October 4, 2021
News, Happenings & Collaborations
Included in this Issue ...
We are pleased to share the following news, happenings, and collaborations with you! The information contained in this week's newsletter was shared with the Chamber on or before noon on the Thursday before it was sent. To have your information considered for inclusion in future issues, please submit your information on or before noon on the Thursday before you'd like it published.

To stay in the know, visit the WGACC Digital Archives. For past NHCs and now our monthly Engager, which is only mailed to each Primary Contact at our members in good standing is also in the on-line library. While you are there please feel free to review The Chamber’s 2020 Annual Report as well.

In addition, we have heard that some messages are being delivered with a link that must be clicked to see the complete newsletter. We apologize for the inconvenience and have determined that this is related to the email service provider that you use to read the newsletter. We hope you will click the link!

Highlights include the following:
  • Grandma's Kitchen ribbon-cutting
  • Deadline nears for 2022 TAP
  • Get your skates ready
  • 7 reasons to attend Business Expo
  • Pop-ups hosted in Nov/Dec
  • Billboard contest now open
  • Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
Pandemic Spotlight Updates

We continue to monitor the evolving situation with the pandemic. Currently, staff and Chamber visitors are not required to wear masks, but are welcome to do so. Continue to check the CDC and State web sites for updates. Scroll down for helpful information. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we hit send! Stay safe.
NY Forward & Other Government News

  • Communicate your HERO Act plan
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • New York State Budget Update
  • Gov. Hochul: requirements for school personnel
  • Vaccine clinics
  • Join your neighbors and VaxUp
  • $800 million in grants for small businesses available
  • Grant info
Chamber News
Join us tomorrow for a ribbon-cutting at Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma's Kitchen will officially open on October 5, 2021, at 4:30pm, with a ribbon-cutting organized by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. New owners and partners, Casey and Mike Easterling, have long wanted to own and operate a restaurant or cafe together. Mike has years of experience managing cafes and bars in New York City and Central Park. Casey, a former literacy and ESL teacher, is looking forward to learning the ropes and opening Grandma's Kitchen as a team. "We've been visiting Farm Sanctuary for years, and we always visited all of the local restaurants that offer vegan options, but we also always wished for a completely vegan place to eat nearby," Casey said. "Imagine all the goodies your grandmother used to make. We will offer that kind of food, the kind of food that will bring back great memories of times with your grandmother, but it will be vegan! Healthier for you and the environment!” Executive Director Michael Hardy will emcee the ribbon-cutting. Montour Falls Village Mayor Jim Ryan will speak as will the Easterlings and invited guest, Gene Baur, co-founder of the Farm Sanctuary. On January 1, 1990, Gene established the country’s first permanent farm animal sanctuary on 175 acres in Watkins Glen, NY. The New York Sanctuary would become home to thousands of survivors of animal agriculture, bringing a new perspective to an area steeped in dairy-farming. While living in Watkins Glen, Gene was hailed as “the conscience of the food movement” by TIME magazine and his groundbreaking work was covered by major media groups, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, “Good Morning America,” ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNN, NPR, and the BBC. He is a popular speaker at the nation’s top colleges, universities, and industry conferences, and is internationally recognized for inspiring a new awareness and understanding of the sentience of farm animals and the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
Watch your mail

Please watch your mail for the October issue of the Engager. This is the Chamber's monthly, printed newsletter. One copy is mailed to each of the Chamber's members. In addition to Chamber updates, this issue includes space for routing it to staff members, making it easy for the primary account member to share with other staff members after reading. Also note, the electronic version is available here.
Pop-Up Shops: Small Business Saturday/Village Christmas

We are actively planning for Small Business Saturday and the 28 days of shopping local that follows. On Small Business Saturday and during Watkins Glen Village Promotions' Village Christmas on December 10, the Chamber will make space available at 214 N. Franklin Street for 6 pop-up shops. Details and parameters are available online.
Spot-on Messaging:
Complete a quick survey

As a Schuyler County resident, what sites make YOU proud of the county? If you were to introduce Schuyler County to a young professional couple who was considering a move to the region, what locations would you highlight for them to check out? SCOPED is taking the opportunity to solicit input from the general public for the new video that will be made to promote Schuyler County for the purpose of attracting businesses, investors, and new residents (workforce). Please take 2 minutes to fill out this short survey. We can’t wait to hear from you!
 
