Tuesday July 27, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinated travellers entering Canada
American citizens and permanent residents of the United States, who currently reside in the U.S. and who qualify as fully vaccinated travelers, will be able to enter Canada for discretionary travel starting August 9.

Here are a few resources to make sure that you are eligible and prepared for your travels into Canada from the U.S.:


Part of Americans crossing the Canadian border as of August 9th will be a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of crossing, as well as registering proof of full vaccination beforehand via the Arrive Can app:
Clinton County Health Department to Take on COVID-19 Testing & Vaccination
As New York State reduces its large-scale COVID-19 testing and vaccination operations in the North Country, the Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) and University of Vermont Health Network-Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) will work together to continue those services for Clinton County residents.

Individuals may still get tested at the CVPH COVID-19 Testing Center located at 295 New York Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., seven days a week. Patients must have an order for the test from their health care provider, and their health insurance carrier will be billed. Hospital officials note that as they continue to refine the testing process to help meet the needs of the community, changes may occur. Beginning July 28th, free COVID-19 testing will be offered at CCHD approximately three days per week. 

Clinton County residents requiring a COVID-19 test should first contact their primary care physician for testing, especially if they are experiencing symptoms

Testing will be offered Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm outside the Health Department offices, located at 133 Margaret Street in Plattsburgh. The exact testing location will be at the Court Street entrance with the ramp. While the weather allows, residents will remain in their vehicles while testing is conducted. Appointments will be required, however day-of appointments will be available.

“Testing is a critical public health tool in limiting the spread of the virus in our communities,” CVPH Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Lisa Mark, M.D. explained. “While much progress has been made, the virus has not been eliminated. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it is still vital for you to get tested and follow the advice of your health care provider.”

“In addition to our new testing procedures, we will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccinations every Thursday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon,” added Mr. Kanoza. “At this time we are equipped to offer both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at these clinics.” 
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, issued the following statement on the decision of the United States government to extend travel restrictions at land border crossings.

“On February 23 U.S. President Biden and Prime Minister Trudeau issued a ‘Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership’ stating ‘Both leaders agreed to take a coordinated approach based on science and public health criteria when considering measures to ease Canada-U.S. border restrictions in the future.’ Less than five months later, Washington appears to have lost its copy.

In contrast with its commitment, the U.S. decision is uncoordinated with Canada’s announcement on Monday of a border reopening, and it flies in the face of both science and the most recent public health data. It’s hard to see how allowing fully vaccinated Canadians to enter the U.S. poses a public health threat when travel within the U.S. is unrestricted. Vaccination rates in Canada are higher than in the U.S. and infection rates are dramatically lower. Additionally, the U.S. policy applies very different standards to travelers crossing at a land border than those who fly.

“Canada’s government must press the U.S. administration to reverse its policy. There is no justification for continuing to keep families apart and to discourage travel for both tourism and business. The economic and social costs are simply too great.”
Why Local Communities Need Immigration Reform
Our immigration system is broken and in desperate need of repair. Today, the Chamber held an event, Putting Communities First: How Immigration Reform Will Drive Economic Growth, where business leaders described how the lack of reform is hurting their communities and impeding America’s global competitiveness.

Why it matters: Here are some facts.
  • There were 9.3 million workers unemployed in May and 9.2 million openings.
  • In June, the federal government announced over 300,000 applications for 85,000 high skilled temporary H-1B visas it will issue in FY 2022.
  • The U.S. can’t meet demand for seasonal workers. Companies had twice as many certified jobs this year than the statutory cap for foreign workers. This especially affects small, local businesses like landscapers, seafood processors, and construction firms.

We see the effects across the country:
  • Hours cut: “One local restaurant had to close one of their two restaurants because they can’t find the workers to handle the increased demand,” explained Mary Beth Seward, President and CEO of the Vegas Chamber. “And they’re one of hundreds of stories.”
  • Lost revenue: “Without the typical number of summer work students we hire we’re anticipating needing to adjust our schedule and operating times and possibly having a 30% revenue hit in August as a result, which is devastating,” said Denise Beckson, of New Jersey-based Morey’s Piers and Beachfront Water Parks.
  • Less innovation: “If we have fewer working-age adults, it means less production and even less innovation, which is the key to economic growth,” said Andrew Tisch, Co-Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Loews Corp.

