Friday June 5, 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!
PERSONAL SERVICES: COVID-19 Safety Resource Officer Training & Navigating a new Business Environment
TUESDAY, JUNE 9TH - 2pm

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 personal services, including but not limited to, nail salons, spas, massage therapists, tattoo parlors, chiropractors, etc.

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:

*Webinar login information will be sent to you by email after registering.
QUEBEC-NEW YORK: 80 FOR 80
The North Country Chamber of Commerce was pleased to participate in a virtual event yesterday commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Quebec Government's office in New York City: the Delegation General. The Quebec Minister for International Relations and La Francophonie, Nadine Girault, addressed the importance of our relationship, including restoring cross-border fluidity as soon as possible. The event was ably hosted by Quebec Delegate General Catherine Loubier.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce was honored to be named one of 80 champions of Quebec-U.S. relations and partnership, a group which will collaborate with the Quebec Government going forward to broaden and deepen various aspects of our long cross-border relationship.

The event also launched a new video commemorating the 80th anniversary of Quebec's official location in New York.
OSHA and CDC Issue Guidance to Help Agriculture Workers during the Coronavirus Pandemic
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued  guidance  that includes recommended actions to protect agriculture workers from exposure to the coronavirus.

Prevention and control of coronavirus at agricultural worksites, and in shared worker housing and shared transport vehicles, can present unique challenges. Applying specific disease management and prevention measures can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus among workers on farms, ranches, and other production worksites.

The guidance recommends that owners and operators:

  • Screen agricultural workers for coronavirus symptoms, manage workers who have symptoms upon arrival at work or who become sick during the day, and address return to work after worker exposure;
  • Use touch-free clocks and automatic doors, install plastic barriers when distances of six feet between individuals are not possible, and rearrange chairs and tables in break areas;
  • Implement cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation protocols;
  • Train workers in a language they understand on the signs and symptoms of coronavirus, proper infection control and social distancing practices, and what to do if they or a coworker experience symptoms;
  • Encourage workers to use cloth face coverings in certain circumstances (e.g., when utilizing shared methods of transportation); and
  • Provide and train workers on proper use of personal protective equipment through videos or in-person visual demonstrations.

The guidance also explains what employers should do to prevent transmission of the virus among workers who share housing and transportation to and from the agricultural worksite.
OPEN ENROLLMENT: For The Chamber's Vision and Dental Insurance Has Begun
Our plans are available to Chamber member businesses and individuals for enrollment NOW through June 15th (existing members will automatically renew).
 
Large group pricing and extended benefits are available:

  • Vision Insurance is only $6.90 per month per person. Learn More!
  •  Dental Insurance starts at $25.34 per month per person. Learn More!
 
Call Lisa Bedard Dupee at 518.563.1000 or email her to talk about insurance options today!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Nova Bus
Great news today from the Plattsburgh  Nova Bus  team as they begin welcoming their employees back to the facility!

Nova Bus has gone above and beyond, implementing the necessary safety measures to protect the health of both their employees and customers.

Please join us in congratulating Nova Bus on their gradual reopening and recognizing all of the hard work put in by each and every Nova Bus employee.
Breath & Hammer Acoustic — A Virtual Concert Presented by Mountain Lake PBS and Hills & Hollow Music
Just because we can’t physically gather, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy beautiful music together!

On Sunday, June 7, Grammy-nominated classical world artist  David Krakauer  and “mad-scientist” South African sound explorer  Kathleen Tagg  will perform their acclaimed “Breath and Hammer Acoustic” program. The clarinet and piano duo is a passionate and eclectic musical journey that lives at the intersection of world music and improvisation and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

Enjoy beautiful music and engage with the artists and fellow audience members during online watch parties!

  • Date: Sunday June 7th
  • Time: 3pm & 7p
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.
QUICK LINKS:
  • 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.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000