Deadline approaching: 2022 TAP application cycle is open

The application period for 2022 Tourism Assistance Program (TAP) funding is now open. The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce will be accepting applications through Noon on October 8, 2021, for projects that support and promote tourism in Schuyler County, New York. The source of dollars from which projects will be funded is the County’s share of taxes collected on overnight stays within the County (lodging receipts). Interested non-profit organizations are invited to review detailed information and download the application from the Chamber’s website. Hard copies of the application may also be picked up at the Chamber office, located at 214 N. Franklin Street, Watkins Glen, NY. Completed forms can be submitted in person at the Chamber office or emailed to michael@watkinsglenchamber.com. All submissions must be received on or before Noon on October 8, 2021.
7 reasons: attend the Business Expo

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce's 15th Annual Business Expo is scheduled for Wednesday, October 6, at the Watkins Glen Community Center. This event is sponsored by Cameron Manufacturing & Design. For more info and to register as a vendor, visit the web.

Are you still wondering if you should attend? Easy peazy ... Yes! Here's why (with more info online):
1.   Meet prospective customers
2.   Check out your competition
3.   See the actual state of your industry
4.   Test your messages
5.   Meet community leaders
6.   Use it as team-building for staff
7.   Rejuvenate and re-engage with food and beverage

Those wishing to attend the Business Expo without tabling are invited and encouraged to do so. Please register here to attend the Business Expo and following Mixer.
Winter in Watkins

At last week's meeting with community members and our media partners, we continued to solidify the calendar for Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions and even added some events. Please review the calendar below and let us know if you're hosting/sponsoring any events from November 2021 through February 2022. With are natural "anchor attractions," Watkins, Schuyler County, and Finger Lakes Wine Country are open. These attractions include the Watkins Glen State Park (north and south rim trails WILL be open), the Finger Lakes National Forest, and the waterfalls that freeze into photo-worthy masterpieces, plus area museums, including the Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, Finger Lakes Boating Museum, and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, and the Finger Lakes Festival of Lights at Grist Iron Brewing.

This is the current schedule. All events will be subject to change and pandemic-related regulations.

Now-Dec.: Finger Lakes Festival of Lights at Grist Iron Brewing
Nov. 19: Snowflake Spectacular entries due (member-only; free ice skating with entry) and Small Business Saturday kick-off event, 4pm-6:30pm at Clute Memorial Park
Nov. 27: Small Business Saturday, kick-off for 28 Days of Shopping Local, and community Tree Lighting at Clute Memorial Park
Dec. 1: WGACC Annual Meeting/Snowflake Spectacular Winner Announced: Glenora Wine Cellars, 5pm to 7pm
Dec. 3-4: Holiday Fair at Clute Memorial Park (Carriage Rides, Wine Tastings, Crafts, Elfland with Visit from Santa)
Dec. 10: Watkins Glen Promotions’ Village Christmas on Franklin Street with night-time parade and fireworks
Dec. 10: Launch of Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style
Dec. 11: WGACC Fireworks off the Pier at 7:30pm
Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year with Aunt Millie’s Biscuits and Donna and the Mystics at Clute Memorial Park, Seneca Lake Events Center
Jan. 5: Winter-themed Monthly Chamber Mixer/Social (STAY TUNED)
Jan. 22: The Annual Chamber Winter Gala at the Harbor Hotel
Jan.27-29: Hart’s Harbor Hotel Ice Bar
Feb. 2: Chinese New Year at House of Hong (Monthly Mixer and Social)
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Weekend packages

Tell us about it so we can include details in promotional materials: submit your event information here. For more information, contact Abby Lane, Events Manager.
Fall hours for Visitor/Info Centers

