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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VIDEO-TOWN HALL, FEATURING US SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER
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The
North Country Chamber of Commerce
is hosting a conversation with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer on Friday May 1st at 11:15AM. Hear an update and answers to questions regarding the country's response to COVID-19 and plans for economic recovery.
DATE: Friday May 1st
TIME: 11:15am
Register
and ask your questions today by clicking the button below!
*All registrants will receive login information 24 hours before the Video-Town Hall begins.
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CBSA UPDATES COMMERCIAL OPERATION PRACTICES AT BORDER TO LIMIT PHYSICAL INTERACTIONS
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The
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
has taken a number of steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in its commercial border crossing operations and is actively exploring a number of initiatives to limit physical interactions, They have issued enhanced guidance on Primary Inspection Line booth interaction for truck drivers from a health and safety perspective. CLICK HERE for the new safety measures CBSA is taking.
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AgriMark/McCadam Participating in Governor's Dairy Initiative
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We welcome yesterday's announcement by Governor Andrew Cuomo of
NOURISH NEW YORK
, an initiative to purchase dairy products from upstate to be used in charitable food banks. This was a direct recommendation from the North Country and its dairy farmers and from Farm Bureau, offering one way to assist our region's economically distressed farms through this crisis and to help end the tragic dumping of unsold milk in recent weeks. Our thanks to AgriMark and their McCadam Cheese operation in Chateaugay for being a prime partner in this effort.
CLICK HERE
for a clip of the Governor's briefing yesterday, announcing the initiative.
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SBA ANNOUNCES LACK OF AVAILABLE FUNDING OF EIDL
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The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced that applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and advances cannot be accepted at this time due to a lack of available funding. Applications already submitted will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The agency advises that if you previously submitted an EIDL application, received correspondence from SBA and have a loan number that begins with 3, you are in the queue.
The North Country Chamber will continue to encourage our elected officials to provide additional funding for both the EIDL and Paycheck Protection Program as part of a fourth relief bill.
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"NYS AT PAUSE" IS STILL IN EFFECT FOR ALL NON ESSENTIAL BUSINESS
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We have noticed some confusion in the region about if and when non essential can reopen. At this time any business that has been deemed non essential, cannot be open. Please check the list to see if you are listed essential.
We remind all non essential businesses that you must check with
Empire State Development
, a division of New York State, to open. They are the only NYS agency that can give non essential business the "ok "to open. Local agencies cannot deem you "ok" to open.
"NYS at Pause" is in effect for all non essential businesses until May 15th - we wait for further guidance.
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CARES CHILD CARE SCHOLARSHIP FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS AT NO COST
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The Early Care & Learning Council has teamed up with its network of Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to provide child care to qualified eligible essential workers at no cost. The program is part of the CARES Act and was developed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and Governor Cuomo’s administration. The program provides scholarships to cover the cost of child care.
To qualify a worker must be employed by an essential business or organization, be income eligible, and use a regulated child care provider.
For more information on the program and to find a participating child care provider Contact:
Federal Poverty Guidelines:
Family Size/Household Salary Eligibility
- 2 - $51,720
- 3 - $65,160
- 4 - $78,600
- 5 - $92,040
- 6 - $105, 480
- 7 - $118, 920
- 8 - $132,360
If you are an essential business and have employees who may be able to benefit from this program please
share this flyer
from the Early Care & Learning Council.
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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, northcountrychamber.com 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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