Hello Chamber Members and Partners,
Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time.
Send us any questions or updates you may have, we are here to help provide information, connect the dots and assure those in the North Country that we will get through this together.
Onward and Be Well!
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RETAIL: Coronavirus Safety Resource Officer Training (CSRO) & Navigating a New Business Environment
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May 26th - 1pm
Due to Federal Workplace Safety requirements ALL companies must provide training to assure competency to their employees anytime there is a recognized hazard that is causing harm.
As the government allows businesses to resume operations following the COVID-19 shutdown there will be requirements within these businesses to assure compliance with these standards!
This program will provide, information on the required safety plan, training and best practices specific to the retail industry.
Upon completion of the course participants will receive:
- An Approved COVID-19 Response Plan
- Training PowerPoint to Use for Future Instructions
- Access to Training Documents
- Tracking Forms
- Ongoing Support as New Protocols are created via Catamount Consulting
- Certificate of Attendance
Presenters:
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Opens for Applications on May 26th
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CFAP will provide direct financial assistance to agricultural producers who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs.
Producers of eligible commodities, who have suffered an economic loss due to COVID-19, may be eligible for a one-time payment. Eligible commodities include, but are not limited to, livestock, dairy, non-specialty crops such as corn and wheat, and specialty crops such as fruits and vegetables.
Applications will be accepted through August 28
th
, and eligible producers will need to apply through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.
For more information on CFAP, including eligible commodities and what you can do to prepare your application, click
here
.
- For a FAQ on the CFAP, click here.
- To locate an FSA office near you, click here.
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Update on Area Beach Openings - Expected in June
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Assemblyman Billy Jones
recently relayed news announced last week by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The Governor announced that New York would be joining other neighboring states in opening beaches during Memorial Day weekend.
While that is exciting news, beaches opening this weekend are only the beaches that normally open during Memorial Day Weekend which does not include any beach in the North Country.
Be patient! State beaches in the North Country will open soon as the temperatures continue to climb and the weather improves.
However, if you are looking for ways to get outside and enjoy the Adirondack Coast, please check out
goadirondack.com
for information on areas that are open to explore.
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Excellus BCBS Updates
For insured members and members with self-funded employers, the Health Plan will waive prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and for covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.
They will also make dedicated clinical staff available to address inquiries related to medical services, ensuring timeliness of responses related to COVID-19.
For more details and their full explanation and Press Release please click the link below.
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Blueshield NENY COVID-19 UPDATES
As individuals in the United States are being diagnosed with COVID-19 (Coronavirus), BlueShield of Northeastern New York recognizes members may have concerns.
While the situation is fluid and information is being updated daily, one thing that will remain constant is their commitment to connecting members to the care they need. Check out their updated
site regularly for new information.
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Does your Health Insurance Company Have Information to Share?
If you are one of the many health insurance company's that our broker, Lisa Bedard Dupee works with and has an update you would like shared with our membership, please email it to her today. We will do our best to get it featured in an upcoming edition.
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St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Studying Decision to Join Regional Business Reopening
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While the seven-county North Country region has begun to reopen its economy after meeting seven state criteria last week, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has not yet approved a similar measure for its territory.
The tribe is taking under consideration Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s decision to allow the region –– which includes Franklin, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Jefferson and Lewis counties –– to allow certain businesses to resume operations under phase one of a four-phase reopening plan, tribal leaders said in a news release. The decision on whether to join the region in reopening will also involve guidance from the tribe’s Emergency Operations Center, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the New York State Department of Health, Franklin County Public Health Department and data from the John Hopkins University Coronavirus Research Center, the tribe said.
“We want community members to know that we are aware of the State’s plan to reopen regional economies; however, the Akwesasne community continues to remain under a State of Emergency in response to the ongoing public health crisis,” the Tribal Council said in the release. “The health and safety of our community members, as well as our visitors, continues to be a high priority. Plans to reopen some businesses are being developed and reviewed, but when implemented we want to ensure they meet tribal standards as we proceed forward.”
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To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, T
he 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.
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- 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.
- Now Hiring: Whether you are hiring or looking for work, we have a page dedicated to helping pair potential employees with employers.
- Webinars: Did you miss one of our webinars, you can find them all here.
- How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.
- SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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