Tuesday April 13, 2021
NYS ANNOUNCES UPDATED GUIDANCE FOR GRADUATION AND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONIES
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced new updated guidance for graduation and commencement ceremonies organized by schools, colleges and universities. Effective May 1, indoor and outdoor graduation and commencement ceremonies will be allowed with limited attendee capacity, depending on the event size and the location (e.g., stadium, arena, arts and entertainment venue). All event organizers and venues hosting ceremonies must follow the State's strict health and safety protocols, including requiring face masks, social distancing, health screenings and collection of contact tracing information. 
More than 11 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Have Been Administered in New York State
NYS announced that more than 11 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in New York State. 223,154 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.4 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. To date, more than 2.5 million total doses have been administered through New York State-run and FEMA-supported mass vaccination sites. 

"Every New Yorker who is 16 and older is now eligible to get their shot, but eligibility is not the same as accessibility, and we remain committed to bringing the vaccine to every community in our state and working with local leaders to make it clear that the vaccine is safe, effective, and necessary," Governor Cuomo said. "Every shot brings us one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel, and that is why so important everybody gets vaccinated. Getting the vaccine shows you care. Caring is how we were able to withstand COVID's ambush of New York this time last year - and it's how we will defeat this beast once and for all."               
'We’ve Had No Choice but To Lock Down, Reopen, Lock Down, Reopen,' Legault says
Premier François Legault says he understands Quebecers may be frustrated by how often pandemic restrictions are changing in the province, but feels the government is adjusting as needed.
During a news conference Thursday, Legault announced the province is moving the curfew in Montreal and Laval back to 8 p.m. and extending emergency measures recently added in other regions.
CHAMBER PRESIDENT AMONG "POWER 100 UPSTATE"
CITY & STATE Magazine has recognized North Country Chamber President Garry Douglas among its 2021 "POWER 100" for upstate New York. The list, which is a mixture of elected officials, business executives, educators, advocates and others, attempts to highlight the most "influential power players in New York's political arena." He was the only North Country person on the inaugural list.
 
The recognition is seen as confirming the role of the North Country Chamber of Commerce as a key voice for the region in Albany and Washington.
An Old Church’s New Mission
Over the past few decades, several Catholic Church parishes have closed in smaller communities here in the North Country. The Black Brook Church in the tiny hamlet of Black Brook, New York was among them, with the small church being put up for sale. A couple from nearby Ausable Forks saw the “for sale” sign and thought of the perfect way to bring the church back to life.

Mountain Lake PBS' Jack LaDuke gives you a look at a church that went from nourishing the soul to feeding a community. 
Vaccinate The North Country
Local health officials are working with NYS to help spread awareness about he importance of the vaccine and help encourage all New Yorkers to sign up.

With social media graphics for all to share, they are doing their part to create awareness.

Want to help, go to the site below and download these timely graphics to use in your marketing!
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