Chamber Welcomes Sign of Progress at the Border |
The North Country Chamber of Commerce welcomes reports that the Canadian Government is actively considering interim reopening steps at the U.S.-Canadian border, including possible elimination of quarantine requirements for Canadian travelers who have been fully vaccinated," says Chamber President Garry Douglas. "Possible actions are also being actively considered by the U.S. government in the run-up to June 21 when current restrictions are up for extension or changes."
"These reports are providing some long-sought hope for the start of a phased reopening process. Clearly, strong recent progress in the vaccination efforts in Canada as well as in the U.S. has helped," says Douglas. "We also have seen stronger calls from U.S. and Canadian leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Schumer and Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairs Stefanik and Higgins, and a growing chorus of calls within Canada for a plan with first steps soon. We will continue to be part of these voices, openly and through all available private channels, while hoping we are seeing a first bit of light at the end of the tunnel."
"We note that President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau will be meeting in the U.K. at the G-7 summit on Friday. We hope the border will be a key subject, leading to some agreement, even if it involves differences at first.
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All of Quebec Moving to Yellow & Green Next Week |
With Quebec registering some of the highest first-dose vaccination rates in the world and COVID-19 cases on the decline, the province announced restrictions will be loosened in the coming days as all regions are downgraded to yellow or green status.
Indoor gatherings will be allowed, outdoor team sports can resume, and high school graduates can celebrate their proms. Echoing the statements of Canada’s prime minister, Premier François Legault suggested travel between the U.S. and Quebec could restart as early as July for those who have had two doses of the vaccine.
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Chamber Providing Technical Assistance for State Small Business Grants |
The North Country Chamber of Commerce has been designated by Empire State Development, the state's economic development agency, to provide technical assistance to the region's small businesses, helping all who qualify to access assistance from the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program.
The new grant program is part of $800 million in the new State Budget designed to further assist small businesses with recovery from the pandemic. The program is limited to small businesses, with potential grants ranging from $5,000 up to a maximum $50,000 to help cover a range of allowed expenses and losses during the period of March 1, 2020 to April 1, 2021. Eligible businesses may already have benefited from federal programs such as PPP forgivable loans within a cap.
The Chamber's support will include one-on-one assistance to help determine if a business qualifies and then to help complete applications, as well as twelve webinars, workshops and training sessions. The North Country Chamber will be working in partnership with AEDC (Adirondack Economic Development Corporation), as well as its twelve Partner Community Chambers across Clinton, Franklin, Essex, Hamilton and northern Warren Counties and Akwesasne. Area businesses wishing more information are encouraged to contact the North Country Chamber of Commerce at (518) 563-1000.
"We have been actively assisting hundreds of area businesses over the past year in accessing various federal programs," notes Garry Douglas, Chamber President. "We now look forward to helping businesses determine if they may qualify for state grant assistance. We thank Empire State Development for its confidence."
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North Country CFA Information Sessions |
The North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) has scheduled 2021 Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) information sessions. Three virtual workshops will provide an overview of the online application and the CFA process, followed by separate question and answer opportunities. Additionally, virtual office hours sessions will be held with members of Empire State Development's North Country regional office, who can provide an overview of programs and answer questions about the CFA process.
The virtual information sessions will feature partners from state agencies who will present information on various funding programs available in Round XI.
Virtual information sessions are scheduled for:
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June 11, 2021 – NYS Department of State (Local Waterfront Revitalization Program; Brownfield Opportunity Area Program, Smart Growth, Local Government Efficiency); Empire State Development (Strategic Planning & Feasibility) 10-11:00 AM
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June 15, 2021 – NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (EPF Grant for Parks, Preservation and Heritage; Recreational Trails Program); NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal (Community Development Block Grant, Main Street Grant Program); Empire State Development (Market NY) 1-2:00 PM
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June 21, 2021 – Empire State Development (Empire State Development Grant Fund, Excelsior Jobs Program, Market NY) 6-7:00 PM
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The NY SHIELD Act went into effect 1 year ago, mandating any business holding data on any NY state resident to comply with specific security requirements. Enforcement of the law is expected to increase in 2021.
Download Your Guide to NY SHIELD Compliance below.
**This is paid content sponsored by Twinstate Technologies**
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A Message From Garry Douglas - Vaccinate the North Country |
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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.
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Today's Dose is Generously Supported By: |
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NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
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NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
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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.
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SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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