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce staffs the Visitor Center at the Watkins Glen State Park (in addition to the Information Center at 214 N. Franklin St.). Chamber representatives will be available in the Park's Visitor Center from 9am to 5:00pm daily through October 31, 2021. Chamber representatives will be available at 214 N. Franklin Street from 9am to 5pm during the week (Mondays through Fridays) and from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, please note additional updates from the Park as follows:
  • The shuttle bus at the Park is now only running on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • The north and south rim trails are open and will remain open all year.
New attraction:
Something to do in the evening
NOW EXTENDED THRU DEC.

A new, world-class, attraction is open for community members and visitors alike to enjoy in the evening. Finger Lakes Festival of Lights illustrates the story of a brother and sister who visit their grandfather in the Finger Lakes. Grandpa spins tall tales and stories that are depicted with larger-than-life lanterns lit with thousands of LED lights. Please encourage frontline staff, guests/visitors, friends, and family to visit the show and to tell their friends about it! Info and tickets are online. Lodging partners, this is an opportunity to develop packages that will help fill rooms through December. Eateries, encourage festival goers to eat with you before or after their visit. Retailers and homeowners, this is a great reason to involved with "Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style."
Thank you! Chamber member lends a helping ... shoe

A Hardy thank you from all of us at the Chamber to Jim Guild and his team at Famous Brands. This post on Facebook caught our attention, and we couldn't be prouder to be his neighbor. From Facebook:
"Story time...today took an unexpected turn and I give God all the glory for this. Shout-out to Famous Brands in Watkins Glen. Today I met my buddy Mike Yeagle who had a decent amount of shoes to give me for the non-profit I started Walk With Christ Ministries. We met in Watkins Glen and he got there a little early and stopped in Famous brands just a try on some shoes. As he's trying on shoes he asked the lady helping him if they ever donate to non-profit organizations. He shared a little bit about WWCM and how we send shoes to help support people in Dominican Republic. They immediately responded Yes and donated thousands of dollars worth of shoes to send the Dominican Republic. I'm still in shock as I'm typing this and I just cannot believe the incredible generosity from these people. God is always working and I'm so grateful. I'm also so grateful for all of you and your support over the years. It wouldn't be possible without you! October 2nd we are packing the shoes and sending them to Dominican Republic."
Marketing Opportunities

As we begin thinking about fall and winter, make plans to purposefully share your message with potential guests and customers. It's time to make decisions about your ad in the 2022 Travel Guide. At least 80,000 will be distributed (hard copy) with thousands more served digitally. Details and the contract are in the October Engager. Need an electronic version of the Engager? Check here.

Consider one of these marketing opportunities with the Chamber. We are happy to be partnering with the Farm Sanctuary to remind visitors of the brand-building merchandise for sale online and with the Schuyler County Historical Society to share some of their collection in our display case. Other opportunities:
 
Window space at 214 N. Franklin Street: $125/month

Video segments at 214 N. Franklin: $130/month

Ask about wall and floor displays!

As you're finalizing your 2022 marketing budget, please remember your Chamber membership, sponsorships, 2022 travel guide ads, and maybe a little slush fund for new initiatives that the Chamber may be able to present with a new executive director and/or post-pandemic opportunities.
 
Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
Hints from Hardy

Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy

 
HINT 1 Launch your holiday shopping tactics now
I know ... I talk about the holidays all year. At the risk of "crying wolf," IT'S TIME. We will kick off the official holiday shopping season with Black Friday (for our larger retail members), then Small Business Saturday (11/27/21), and follow with 28 Days of Shopping Local (11/28-12/28/21). Don't wait for these dates. I encourage you to get ahead of the pack with your promotions and messaging. These are both big initiatives from the Chamber as are the other events encompassed by Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions (see above). For specifics, check out this article.

