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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For many years now, the North Country Chamber of Commerce has received funding from the New York State Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Hazard Abatement Board OSH T+E grant fund to provide safety training for your company and employees.
During these uncertain and challenging times, the Chamber has received special permission to use the funds to offer virtual safety training.
A wide variety of OSHA training subjects can be covered including, but not limited to, Hand Safety, Safe Lifting, Repetitive Motion Injury Protection, Fall Protection, OSHA Record-keeping, and much more!
If you are interested in scheduling OSHA training for your facility, please contact Becky Drollette at the chamber at (518) 563-1000 or via
email.
Current Classes Scheduled:
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*Webinar login information will be sent to you by email.
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INTERIM GUIDANCE FOR SPORTS AND RECREATION
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New York State issued its updated guidance yesterday for Sports and Recreation. These guidelines are posted on the
Forward NY website
.
Please note:
Gyms and fitness centers are still prohibited from conducting indoor activities at this time. Additional guidance on gyms and fitness centers is forthcoming to supplement these guidelines.
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Executive Order Expands Enforcement of State Liquor Authority
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Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order
strengthening state enforcement during phased reopening and ensuring business compliance. Violations of reopening rules and guidelines could result in immediate loss of liquor license and shut down order for businesses.
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GOV Cuomo Issues an Executive Order Strengthening State Enforcement During
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he will issue an Executive Order strengthening state enforcement during the phased reopening to protect New Yorkers and ensure business compliance.
Governor Cuomo: "The issue going to phase two or phase three is compliance by people and enforcement by local government. That is the issue. So, how is this going to work? It depends on how people act, which is how this has always been determined. And people, especially New York City, Long Island, compliance matters. It matters. And it's not just moral and ethical, communal, it's legal. These are the laws also. So, be aware of the law, follow the law.
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SBA Release New PPP Forgiveness Applications
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In addition to the revised full forgiveness application, the SBA also released a new “EZ” version of the PPP forgiveness application. According to a press-release issued by the SBA, the “EZ” application, can be submitted in place of the full application by borrowers who:
- Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
- Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number of employees or the average paid hours of employees; OR
- Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%.
To determine if you can use the “EZ” forgiveness application, we encourage you to read the “EZ” application instructions, which can be accessed
here.
It is important to note that both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or the extended 24-week covered period.
- Click here for the “EZ” forgiveness application.
- Click here for the revised, full forgiveness application.
- Click here for the “EZ” forgiveness application instructions.
- Click here for instructions on the revised, full application.
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Stepping Up to Help Visitors at the Beekmantown Welcome Center
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Recently, New York State decided to close the Beekmantown Rest Area for the rest of the year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With this news,
The North Country Chamber of Commerce/Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau
has decided to put up bilingual signage directing thousands of visitors to stop by the North Country Chamber for brochures, directions, travel information and more! This is part of our updated "Coasting Forward" Marketing Plan, helping us to safely and effectively market the region to visitors.
Even with border restrictions still in place, truckers and others stop there daily looking for information and this will increase significantly once border restrictions are eventually eased. In a typical summer the Welcome Center is visited by over 100,000 visitors and is the first stop for many of our neighbors to the north.
We look forward to offering this service and helping our neighbor’s explore the Adirondack Region.
And stay tune for photos of the signage - they are in the works!
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DEC Announces Free Fishing Weekend
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced a Free Fishing Weekend for June 27 – 28.
“This free fishing weekend could not have come at a better time,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Amid the uncertainty of these challenging times, being home together has allowed many families to get outdoors and experience new activities. Free fishing days provide the perfect opportunity for all New Yorkers to try fishing for the first time and encourage those who have fished before to dust off their fishing rods and get outside.”
DEC encourages all anglers, new and experienced, to recreate locally and seek out fishing opportunities close to home. DEC’s
Places to Fish
web pages are a reliable source for those ready to plan their next fishing trip. You can also visit the
Adirondack Coast's Website
for some favorite
local fishing holes
.
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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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