Bottom line: Being a nation of immigrants isn’t just part of America’s identity, it’s part of what has made us the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. For local communities immigration has to be part of the solution for future economic growth.

Learn more:
  • Immigration reform is a component of the Chamber’s America Works initiative which works to address the worker shortage crisis facing America’s employers.
Free Business Ideation and Entrepreneurship Workshop in Plattsburgh
Point Positive, Inc., in collaboration with Clinton Community College, the North Country Chamber of Commerce, and Clarkson’s Shipley Center for Innovation, will hold a Business Ideation and Entrepreneurship Workshop to help individuals interested in starting their own businesses. This workshop, held at Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) on Thursday, August 5th, will help aspiring entrepreneurs identify promising ideas and map out the steps for moving forward. The workshop will begin at 1pm and last approximately 2-hours.
 
This workshop will focus on two separate tracks for aspiring entrepreneurs; one designed to help participants identify an idea and begin to develop a business plan that may eventually lead to the establishment of a new venture, and the other to help advance the planning for entrepreneurs that already have a business concept in mind. Through this workshop, entrepreneurs will also gain access to resources, professional services, and ongoing mentorship to assist in the launch and growth of their business. The workshop will conclude with a networking / social hour and one-on-one meetings if desired.
 
This event is part of a series of workshops led by staff from Clarkson University’s Shipley Center and Point Positive. The first workshop was held in Canton on July 20th, and future locations will include Ticonderoga, Lowville, and Lake Placid.  
 
This Workshop Series project is made possible by the generous support from Adirondack Foundation’s Generous Acts Program. The grant is being co-funded in part by the Rhoades Family Fund at Adirondack Foundation. Further support for this particular workshop has been generously provided by the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Clinton Community College.
East Coast Watercross is back on the Adirondack Coast
Jet skiers take on Lake Champlain at the Plattsburgh City Beach, July 31-August 1

The IJSBA National Championships presented by East Coast Watercross is back on the Adirondack Coast after a 2020 interrupted by COVID-19! Watch as jet skiers soar across Lake Champlain from 10am-6pm. each day, July 31 – August 1, in an action-packed race around a 30-buoy course, providing entertainment and suspense for all spectators.

Event Director Christopher Yates commented, "East Coast Watercross LLC is proud to return to the Plattsburgh City Beach for their third hosting of the International Jet Sports Boating Association's National Championship! With many beaches and locations to choose from in our 13 state territory, Plattsburgh is always our first choice due to its size, water conditions and local businesses who welcome ourselves and athletes from all over the country with open arms! We hope to see you all there on the beach supporting these athletes as they battle on the shore of Lake Champlain."

Racing will be completely visible right from the Plattsburgh City Beach each day. Classes range from Novice racers to pros, juniors to Veterans and more – all running one time in the morning and a second time in the afternoon both days, making for non-stop, action packed fun for the entire family.

So come out, walk through the pits, grab a free sample from tour sponsor, Monster Energy, shop race inspired clothing and accessories, grab food from The Dogfather Food Cart (Sunday only) and enjoy watching talented racers from all over the country take on Lake Champlain – rain or shine, July 31 – August 1 (beach admission fees and rules do apply)!  
Senator Dan Stec's 2021 Golf Tournament
Senator Dan Stec will be hosting his 2021 golf tournament on August 16, 2021 at the Glens Falls Country Club. 

Openings for golf are going quickly but hole sponsorship and event sponsorships are still available. For more information please email, Keith Scherer at stecgolf@gmail.com. 

This tournament is a 36 foursome 18 hole fun filled day with lunch, contests, silent auction, and prizes followed by dinner at the Glens Falls Country Club.
**This is paid content sponsored by Dodge Marketing & Communications**
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