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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Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced that the North Country has met all seven metrics required to begin phase one of the state's regional phased reopening plan when NYS on PAUSE orders expire on May 15th.
The region can begin opening businesses for phase one, which includes construction; manufacturing and wholesale supply chain; retail for curbside pickup and drop-off or in-store pickup; and agriculture, forestry and fishing.
Our thanks to all of our County Health Departments, our hospitals and health care providers and others who have collaborated to get us over this threshold!
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The webinar was attended by over
750 North Country Businesses
and was designed to help businesses comply with government regulations and safely reopen their business.
If you missed the webinar - it was recorded and is available to listen to by
clicking here
.
All the
handouts
, posters and guides are available on
our website
,
under past webinars and under "Creating Your Required Plan".
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NY Forward Website has Valuable Reopening Tools Available - Including Plan Templates
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The NY Forward website has been updated to include detailed guidance for phase 1 industries.
For each eligible industry category the state has posted:
- Summary Guidelines
- Plan Template
- Affirmation Form
Important:
There is also a link that takes you to a Business Affirmation Form for the business or agent to fill out and submit that you "have reviewed the New York State interim guidance for business re-opening activities and operations during the COVID-19 public health emergency and I affirm that I have read and understand my obligation to operate in accordance with such guidance."
The North Country Chamber recommends everyone planning to be open tomorrow to go to this
page
, fill out and submit the affirmation
the form
.
You can find this information for each phase 1 industry category
here.
We expect similar information for phases 2-4 as we get closer to opening those businesses.
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SBA Provides Updates on PPP and EIDL
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Yesterday, the
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
released additional updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs – we’ve compiled them below for your convenience.
- The SBA and Treasury have updated their Frequently Asked Questions on the PPP document.
- Note: Question #40 explains how a borrower can correctly document when an employee who has been laid off declines to return to work, so it does not negatively impact the borrower’s eligibility for forgiveness.
- There have been no changes or updates to the 8-week forgiveness period; the eight-week period begins on the date the lender makes the first disbursement of the PPP loan to the borrower.
- The EIDL Advance has no reporting requirements and does not have to be repaid.
- Note: If a business had applied for and received both the EIDL Advance and PPP, the EIDL Advance funds will be deduced from the total amount of PPP forgiveness.
- EIDL Loan funds may only be used for working capital expenses; business expansion or acquiring fixed assets are not eligible.
- For businesses that applied for and received a PPP loan, but later self-determined that they were ineligible, the SBA has issued guidance on the “safe-harbor” provision which allows businesses to repay/return the funding without penalty. More info can be found in Question #31, #43, #45, and #46 of the PPP FAQ sheet here.
- The official guidance from the SBA and Treasury regarding PPP loan forgiveness procedures has not yet been released. As soon as this guidance is published, the North Country Chamber of Commerce will distribute it promptly via our Daily Dose E-Newsletter and our website.
For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, click
here.
To find an SBA approved local lender, click
here.
For more information on the EIDL, or to apply, click
here.
- At this time, the SBA is only accepting new EIDL applications from Agricultural businesses.
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As we start to talk about reopening our community we understand that there are several questions about what you need to do and how to execute it. Because of that, the North Country Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a series of webinars to help navigate these challenges.
WE WILL BE ROLLING OUT OTHER INDUSTRY SPECIFIC WEBINARS INN THE COMING DAYS, INCLUDING RETAIL/OFFICE, ACCOMMODATIONS AND RESTAURANTS, SO STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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CONSTRUCTION:
COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO OPEN
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Course Description:
Based on the federal mandates and the states individual rules for essential workers currently working as well as those trying to get back open after the COVID pause there is a need to provide competent person training.
Due to Federal Workplace Safety requirements ALL companies must provide training to assure competency of their employees anytime there is a recognized hazard that is causing, or likely to cause, death or serious physical harm. As the government allows businesses to resume operations following the COVID-19 shutdown there will be requirements for training and oversight within these businesses to assure compliance with these standards.
- Date: May 15th
- Time: 10am
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MANUFACTURING:
COVID-19 SAFETY RESOURCE OFFICER (CSRO) & WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO OPEN
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Course Description
: While it is not a one-size-fits-all approach, this presentation includes practical recommendations, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization and OSHA. These recommendations can be tailored by manufacturers to address various scenarios they may face when returning to work and maintaining a healthy work environment.
The following are topics that will be discussed:
- Introductory Material on COVID-19
- Hazard Analysis
- Workplace Preparation
- Workforce Preparation
- Audit/sustain
Details:
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The home page of the Chamber's website is now your go to resource for all things Coronavirus related. From information to help your business, health insurance, employee guidelines, restaurant offerings and CDC resources, our website will hopefully make things a bit easier for you during this challenging time.
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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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