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BECOMING A MEMBER OF RAM IS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR BUSINESS.  
By joining you gain access to exclusive, money saving discounts on services and programs, legislative updates and advocacy as well as valuable educational opportunities. We aim to help you grow and protect your business, promote the retail industry and save your business money.

 CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

RAM has prepared a comprehensive list of resources and links on openings, operations and gatherings, small business loan programs, unemployment insurance expansion, taxation, and federal paid leave, sick time, and economic stimulus legislation.  RAM urges members to click the link below to access this frequently updated information. 

CLICK HERE FOR LINKS TO ALL KEY BUSINESS RESOURCES 

Visit the state’s website to learn more: 

 

Deadline Extended: MA Small Business Grant Application

The Baker Administration's $668 million business relief package, administered by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC), is accepting applications. The business relief package consists of two programs: (1) a recapitalization of the first small business relief program, which launched in October, and (2) additional funding for businesses that fall into specific industry sectors. MGCC is reviewing existing applications from the first small business relief program, and a new application for the sector-specific grant program may be found at program overview link below.

A program overview for the sector-specific program can be found here. The application period for the new program will run through Monday, January 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Stay-at-Home Advisory, Mask Mandate, Early Business Closures

Governor Charlie Baker recently announced changes to the state’s reopening orders, issued a new Stay at Home Advisory, and a new statewide mask mandate as the state’s daily numbers of positive COVID-19 case continues to climb. These changes took effect on Friday, November 6.

The full release may be found here, and a summary of the change here.  The state has also issued a Reminder to All Employers of Reporting, Contact Tracing Responsibilities as Cases Surge which may be found here.

 

 

Baker Extends Capacity & Gathering Limits to Jan. 24

Retail and Restaurant Remain at 25%

Governor Charlie Baker announced the extension of the current capacity and gathering restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth.  Industry restrictions for capacity limits and reduced gathering limits went into effect on Saturday, December 26th, and will now be extended for at least two more weeks to Jan. 24th.
 
Under the current restrictions extended today, most industries in Massachusetts remain subject to a 25% capacity limit, including:
  • Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity)
  • Retail Businesses
  • Office Spaces
  • Lodging (for common areas)
  • Arcades and Indoor Recreation Businesses
  • Museums, Cultural Facilities, Guided Tours
  • And more…

Workers and staff do NOT count towards the occupancy count for restaurants or retail businesses.  Also, where no licensed or permitted capacity allowance is on record and for any enclosed space within a larger facility, occupancy shall be limited to no more than 5 persons per 1,000 square feet.  All other rules and restrictions in each sector-specific guidance will continue to remain in effect.
 
The current gathering limits are also extended. Indoor gatherings will remain limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will remain limited to 25 people outside. The gatherings limit applies to private homes, event venues and public spaces.
 
Click here for more information on the current limits.  

All Businesses Must Meet State Self-Certification Requirement to Reopen  

In order to reopen, all businesses must comply with:

  3. Complete and post the following:    
  • COVID-19 control plan template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
  • Compliance attestation poster – Poster that customer facing businesses are required to print, sign, and post in an area within the business premises that is visible to workers and visitors
  • Employer and Worker posters – Posters that businesses can print and display within the business premises to describe the rules for maintaining social distancing, hygiene protocols, and cleaning and disinfecting 

All members are encouraged to check back frequently for updated Sector specific protocols, and closely review the new Phase III, Step II, guidance to ensure ongoing compliance.

RAMHIC’s 3% Discount Program Saved 

450 Participants $1.5 Million in Premium

 

Whether you are a business about to renew your health insurance policy or looking to offer coverage through your business for the first time, RAMHIC provides members with access to important money saving discounts and value added benefits on a range high quality health insurance plans. Join the increasing number of RAM members taking advantage of the Association’s fastest growing membership benefits program to start saving now.


Our Carriers

All small group plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and a select number of plans offered by Fallon Health, can be purchased through the RAM Cooperative at a 3% discount off available rates. If your business is enrolled in a small group offering by either of these carriers, you may be leaving money on the table by not renewing through the Cooperative in 2021.

 

How to Get Started

Learn more about plans eligible for the discount and to request a rate quote, members may contact their existing broker or our carriers directly and ask about your RAMHIC options.  For more information, click here to visit our website, regarding these offerings as well as additional ancillary benefits available through the Cooperative.  Members may also contact RAM General Counsel, Ryan Kearney, at 617-523-1900 or via email at [email protected].