HINT 2 WGACC is working on our 2022 Budget ARE YOU?
If you are, please consider the many marketing and networking opportunities the Chamber affords you in the year ahead. With a bit of investment, you can make major impressions, start awareness and selling of your products or services and most certainly achieve meeting your PR, team development, and outreach goals. Maybe you want to consider ads in the Monday e-newsletter that goes to 1,400 every week, or the printed Engager that not only gets mailed to 400+ decision makers and influencers in the region, but also lives online as well. Perhaps there is a Mixer or Social that can allow for in-person interactions and relationship-building with 30, 40, 50 or more peers/partners or even larger audiences in the 100s for bigger events we will invite the public to. Maybe major events like “Schuy-High Summer” and/or “Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions” with a larger regional impression and impact would achieve loftier aspirations (pun intended since both have fireworks 😉). There is Leadership Schuyler, Business Expo, Spark, Annual Meeting, and other initiatives planned and yet to be brainstormed (with your help and goals in mind). Have a budget line for Chamber and/or Tourism lines and amounts for sure. Be in touch with staff to plan a meeting to discuss how these opportunities like our Golf, Disc Golf, and Cornhole Tournaments or any/all the previously listed opportunities can be maximized for your needs. Also, be on the lookout for specific amounts of these sponsorships in future NHCs and the November Engager. You can reference previous issues of both publications at https://www.explorewatkinsglen.com/chamber-members/membership-and-benefits/engager-archive/.
Happenings
Check out the Events Calendar

Members are invited to submit events to the Chamber's online events calendar. The Chamber routinely pulls from this calendar for social posts and includes the link in appropriate news releases. Please bookmark the events page. Check it regularly for opportunities to enjoy, and remember to submit your organization's events (including a picture). If you don't have a relevant picture, upload a logo (designating it as an image, please). Want to talk this through? Call Abby (607-535-4300) or register for the next Simpleview training.
Antiques and Collectibles Show returns

The Watkins-Montour Rotary Club’s Antiques and Collectibles Show returns on Sunday, October 10, after being cancelled last year. The event will be at the Clute Park Community Center in Watkins Glen. Hours are 9:30am to 3pm. Vendors will be offering a wide variety of items. A donation of $3 is requested as admission. Refreshments will be available. Proceeds from the Antiques and Collectibles Show are used to fund community service projects.
Mark your calendar for
First Fridays

Consider attending the following virtual presentations on practical solutions to pest problems, presented by Cornell Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In this monthly virtual series, you can explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn, and play. Each session shares practical information about how you can use IPM. Events will happen on the first Friday of every month (11/5/21, 12/3/21, 1/7/22, 2/4/22) from noon to 12:30pm on Zoom. Expect the topic to be covered in 25 minutes, with time for questions. To register for these events and receive the Zoom links, click here.
All about Paw-Paws

Mark your calendar; Zoom Class: All About Paw-Paws
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, 6pm to 8pm
Paw Paws are large, tropical-tasting fruits with soft flesh and flavor that's like a cross between mango and banana. They are native to the United States and will grow in zone 5 climates like upstate NY. In this zoom class you'll learn all about this fruit and will get tips about adding them into your own fruit landscape. To learn more and to register please go online.
Farmer Tax School

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialists from across the state for their virtual Farmer Tax School, offered in October 2021 through January 2022. This educational series offers courses designed to inform and empower farm managers to better understand their tax obligations, management strategies, and improve farm profitability. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ccetaxschool. Each course has its own fee. There are scholarships available for those experiencing financial hardship. The courses will be offered virtually via live and interactive zoom webinar. For those without internet access, there will be a call-in option available with the opportunity to receive paper copies of the presentation via mail. Each presentation will be recorded and sent to those who are registered (even if you can’t attend the live event). Register online by visiting www.tinyurl.com/ccetaxschool.
Walking to End Alzheimer's

Walk to End Alzheimer's is happening at Watkins Glen International on October 14. You can form a team, join a team, or walk as an individual. There is no cost to walk, but fundraising is encouraged. The walk will implement safety protocols, including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations, and more. Per CDC guidelines around crowded outdoor settings, we ask that all Walk attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask when in an overcrowded area. Masks will be available on-site. Visit the website for details and to register.
This event, which is a 2021 TAP grant recipient, coincides with Watkins Glen International's annual beer festival, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival presented by Chemung Canal Trust Company. Details online.
NYS Pass-Through Entity Tax

