Thursday May 6, 2021
Senator Schumer & Congresswoman Stefanik want Immediate Border Progress
We welcome statements this week by both Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, insisting on immediate steps forward at the U.S.-Canadian border, including a plan now with metrics and standards as well as immediate steps to accommodate some expansions in essential travel categories. Senator Schumer spoke at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls and Rep. Stefanik addressed the spring conference of the Can/Am Border Trade Allowance. We thank both for their continuing advocacy.
Canada Developing Travel Vaccine Certificate to Position as 'Safe Destination': Tourism Minister
Canada is working with international partners to develop a standardized vaccine certification for travel and will position itself as a safe destination once the country has reached COVID-19 herd immunity, the tourism minister said on Tuesday.

Canada currently has a higher infection rate than the United States as it rolls out vaccines during a third wave. The country has fully inoculated only three per cent of its almost 38 million people, though more than 34 per cent have received a first dose and millions of doses are arriving each week.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said everyone who wants to can be fully vaccinated by the end of September.

Canada’s land border with the United States has been closed to non-essential travel since March of last year, and those arriving by plane must be tested and quarantine themselves.

The third wave gripping the country now has dimmed the hopes of airlines and the tourism sector for renewed travel this summer.
“Definitely, there will still be a lot of local and regional travel” this summer, Joly said.
NYDOL to Host Virtual Job Fair
The New York State Department of Labor is hosting a job fair simulation where businesses and jobseekers can connect in a virtual setting in real-time, while keeping the familiar feel and positive outcomes of a physical event.

The virtual career fair platform allows businesses to break free from the limitations of traditional hiring events, while finding top talent and facilitating a meaningful experience for potential candidates. Through a fully customizable virtual booth with high resolution avatars and a chat function accessible from any location and device, the virtual fair is a convenient way to support recruitment efforts and showcase your business!

  • Date: Thursday, May 20th
  • Time: 11am- 2pm
  • Cost: Free
Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Panel Discussion
Join Hudson Headwaters, The North Country Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce for a panel discussion on the COVID- 19 vaccine and to dispel myths causing vaccine hesitancy.

Hear from regional medical professionals, in a moderated panel discussion, about the significant benefits to public health and the associated economic impacts that getting New Yorkers vaccinated will bring. The panel will also answer several myths about the vaccine and help to ease the minds of those who are still on the fence about the vaccine.

  • Date: May 11th
  • Time: 10am
  • Fee: Free

Submit your questions during registration for consideration.
Continuing Education Tax Benefit a Win for SUNY Campuses, Students, and Employers
The federal government has taken significant action to extend a temporary and generous tax benefit to employers (business of all sizes) to cover educational expenses for employees, which SUNY campuses can leverage to support:
  • Current SUNY students or alumni. Employers can pay up to $5,250 to repay employee student loans, tax-free to the employee and fully deductible for the employer; and
  • Current employees at businesses that want to train or retrain their staff, by helping employers support and encourage the continuing education of their employees while helping SUNY campuses boost enrollment.

In short, this is a tremendous opportunity to support current, former, and future students. The amount paid by employers is income tax-free to employees (this is different than many other Student Loan Repayment Programs) and tax-deductible for the employer, and neither the employer nor employee is required to pay FICA (payroll) taxes. With this program, SUNY campuses have a powerful tool to strengthen partnerships with local businesses in order to create an employee-student pipeline to your campus. In other words, this is a limited-time chance for employers to establish a program that is a win for themselves, for their employees, and for your campus and students. 
Webinar: The FBI and YOU. How the FBI Engages with our Community
The InfraGard Albany Chapter is hosting an webinar sharing information about how the Community can interact with the FBI and the FBI with the Community. One aspect that will be covered is that of the FBI Citizens Academy. Attending this Academy is a great way to become much more aware of the FBI and how it is vital to our Nation! This session will be of benefit to all audiences, technical and non-technical, leadership or practitioners.

Date: May 12th
Time: 11am
Cost: Free

Coordinator and Moderator:
  • Devi Momot, CISSP, GSLC, GISP, Board President, InfraGard Albany Members Alliance
  • Robert Polanco, SA, FBI and Private Sector Coordinator, InfraGard Albany Members Alliance

Speakers and Panelists:
  • Sarah Ruane: Public Affairs Specialist, Albany Field Office
  • Anna Bitterbaum: Community Outreach Specialist, Albany Field Office
  • Jeff Wilson: Secretary, InfraGard Albany
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The 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.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • 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.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000