Thursday April 23, 2020
Hello Chamber Members and Partners,

Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time.

Send us any questions or updates you may have, we are here to help provide information, connect the dots and assure those in the North Country that we will get through this together.

Onward and Be Well!
THE NORTH COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS OFFERING TWO VIRTUAL SAFETY TRAININGS
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is going virtual with our safety training programming. During the month of May, the Chamber will be hosting TWO webinars. Descriptions and registration information is below.
 
If you have any questions, please visit  our website  or  email us  for more information.
 
We look forward to offering these much needed training and service during a challenging time.
 
Spill Team Training - May 5, 2020 (8:00am-12:00pm)
 
Course Description:  his course provides awareness and basic training for employees to respond to spills. The course will focus on OSHA requirements in dealing with chemical and petroleum spills and will touch upon other jurisdictional requirements.
10 Hour OSHA Construction - May 6 & 7, 2020

  • May 6th from 8am - 4:30pm
  • May 7th from 8am - Noon

Course Description:  The OSHA 10 Hour for Construction Industry provides training for entry-level workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in Construction industry. The program also provides information regarding workers' rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a complaint. Through this training, OSHA helps to ensure that workers are more knowledgeable about workplace hazards and their rights. Students who successfully complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry course receive an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry wallet card from the OSHA Training Institute.


These seminar is part of a year round program of workplace safety service available to North Country employers though the NYS New York State Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Abatement Board through the OSH T+E Fund. These will be virtual trainings and advance registration is required. For more information or to register please visit northcountychamber.com and click on the Chamber Events tab. If you have questions please email our staff at chamber@westelcom.com.
SENATOR GILLIBRAND ISSUES COMPREHENSIVE COVID-19 FUNDING GUIDES
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has put together a comprehensive COVID-19 funding guide. This guide can help businesses, private nonprofits, municipalities, and individuals/families better understand what assistance programs are available, which they may qualify for, and how to apply. This guide also includes a detailed FAQ section on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), as well as, information on local organizations that may be able to help throughout the application process. 

Senator Gillibrand encourages all constituents to frequently check her website for up-to-date information on COVID-19 and pertinent federal legislation. 
OSHA'S INTERIM PLAN TO PROTECT WORKERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and CDC have announced an  interim enforcement response plan  for the coronavirus pandemic, as well as interim guidance for implementing safety practices .

The U.S. Chamber has issued a comprehensive summary of the guidance to help businesses put theses practices into effect.


RECORDING AVAILABLE OF THE TELE-TOWN HALL WITH HON. KATHY HOCHUL, LT. GOVERNOR OF NY
Yesterday, the  North Country Chamber of Commerce  hosted a conversation with Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. She updated and answered questions regarding the state's response to COVID-19 and plans for economic recovery.

The recording can be found on our website , or by clicking the link below.
STEWART’S OFFERS COVID-19 RELIEF FOR NONPROFITS
For those in the nonprofit sector impacted by COVID-19, Stewart’s Shops wants to help! At this time, they are encouraging nonprofits to reach out for additional help from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family.
 
If you are a nonprofit impacted by COVID-19 or know of a nonprofit impacted, please share this information or click the link below to apply.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce wants to thank Stewart’s Shops for their dedication to our community helping those effected by this virus!

BEEKMANTOWN TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS GET REWARDED FOR PPE
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Beekmantown Central School Technology students have been going the extra mile. Led by Technology Teacher, Nathaniel Horn, Beekmantown students have come together to address the need and the demand for PPE equipment and the severe shortage that not only our nation is facing, but the shortage that our community is facing.

Their tireless efforts and dedication have been nothing short of inspiring, and now, the students are getting the recognition and reward they deserve.

These students are part of the Ready4Real program created by ETS , aimed at developing work readiness skills for career and life success. Through the Paid Work Experience module of the program, Ready4Real is proving that hard work is rewarding and it also pays off. Thanks to a generous grant from Adirondack Foundation and with contributions from ETS, Inc. all students involved in the project at Beekmantown will be paid for their work.

The North Country Chamber of Commerce applauds everyone involved in this program. Not only are the students learning a new skill set, but are stepping forward to help the community they live in! GREAT JOB!
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.
QUICK LINKS:
  • 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.





  • Now Hiring: Whether you are hiring or looking for work, we have a page dedicated to helping pair potential employees with employers.


  • Webinars: Did you miss one of our webinars, you can find them all here.

  • How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.

  • SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000