Webinar: September 30, 2021 at 10am

Insero Certified Public Accountants offered a webinar discussing the tax implications of New York State's new Pass-Through Entity Tax for individuals and businesses last week. The session covered recent guidance and opportunities for S corporations, LLPs, LLCs, and single-member LLCs. For those who missed it, Insero has graciously made a recording available.
Explore NYS's rich heritage

From US presidents to leaders of the suffrage movement to innovators in industry, technology, and art, it all happened in New York State. You can visit more than 500 destinations across our great state to learn about -- and from -- our history with the Path Through History events. Right here in Schuyler County, the Brick Tavern Museum and the Wickham Rural Life Center will both mark Path Through History by being open on Saturday, October 9, from 10am to 2pm with free admission.
Save the Dates:
New Statewide Winter Tourism Virtual Job Fair

October 6 & 7, 2021 

I LOVE NY and the New York State Department of Labor will be hosting a winter tourism job fair to support winter tourism businesses across New York State. This job fair will be exclusively geared to the tourism community - for both businesses that work in or support the tourism industry, and potential tourism employees. Interested tourism businesses in need of seasonal or year-round staff are encouraged to sign up for a free virtual job fair booth. 
  • October 6: Statewide Winter Tourism Job Fair Employee Preview Day
  • October 7: Statewide Winter Tourism Job Fair Main Day
Registration details will be available soon.
Member News & Collaborations
Updates all around

Does your organization have news to share? A promotion, a new service, a new product? New hours or location? Send us your news so we can help you share it. Looking for advertising opportunities? We have them too. If you'd like to encourage sales of your product line and/or service offerings, please contact Stephanie Specchio.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Returns to the Glen 8/20/22

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will return to Watkins Glen International alongside the NASCAR Cup Series in late August next year as the sanctioning body has announced the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule. The Watkins Glen race on Saturday, August 20, will start the five-to-go countdown for the conclusion of the 2022 Xfinity Series regular season, and will be the last chance for drivers to flex their skills on a road course in an attempt to get into the postseason.
Looking for a night-time attraction?

In addition to Festival of Lights, the Glen Theater shows movies regularly. Now that evenings are getting cooler, consider watching a movie downtown (or sending your guests/family/friends) to a showing. The current schedule has Venom playing on these dates/times:
Thursday, October7 at 6:00
Friday, October 8 at 6:00 and 8:15
Saturday, October 9 at 4:00 and 6:30
Sunday, October 10 at 2:00 and 4:15  

If you have a night-time attraction, please let us know.
SUNY CCC leader represents state

The Appalachian Regional Commission named  Tyré C. Bush, Director of Academic Pathways at SUNY Corning Community College, to participate in the 2021-2022 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute.  As an Appalachian Leadership Institute Fellow, Tyré will participate in an extensive, nine-month series of skill-building seminars featuring regional experts, peer-to-peer learning, and case study analysis. The program begins virtually in October and culminates with the Class of 2021-2022’s graduation in July 2022. 
The Great Escape is hosting the following fundraiser. If you love animals, ice cream, or kids with big hearts, please consider participating. Head to the Great Escape 10/14 to 10/17.
Here's to the next 35!

