Thursday April 9, 2020
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!
*REVISED* ESSENTIAL AND NON-ESSENTIAL BUSINESS GUIDANCE
Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development has revised essential and non-essential guidelines . Attached is a highlighted version of the new Executive Order showing the changes made.

Please note that some businesses that were deemed essential have moved the the non-essential list.

We will continue to update you as information becomes available.

NYS at Pause is now in effect until April 29 .
ST LAWRENCE COUNTY SHERIFF ISSUES TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
SHERIFF BROOKS J. BIGWARFE FROM
ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY STATES

"To the citizens of St. Lawrence County, please take notice that due to the new phase of this pandemic locally in St. Lawrence County, I am issuing a travel advisory for St. Lawrence County. I would sincerely appreciate every citizens’ cooperation during this period in refraining from all non-essential travel. We are at a very critical juncture in the fight against COVID-19 and the models that I have been provided warn of very dire consequences if we do not limit non-essential gatherings and non-essential travel. Please stay home, practice social distancing, and follow all public health directives. Only travel if you are buying food, are traveling to or from a deemed essential occupation, or seeking medical attention. I take no pleasure in issuing such an advisory but please understand that this is for the safety and well-being of all county residents. This advisory will be in effect until it is receded. ”
HOW CUTTING OFF US-CANADA WILL HURT, NOT HELP, THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is joined with others across the U.S. and Canada in encouraging a resolution that does not harm U.S. health care and U.S.-Canadian partnership by interfering with north-south movements of health related products.

We are in this together, with many supplies coming to us from Canada and with hundreds of Canadian nurses, doctors and health professionals doing crucial duty each day in our North Country hospitals.
FREE MENTAL HEALTH FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS, FIRST RESPONDERS
Citizen Advocates is offering free mental health services to Healthcare Workers and First Responders coping with the stress brought on by the current public health emergency.
This service is available effective immediately, by telephone or via the tele-mental health platform offered locally by trained and certified staff through Citizen Advocates Behavioral Health Division.
 
“The daily stress of responding to COVID-19 can take an enormous emotional and physical toll on Healthcare Workers and First Responders,” said James Button, Chief Operations Officer for Citizen Advocates. “If these essential, front-line personnel are feeling stress or anxiety, our team is here to help.”
 
The number to call is 518-481-8752. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and a trained mental health counselor will be available to help. Individuals can also visit our website and click the Mental Health link.
 
If any individual is in crisis, please call the Citizen Advocates Crisis Line at 518-483-3261.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: The SARANAC VILLAGE AT WILL ROGERS
The Saranac Village at Will Rogers elder residence is on lockdown, but they are still trying to find ways to keep residents connected.

The Executive Director says the hardest part has been that elderly residents and their families cannot sit in the same room together, but the Will Rogers staff is bringing them as close as possible with a visitation window. They can sit on either side of the window and talk through a phone.

The Staff is also helping in many other ways, which you can read via the Adirondack Daily Enterprise link below. The Chamber applauds their efforts and for being on the front line of this pandemic.
WCAX: CV-TECH TEACHERS FINDING CREATIVE WAYS TO ENGAGE THEIR STUDENTS
Watch Kelly O'Brein's story, from WCAX , on how tech teachers from CV-TEC are handling hands on courses while students are at home. Many CV-TEC  teachers have found creative and fun ways to bring the lessons to their students.
DONATE NOW: FEED OUR FRONTLINE
Hospital staff is working around the clock and risking their own health to care for our North Country residents. Restaurants are struggling to stay open, and people want to know how they can help others get through this challenging time.

Feed Our Frontline  is an initiative that brings it all together.

All funds raised will be used to buy meals for our frontline at area hospitals.

The  North Country Chamber of Commerce  wants to thank our incredible health care teams and provide residents and corporations with a way to show their support.

If you would like to help support the health care community and local restaurants,  DONATE TODAY.
ADDITIONAL NEWS:
  • Still in need of an Easter basket and want to #shoplocal? Small business, D and D Meats in West Chazy, is putting together custom Easter baskets at all different price ranges and delivering it curbside to your car. Just give them a call at 518.493.2300 to order today! #shoplocalbuylocal
QUICK LINKS:





  • 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.

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,  northcountrychamber.com  will hopefully make things a bit easier for you during this challenging time.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000