Wednesday April 1, 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!
WEBINAR TOMORROW: CARES Act - What You Need to Know
Date:  Thursday, April 2nd
Time:  1:00pm
Cost:  FREE
Speaker:  Attorney's  Jacqueline Kelleher and Brendan Owens from  Stafford Owens Law Firm

Recently, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act . At over $2 trillion dollars, this is by far the largest aid package in response to COVID-19, and includes several provisions to help ease the financial and economic burden on small businesses, employees, and families. ⁠
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Please join us for an informative webinar with panelists Jacqueline Kelleher and Brendan Owens of Stafford Owens Law Firm. They will be covering the need-to-know points on Payroll Protection, and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Programs.

FAQ Sheet about UA & UI: FAQ Sheet for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Unemployment Insurance from the NYS Department of Labor.

Can't make it? No worries, a recording of this webinar will be posted on our website , at a later date.
Treasury Guidance on Paycheck Protection Program
The Small Business Administration and Treasury Department have released new information and guidance on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
The PPP will provide small businesses, private nonprofits, veteran organizations, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and more with the funds necessary to sustain their operations and keep their workers employed.
Assistance will come in the form of loans that can be forgiven; forgiveness will be based on the borrower using the funds appropriately and maintaining or quickly rehiring employees while  also maintaining wage/salary levels.
These loans can be accessed through SBA approved lenders. It is our understanding that the following member banks and credit unions are SBA participating lenders:
 
The Treasury Department has announced that small businesses and sole proprietorships can begin applying on April 3 rd and that independent contractors and self-employed individuals can begin applying on April 10 th . We do, however, encourage you to first contact your financial institution to determine how and when they will begin accepting applications.


For more information on who can apply, how to apply, and loan details - click he re.
For fact-sheets on the program and a sample application, click here.
BEST PRACTICES FOR MANAGING & COMMUNICATING WITH FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES
Many businesses facing COVID-related closures must make the difficult decision to temporarily lay off or furlough employees.

If you find that you end up having to furlough staff after all, there are ways to handle the situation properly and survive it. Here are some steps to take if you are forced to cut back your staff during the coronavirus outbreak.


This is what the US Chamber suggests:

  • Come up with a plan
  • Be honest and transparent with your staff
  • Provide clarity around benefits
  • Do not allow for work-related emails and calls during the furlough
  • Stay in touch and provide mental and emotional support

Click here to read the full article from the US Chamber of Commerce.

We'd love to hear what you are doing and what you are finding useful, let us know!
CARES ACT: Stimulus Bill Summarized
The President signed into law the C oronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. At over $2 trillion dollars, this is by far the largest aid package in response to COVID-19, and includes several provisions to help ease the financial and economic burden on small businesses, non-profits, employees, and families. ⁠

Our team has done their best to summarize the bill and break it down to a digestible document.⁠
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Plattsburgh YMCA Flyer
Malone YMCA Flyer
YMCA - CHILD CARE UPDATE
The YMCA has good news regarding their child care program. They are proud to announce that because of the generous donation from Adirondack for Kids through the Adirondack Foundation , they will be reducing daily cost for those who need our services. There is also additional financial assistance.

They also, received approval from the school district to open their program starting at 630am. This is in response to medical personnel’s need as many of their shifts begin by 7am.

In addition, they have spots available for Infant to Prek at their Bright Beginnings Child Care Center. Workers who are deemed essential will have first priority.

CALLING ALL BREWERIES! #BrewTalks Virtual Meetup
Our member, Country Malt Group is working with Brewbound and Dogfish Head Brewery and hosting #BrewTalks Virtual meetup this Thursday (April 2) at 3:00PM ET to address the challenges the industry is facing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn how other craft breweries, retailers, and industry leaders are working through the crisis, and discuss answers to some of you burning questions.

RSVP to attend (registration is 100% free): https://lnkd.in/gAKzw6w
Franklin County Local Development Corporation Creates Loan Fund to help Businesses During this Global Pandemic
The Franklin County Local Development Corporation has established an emergency loan fund for businesses affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus and is allowing businesses with existing loans to defer their payments for 90 days without penalty or additional interest.

The LDC Board of Directors voted Friday to create a “small business relief loan fund” to help those businesses being hit by closures and loss of trade resulting from the virus outbreak. The money is primarily intended to serve as a “fall back, stopgap” measure to help borrowers as they wait for a federal Small Business Administration emergency loan. In order to receive the loan, the business will have to show that it has applied to the SBA for an emergency loan or has applied to a bank for an “emergency bridge loan”.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:


  • SUNY Plattsburgh: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, they are rescheduling spring commencement and welcoming all members of the graduating class of 2020 to our planned winter date of December 12, 2020.


  • 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.
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
info@nothcountrychamber.com