Message from the President/CEO
The Western New York region moved into Phase Two reopening today, two weeks after getting state approval to begin the rollout of the local economy.

This is an important step because it means back to work for many businesses, including limited retail, hair salons and barber shops that have been unable to operate since March. It also brings us that much closer to Phases Three and Four.

Almost three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the human toll has been great. 

Read more .

HELPFUL LINKS:

NYS Phase Two Guidelines here.

You can find the Governor's Reopening Plan and which businesses can reopen by phase  here .

Need help creating a safety plan for reopening? A printable template for your business can be found   here  .

Making PPE? Let us know! Looking for PPE?  Contact us if you need masks.

Want to monitor COVID-19 cases for reopening? A Metrics Dashboard for WNY is here . Coronavirus cases in Erie County communities can be found here .

MORE  COVID-19-Related Business Information  HERE .

View Past COVID-19-Related Resources  HERE .
Amherst Chamber Launches "Save Main Street"
Initiative Allows Restaurants to Expand Outdoor Seating
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The Chamber is helping Amherst restaurants make the most of the summer outdoor dining season while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Chamber President/CEO A.J. Baynes is asking the Town to waive permits to allow restaurants to expand outdoor seating once on premises dining reopens in Phase Three.

Read our news release here .
Watch the reports on WKBW-TV and WIVB-TV .
INFORMATION AND TICKETS HERE !
Date: Wed., June 3

Time: 9:00 a.m.



Has the COVID-19 crisis taken a toll on your business?

Learn how Chamber member  Arrowvine  can help you!

West Herr Driven to Success is Back!
Kevin Murphy of Bank of America
Date: Thursday, June 4

Time: 12:00 p.m.


Meet Kevin Murphy, Bank of America Buffalo Market President and Business Banking New England Region Executive and National Credit Enablement Executive.

WEBINAR: When COVID Enters Your Workplace
DATE: Monday, June 8

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

Join Chamber member The Coppola Firm for a webinar on the health and safety protocols every business needs to protect employees and customers.

It's Takeout for Good Tuesday!
Health Insurance News
Chamber member ConnectLife is desperately seeking blood donations, especially as our region is reopening.   ConnectLife serves many hospitals in the WNY area and the availability of the blood supply is severely threatened. To make an appointment to donate, please click  here   or call  716.529.4270   .
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Special Open Enrollment for uninsured Individuals extended.  The enrollment deadline has been extended to June 15, for coverage effective either June 1 or July 1.

Cost-share waiver on COVID-related diagnostic services and treatment extended through at least June 30:
To ensure access to treatment and medical attention needed to stay healthy, our three carrier partners are extending full coverage of all COVID-19 testing (as prescribed by a doctor and meeting NYSDOH standards), doctor office visits, urgent care and ER visits, telehealth visits, and treatment for you and your employees. As our region progresses through reopening, this waiver extension removes barriers to care for those facing financial difficulties.

Businesses with small group coverage can elect to hold a mid-year one-time special open enrollment, available to all employees, to add a lower cost plan option to your group coverage.

Please contact us at (716) 632-6905 or  healthinsurance@amherst.org  with your questions. The latest information from your insurer is below.



It’s Important to Know Your Family Health History
 
Documenting your family health history could save your life. That’s because the more information you collect can help your doctor look for and detect early signs of medical conditions that may run in your family, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Having this vital information will allow you and your doctor to begin taking steps toward preventing and managing the same ailments that affected other members of your family.
 
Ideally, your family health history should include information from three generations of relatives, including children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins. Schedule time to talk with them, starting with the oldest family members since they are more likely to know the health details of previous generations. Be sure to ask them the following questions for any deceased family member:

  • What was his/her age when he/she passed?
  • What was the cause of his/her death?
  • Was he/she ever diagnosed with anything? If so, when?
 
Remember to gather the family history for both sides of the family, from your mother and father. You may be surprised how often the same diseases are passed down from each generation. While some conditions are genetic, they may also be related to lifestyle choices like smoking or unhealthy dietary patterns. If the same problems appear on both sides of the family, you may be at greater risk. Once all the information has been gathered, document what you have learned.
 
This is an invaluable diagnostic tool that will help your health care provider have a clearer picture of what to watch for in your health and might call for additional screenings in specific areas. Also, you may consider sending copies of your family’s health history to relatives so they can share it with their families and doctors.
 
Collecting information for your family’s health history should be an ongoing process , updating it as often as possible. Plus, it’s a great legacy to pass on to future members of your family to help them live longer, healthier lives.
 Amherst Chamber of Commerce | (P) 716.632.6905 | (F) 716.632.0548 | www.amherst.org