Thursday April 15, 2021
New York County Nearing Herd Immunity with Nearly 60 Percent of People Vaccinated
Hamilton County, a small county in New York, may become one of the first places in the U.S. to reach herd immunity. Nearly 6 out of 10 people in Hamilton County are vaccinated. The community is making this happen; the volunteers are working together by making phone calls and door knocking to help with sign-ups and providing information on the importance of the vaccines.
State Budget Includes SALT Workaround for Small Businesses
The $212 billion state budget includes a mechanism meant to aid small businesses in New York who could face a form of double taxation due to the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions. 

The measure, backed by state Senator John Brooks, creates a pass through entity tax that would restore federal deductibility to income taxes paid in New York for corporations and partnerships. 

For small businesses that are eligible, an "election to be taxed" under the provisions of new law must be made by October 15.

The measure comes as many small businesses — especially in the leisure and hospitality industries — have struggled during the last 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic.  
Horse and Auto Racing Events to Open to Spectators in New York
There's good news for fans of horse racing and auto racing as New York will open the events to spectators beginning April 23, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday said. 
The move will first pave the way for the meet at Belmont Racetrack to begin later this month. Upstate, this will allow racing to take place at Saratoga as well as at Watkins Glen. Spectators will be limited to 20% of capacity at the outdoor venues in line with other sporting events in New York, Cuomo said. 
'We have two big months ahead': Legault warns normalcy won't come before June 24
Legault made the pitch during a pandemic update news conference at the legislature flanked by the director of public health Horacio Arruda and Health Minister Christian Dubé.

"I know you are fed up (but) it's your health which is at stake," the premier said at a news conference Tuesday, addressing young Quebecers after two nights of anti-curfew protests.

Legault added he has not given up his goal of having all Quebecers who want to receive at least one vaccine dose by the June 24.
New Vermont Travel Guidelines Issued
The Vermont Department of Health has released new travel guidelines for both Vermonters traveling out of state and coming back and for those coming to Vermont.

As part of Vermont's phased reopening plan, the new travel guidance became effective April 9.
INPUT NEEDED: Business Recovery, Resiliency, and Opportunity Survey 
The Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB) Economic Development team is launching a “Business Retention & Expansion Program” to support businesses in the region as part of the Forward Together initiative. The program’s purpose is to CONNECT with the business community, UNDERSTAND needs of businesses, IDENTIFY pervasive problems and trends, and RESPOND with resources and information. 

Help us launch the program by telling us what your business needs to be resilient now and into the future. The information you provide will be used to help drive action by LCLGRPB and our regional economic development partners.
 
If you are a business owner, please complete the survey here. 
To learn more about the Forward Together Initiative, visit the LCLGRPB’s website here.
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The North Country Chamber of Commerce has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. Check out the home page for details. There is also a series of webinars available for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000