Congratulations to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and all of its members as they celebrate 35 years of producing and serving world-class wines. To mark the occasion, the trail produced this video. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/AWTJvONooXM

If you or your group are celebrating a milestone or event, please let the Chamber know so we can help you share the news.
HERO Act in effect now

On Monday, September 6, 2021, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Department of Health has designated COVID-19 as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health” under New York State’s HERO Act. The designation of COVID-19 as a highly contagious communicable disease obligates employers to take the following steps:
  1. Conduct a review of the exposure prevention plan and update the plan, if needed, to incorporate any additional current guidance or requirements.
  2. Implement the finalized exposure prevention plan.
  3. Conduct a verbal review of the exposure prevention plan for all employees.
  4. Provide a copy of the exposure prevention plan to each employee.
  5. Post a copy of the exposure prevention plan in a visible and prominent location at each worksite.
  6. Make a copy of the exposure prevention plan available to employees during all shifts.” (Damon & Barclay)
Want to know more? Visit detailed information online.
BBB Scam alert

If you've received a text with a surprise offer, the BBB advises not to click the link. Con artists, they say, are impersonating reputable companies and using hte COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to promote too-good-to-be-true offers. Don't jump on any deal without doing your research. Here's more.
Ice skating rink comes online

Update from Clute Memorial Park: The new ice skating rink is expected to be open on November 19. Details -- for ice skating and the Seneca Lakes Event Center -- can be found on the Village's website.
SCCUDD to hold 2nd annual K-6 grade Billboard Contest

The Schuyler County Coalition on Underage Drinking (SCCUDD) is holding their second annual billboard contest for Schuyler County students in grades Kindergarten through sixth. All students attending Odessa-Montour Central School, Watkins Glen Central School, and Bradford Central School are eligible, including homeschool students residing in Schuyler County. The contest is for substance abuse prevention messages with a “Winter Holiday” theme. The winning billboard will be displayed during the months of November and December 2021. Billboards created must have a message that informs, persuades, or states facts about substance abuse. It can be about nicotine/tobacco/vaping, alcohol, and/or prescription drug abuse or illegal drug use and how it is harmful to youth. The message can be about one or all of these topics/substances. Details online.
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is currently accepting applications for the Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grant Program. The grants range from $2,500 to $12,000 and will be awarded to municipalities, not-for-profits with a 501(c)(3) designation, and federally-recognized Native American tribes within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Applications are due by Friday, October 15, 2021. Details are online. Reps from the granting organization indicate that applicants are strongly advised to contact them to discuss proposed projects prior to submitting an application. Please contact Andy Kitzmann, 518-237-7000 x201, andy_kitzmann@partner.nps.gov.
LODGERS ... Please share info
We are compiling the following information (so please share with us!):
  • What packages will you offer for Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style? (Please note the event as part of Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions.)
  • What packages will you offer for New Year's Eve? (Please note the event at Clute Park as part of Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions.)
  • What packages will you offer for Valentine's Day?
  • Will you offer packages for people looking for things to do toward the end of January/February 2022? We're calling these "Cabin Fever" events.
  • If you're changing hours and/or closing for a portion of the year, please share that too.
Any and all accommodation members are welcome to share their food, entertainment, and packages with the Chamber. We will help spread the word here in our e-news and on our social media platforms and website. Please know that we do NOT have complete information on availability and openings. In most cases, we direct guests to www.explorewatkinsglen.com, where they can find links to area lodgers. With this in mind, we hope you will keep your listings current and be sure to post your offers for the public and members on the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
Government News
Governor Hochul Alleviates
Potential Healthcare Staffing Shortages

Governor Kathy Hochul tonight signed an executive order to alleviate potential staffing shortages in hospitals and other health care facilities statewide. The executive order significantly expands the eligible health care workforce and allows additional health care workers to administer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. In related news, the Governor has announced that health care staff vaccination rates continue to rise throughout New York State, according to the latest data reported by health care facilities to the Department of Health.
Vaccine Mandates

From a report published by the Business Council: On September 9, President Biden announced a six-prong national strategy to combat the COVID-19 virus. Several of the initiatives will impact employers. Primarily, the new mandates for employers will come from OSHA through an anticipated Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that could become effective immediately upon publication in the National Register. While it could take weeks, it is unclear when the publication will occur. The strategy includes:
  • Requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers are vaccinated or tested weekly
  • Requiring employers with 100 or more employees to provide paid time off to get vaccinated
  • Requiring vaccinations for workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other health care settings
  • Requiring vaccinations for federal workers and for contractors doing business with the federal government
Economic Injury Disaster Loans

The Small Business Administration has announced major enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic. The SBA is ready to receive new applications immediately from small businesses looking to take advantage of these new policy changes. Details online.
New York State Budget Update

New York State has issued its first quarter update of the state's fiscal plan. The following information has been shared by the Business Council of New York State.
 
