
Youth sports programs may begin practice on May 31, 2020, with only one parent or guardian in attendance and maintaining social distancing at each practice. Youth sports games may commence on June 15, 2020. At all games, spectators should avoid being in a group larger than ten individuals and maintain social distancing.
The City of Marshall “New Declaration of Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency” dated May 19, 2020, the City of Marshall maintains the requirement for food establishments within the city limits to have all employees wear a face mask at all times. Separate employees must perform cash handling functions and food serving functions.
In providing or obtaining essential services or reopened services, individuals and businesses should follow the minimum standard health protocols recommended found at www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus. As COVID-19 positive tests continue to rise, residents should implement social distancing, use recommended hand sanitizing, and maintain environmental cleanliness. Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings.
The City of Marshall will perform inspections to verify the proper implementation of all policies and procedures. Failure to comply with any of the mandated provisions of this Order constitutes an imminent threat to public health. Per Texas Government Code §418.173, a person who knowingly or intentionally violates this Order commits an offense punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00. Each violation shall constitute a separate offense.
Best practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include:
Restrict physical contact and publicly used areas.
Maintain Social Distancing with a safe distance of six (6’) feet between all individuals.
Every person shall avoid large gatherings.
Residents shall not visit nursing homes, retirement, or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
Regularly wash hands with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
If soap is not available, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. All persons should remain in the house if one person in the home exhibits symptoms.
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[Marshall, Texas] Positive Police-Community relationships can often become clouded by speeding tickets or arrest warrants. Still, one Marshall mother is proud to call attention to the vital work of the Marshall Police Department to assist her family in need during the COVID-19 stay at home orders.
Ms. Tawana Brown-Robinson is the mother of a 29-year-old son with special needs. Ms. Brown-Robinson stated, “my son had become agitated as he wants to ride his bus and enjoy the friendship of others, but he doesn’t understand that COVID-19 keeps us at home. He became very anxious, and I needed to call for police assistance due to his strength.”
Ms. Brown-Robinson gave testimony to the positive, caring interaction between her family and Officers Joshua Whitaker and Timothy Sipes of the Marshall Police Department. She shared, “when Officers Whitaker and Sipes arrived at my home, they were so professional. After talking to me, they spoke to my son in a calm tone. Days later, Officers Whitaker and Sipes made another visit to my home to check on the health of my son and ensure he was able to take his medication. When people expect negative interactions with police, it is a blessing to see their care for my family and neighborhood.”
Marshall Police Chief Cliff Carruth shared, “the actions of Officers Whitaker and Sipes are a prime example of Marshall’s commitment to building relationships within our community. The officers performed their duties during the initial call and then remained visible in the lives of the Brown-Robinson family by checking on the health and well-being of her son at a later date. This week is National Police Week. We are proud of these officers for their focus on collaboration with citizens, being visible in our city, and improving the competency of our department to serve individuals with special needs.”
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Marshall Small Business Revolving Loans Tackle COVID-19
[Marshall, Texas] To assist businesses that are suffering from the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and helping companies to grow, the City of Marshall has allocated a portion of the funds from the CARES Act to create a small business revolving loan program. The initiative of supporting a small business loan program is a goal that came out of the citizen-driven Mobilize Marshall plan. These efforts to assist new businesses and encourage existing businesses to grow would promote the creation of a “Cradle of Entrepreneurship” program within the City.
The City of Marshall Small Business Revolving Loan Fund is designed to assist small and emerging businesses with projected gross revenue of less than $1 million and employ 50 or fewer employees. Companies must be located within the city limit of Marshall to apply.
Approved loans will not exceed the available funding in the revolving loan fund account and not exceed $10,000 or 75% of the total project cost, whichever is less. Approval for a small business revolving loan focuses on the character, credit, and reliability of the borrower. No predetermined percentage of equity will be required, nor is adequate collateral a determining factor, but loans will be secured by collateral when possible.
Eligible Loan Purposes:
• Acquisition and development or improvement of land, easements, and rights-of-way. Overhead expenses such as certifications, licenses, advertising, incorporation, insurance, etc.
• Rent and utilities.
• Training, technical assistance, business services (such as web site development, etc.) to increase the capacity of recipients to carry out or broaden services.
• Labor expenses (excluding owner), business inventory and supplies.
• Capital or equipment purchases necessary for the business operation.
The source of funding for the Small Business Revolving Loan Program is provided primarily through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Block Development Grant and through funds awarded to the City by a U.S. Department of Agricultural Rural Business Enterprise Grant.
The loan application process will begin with a pre-application consultation with City Staff and a completed application with supporting documentation. For more information on application, please contact Morrison.wes@marshalltexas.net.
mLife, a privately held company in Marshall, has launched the mLife True device from concept to production within 30 days. It is a coronavirus test kit, which is designed to be used anywhere, without a medical practitioner. It has a vial and a special preservative, and the specimen is delivered the next day to a lab with a capped bottle (resolving potential leak problems with other collectors). The current test is for detection of the virus based on viral RNA detection. Antibody tests using the mLife True kit are under development. Results are expected within about twenty-four hours. Working in Marshall, mLife heard the call for “back to work,” and this kit suits this application.
The City of Marshall Cradle of Entrepreneurship program is designed to grow business from incubations to accelerators and finally thriving companies. This new program is assisting mLife in the recruitment of testing subjects as a component of the Cradle program, and helping mLife collect data for submission to the FDA as part of the approval process for an at-home kit. The ideal setting for initial testing is a group facility with a Registered Nurse or medical officer who has prescribed nasal swabs for likely symptomatic positives, and who are willing to try the much-less-invasive mLife True oral swab as a confirmation test. Then, mLife will provide funding for the lab testing of the prescribed nasal swabs and the mLife oral swabs at the same time.
Through this initiative, mLife hopes to make more coronavirus testing available to the market as soon as possible, and the city would like to make this one of the first successes of our Cradle program.
Visit mlifedx.com for more information. To register your facility’s interest in free testing participation, please contact Stormy Nickerson, City of Marshall Communications Coordinator, at (903) 934-7995.
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