Thursday May 20, 2021
Canada-U.S. Border Restrictions Extended Another Month
As expected the Canada-U.S. border will remain closed to non-essential travel for at least another month. Non-essential travel restrictions have been in place between the two countries since March 21, 2020. 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated that lifting social restrictions more generally will be dependent on vaccination rates and consistently low community transmission of the COVID-19 virus.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce continues to working with Government officials on both sides of the border on step to reopening the border, as it is critical to moving our economy forward.
Assemblyman Jones and the Chamber Call for Border Progress
We were pleased to recently join in a Press Conference with Assemblyman Billy Jones, renewing our call for progress on a bi-national plan for the way forward at our border and also promoting access to vaccinations in New York for Canadian truckers and other Canadian essential workers who are crossing the border regularly. This latter access is seen as the right thing to do in every respect, from public health to accelerating in at least a small way the rise in vaccination rates in Canada as a condition for border progress to showing the special quality of the U.S.-Canada relationship.

The event also featured campground owners John Momot and Neil Fesette who spoke about the impact of the absence of Canadian campers, including many who keep their RV's and campers here but can't access them. And area resident Tracy Simmons who spoke to the great emotional loss coming from separation from her family in Quebec.

Our advocacy continues.
Goodbye Curfew: Here's How Quebec will Reopen this Summer
Quebec’s curfew will be lifted on May 28, nearly six months after it was implemented and five months after its initial tentative end date.

The fate of summer and the rest of post-COVID-19 pandemic life in Quebec has been resting on the province’s long-awaited reopening plan, unveiled late Tuesday afternoon. In addition to the lifting of the curfew, Quebecers can expect outdoor dining to resume and private, outdoor gatherings to be permitted for up to eight people, with more measures scheduled to be lifted in the following weeks.
Things to Know About the Mask Mandate Changes
The top three things you should know for May 19th are, from Jaci Kelleher, ESQ from Stafford Owens Piller Murnane Kelleher & Trombley PLLC:

  • Fully vaccinated individuals will not need a mask and are not required to socially distance in many circumstances.
  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated, and over two years of age, will continue to be required to wear masks in public spaces, and maintain 6 foot social distancing.
  • New York State offers the “Excelsior Pass”, which is proof of vaccination, and can be downloaded on a person's phone, or printed off of a computer. For businesses who wish to check for proof of vaccination status, the Excelsior Pass offers a reliable and convenient way to check. Alternatively, businesses may use the honor system, and request that patrons who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask. 
Last Call: Final Push for Restaurant Revitalization Fund Applications
Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman announced that eligible eating establishments have until Monday, May 24, 8 p.m. ET, to submit applications to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

For those interested in applying to the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, visit sba.gov/restaurants.
North Elba and Lake Placid Welcome Ironman and Lacrosse Back this Summer!
Summer 2021 major events will be hosted in Lake Placid / North Elba with restrictions that will keep the safety and economic stability of the community as a top priority. These events will include IRONMAN and the Summit Lacrosse tournament.

“The North Elba Town Board approved the 2021 IRONMAN Lake Placid triathlon and Summit Lacrosse events following in-depth written and oral presentations from Summit Lacrosse and IRONMAN representatives, which included assurances of a reduction of athletes by 20% and that eligible athletes, coaches, officials, vendors, staff, volunteers and spectators in designated event areas will be required to provide proof of vaccination,” said Jay Rand, Town of North Elba Supervisor. “We thank the organizers for exceptional efforts to conduct these events with the highest degree of safety, and we wish safe and successful events to both IRONMAN and Lacrosse organizations.”

The full-distance IRONMAN triathlon race which consists of swimming, biking, and running a marathon is scheduled for July 25, 2021. IRONMAN’s bike loop includes the towns of Keene, Jay, and Wilmington. Each of these communities, alongside Essex County, support these protocols.

Summit Lacrosse Youth is scheduled for June 28 – 30, 2021 and the Lake Placid Summit Classic Tournament August 2 – 8, 2021. IRONMAN Lake Placid is scheduled for July 25, 2021. 
Webinar Recording: Struggling to Find ANY Help these Days?
Yesterday the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Coryer Staffing hosted a webinar addressing the hiring challenges being seen throughout several industries in the North Country.

We had a great turnout with over 100 registered.

If you missed the live chat, we are happy to offer a link to the recording below.

Thank you to Coryer Staffing for sponsoring the webinar, allowing us to keep it free for the public.

We'd like to thank our panelists and moderator:
  • David Coryer (Moderator) - COO & Co-Founder, Coryer Staffing
  • Megan Farry - Director of Strategic Partnerships, New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP)
  • Mimi Damm  - Digital Sales Manager, Gray Digital Media
  • Bill Meyers - Market Area Manager, Casella Waste Management
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