Friday April 17, 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!
GOVERNOR EXTENDS 'NYS ON PAUSE' UNTIL MAY 15
Governor Cuomo announced all "NYS on Pause" restrictions and closures will be extended until May 15th. This action is taken in consultation with other regional states. The states will re-evaluate after this additional closure period.


PUBLIC FACE COVERING - UPDATE 

Gov Cuomo also directed all New Yorkers to wear masks or face coverings on public transportation systems and while taking private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. Additionally, all operators of public systems, private carriers and for-hire vehicles must wear a mask or face covering at all times while working. These directives expand on the Executive Order  announced  by the Governor yesterday requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th, at 8 PM.
STEFANIK NAMED TO BI-PARTISAN TASK FORCE ON REOPENING THE ECONOMY
We welcome news that the President has named Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to a bi-partisan Task Force on Reopening the Economy. This task force will focus on restarting the economy after the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is contained.

We look forward to having a voice in this process who knows our region and who also can see that our important cross border dynamics are part of future strategies.

We have already spoken with the Congresswoman regarding the work of this task force and look forward to a continued dialogue and collaboration.
GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING & DISINFECTION OF FOOD MANUFACTURING FACILITIES OR RETAIL STORES
What steps should be taken to clean and disinfect against COVID-19?

All facilities should continue performing routine cleaning and sanitization of their facilities. Additionally, high-risk locations (outlined in full guidance) warrant cleaning and disinfection on a regular schedule.

Signs reinforcing social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet, hand-washing, and respiratory health should be posted in prominent locations. Examples of signs that may be used are available on the Department of Health (DOH) website .
Staff should be reminded to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as well as practice good Respiratory Hygiene.

For the full Department of Health Guidance please click the below link.
JOIN US FOR COFFEE TALK
If there is one thing we’ve learned through this challenging time, is the value of networking. The energy we get from other people, the valuable connections we make at events, and the knowledge we gain from even the most casual conversations is priceless.

Join Chamber CEO, Garry Douglas, and Exec. VP, Jody Parks, for COFFEE TALK – a virtual networking opportunity .

Each session will be capped at 12 attendees and will last only 30 minutes. Registration is first-come-first-served, so register today!

More Coffee Talk sessions will be scheduled as time permits.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: SAM'S CLUB
Kudos to our member, Sam's Club, on their effort to honor our first responders and healthcare workers! We applaud them!
MISSED ONE OF OUR WEBINARS? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
This week the North Country Chamber of Commerce hosted two webinars.

If you missed them you can listen to them on our website.



A reminder that all our webinars can be found o n our website using the link below. Look for the heading WEBINARS.
DONATE NOW: FEED OUR FRONTLINE
Hospital staff is working around the clock and risking their own health to care for our North Country residents. Restaurants are struggling to stay open, and people want to know how they can help others get through this challenging time.

Feed Our Frontline  is an initiative that brings it all together.

All funds raised will be used to buy meals for our frontline at area hospitals.

The  North Country Chamber of Commerce  wants to thank our incredible health care teams and provide residents and corporations with a way to show their support.

If you would like to help support the health care community and local restaurants,  DONATE TODAY.
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