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Monday March 23, 2020
Message from our President, Garry Douglas

Like most of our members, the North Country Chamber of Commerce 's office will be closed as of Monday, March 23. All Chamber staff have been set-up to continue serving our members and our region from home.

The Chamber's role in disseminating timely information, guidance and assistance through this pandemic has, I would suggest, never been more important to our business community and we will ensure ALL OF OUR SERVICES AND ACCESSIBILITY CONTINUE FOR YOU!

This will include continued distribution of our DAILY DOSE e-newsletter with updates and information; other e-mails and social media postings as needed to maximize your access to information; our continued active communications with state and federal officials; continuation of our vital Health Insurance assistance; and weekly informational webinars and other media to serve you.

Please continue to open and read our communications and to visit the Chamber website  for new postings and links. We are determined to assist all of you through the coming days and weeks, so please stay in touch as you need information or assistance.

And please join in a well deserved shout-out to my remarkable staff here at the Chamber who are all completely dedicated to the Chamber's work and to your well being.

Onward and Upward! - Be well!
US DEPT OF LABOR:
National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grants
The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $100 million for Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to help address the workforce-related impacts of the public health emergency related to COVID-19, also known as novel Coronavirus.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a nationwide public health emergency as a result of confirmed cases of the Coronavirus. This federal declaration enables the Secretary of Labor to award Disaster Recovery DWGs to help address the workforce-related impacts of this public health emergency
WEBINAR:
SBA Disaster Relief Loan
Program Webinar
The  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)  is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and non-profit organizations suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The North Country Chamber of Commerce and SCORE will be hosting a webinar/call on Tuesday, March 24th from 11:00am-12:00pm . SBA staff will be on the call to provide information to our business community and chamber members on eligibility, loan terms/restrictions, and best practices when applying.
NOTE: We will be using GoToWebinar for this. Please download and register for the FREE GoTo viewer on your mobile device (available for android and iphone in the app store) OR on your desktop. Your registration confirmation will contain a link that will lead you to the webinar on Friday morning. Talk to you then!
EMPLOYERS: Paid Sick Leave

Under legislation signed by Governor Cuomo, New York workers are guaranteed job protection and financial compensation while they are on a mandatory or precautionary quarantine order due to COVID-19. 

Click below to download the COVID-19: Paid Sick Leave PDF.
CANADIAN BORDER: Update
Below are details of restrictions on cross border travel which took effect on March 20th. The notice indicates that categories of essential travel which will continue to be allowed include but are not limited to:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the U.S.
  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes.
  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions.
  • Individuals traveling to work in the United States.
  • Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes.
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade (such as truck drivers).
  • Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel.
  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and children returning to the U.S.
  • Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations.

Border crossings are not allowed for individuals traveling for tourism purposes.


MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Hobie's Sports Den
Hobie's Sports Den has taken on the #LilRoccoChallenge.

What does this mean? Any person or business can call Hobie's and order a $5 “Rocco” pizza, which will put a pizza in the bank for a family in need. These families or neighbors in need can then call and order a “Rocco” pizza and will be given that pizza for FREE no questions asked. If they are unable to travel during this time, Hobie's is also offering their delivery services free of charge.

Call Hobie's Sports Den at 518.562.1000 or stop in to donate a $5 "Rocco" pizza to help your neighbors in need.

Want to volunteer instead? Hobie's is also looking for any volunteers that would be willing to donate their time to deliver these pizzas to families in need.

Well done Hobie's Sports Den!

⭐ Is your business a member and doing something to help your neighbors in need? Share below so that we can help spread the word! ⭐

Don't forget several of our restaurants and bars are offering delivery and take-out, click here for a full list.
ADDITIONAL NEWS:

  • Loans through the Small Business Association (SBA) are available for small businesses in New York. Visit their website to find out more information or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.

  • The Department of Financial Services issued a new directive to New York State mortgage services to provide 90-day mortgage relief to mortgage borrowers impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).


  • Senator Betty Little's office has released a new portal for those seeking assistance.

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