The update showed that all funds spending from state and federal resources will increase by $22.3 billion or 12% in FY 2022, up to $208.8 billion, driven by an $18.5 billion (mostly temporary) increase in federal aid. Overall state spending will increase by almost 20% over a two-year period. And while receipts from state-imposed taxes were off slightly last fiscal year, down by just .6% from FY 2020, they are projected to increase by 10.6% this fiscal year, based on a rebounding economy and increased personal income and corporate franchise tax rates adopted in April. The updated plan continues to project a balanced budget.
 
Further, recent cash reports from the Office of the State Comptroller show similar positive trends in both state and local government tax receipts. Not surprising, tax receipts for this year are well above last year's levels, when many individuals and businesses were impacted by COVID shutdowns, job losses, and depressed consumer demand. However, data shows that personal income and business taxes are also well above collection levels for the same four-month period in SFY 2019-20, before the pandemic. This year's tax receipt levels were influenced not only by economic recovery, but also by temporary increases in marginal personal income tax rates, and temporary increases in the corporate franchise rates.
 
Local sales tax receipts through the first half of 2021 were higher than the same period pre-COVID-19 in all major regions of the state, showing a rebound in sales activity as well. As these collections are also higher than inflation-adjusted levels from 2019, they indicate a real growth in consumer activity, not just the delay of purchases from 2020 into 2021. Comptroller data also shows that local governments took a hit in total sales tax collections in 2020, although not as significant as feared, again with one significant exception. New York City's sales tax collections fell by 18.7% from 2019 to 2020, (a loss of $1.5 billion). In contrast, three of the remaining nine regions of the state had sales tax revenue growth in 2020 (Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, and North Country), while the remaining six saw declines ranging from .2% to 2.9%. Excepting New York City, most other regions of the state have seen positive economic recovery, and their recovery in sales tax collections, coupled with the temporary federal funding, should place most regions in better than expected fiscal condition as well.
 
For more information, contact the Business Council of New York State (518-694-4460).
It's time: Communicate your HERO Act

The HERO Act requires employers to adopt and maintain an airborne infectious disease prevention plan to be implemented when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.” The deadline for communicating the existence of your plan to your employees was Saturday, September 4, 2021. Here's info to help you formulate your plan: Learn more about the HERO Act deadline and find sample language you can use to implement your plan. Please make sure your employees are notified.
FDA approves first COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Read the full story.
Grants for small businesses:
Gov. Hochul extends opportunity

The successful recovery of small businesses is key to New York State's future. The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program is open now and provides flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check online for revised threshholds, eligibility requirements, and more information regarding the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Program: www.nysmallbusinessrecovery.com. The program is administered by ESD and powered by Lendistry. Questions? Call 877-721-0097.
SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal opens

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened it’s SBA PPP Direct Forgiveness Portal, that will allow borrowers to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA as opposed to applying through their lender, provided that the lender has opted in to the program. Thanks to Insero for sharing this and providing more details in their blog.
Vaccine clinic info
In the area? The following options are offered by Arnot Health. Those wishing to be vaccinated can register online at arnothealth.org/vaccine-info-individuals, call 1-800-952-2662, or take advantage of walk-in service up to 30 minutes before the end of the clinic. 

  • Arnot Mall Event Center - Every Wednesday in October 2021, 10:00am - 5:00pm.
  • Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Tuesday, October 5 - 7:00am – Noon
  • Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Thursday, October 7 - 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Pfizer Boosters available at all Arnot Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The CDC recently issued recommendations for a single booster dose for the Pfizer vaccine. Those Pfizer vaccine recipients eligible to receive the booster dose six months after completion of their primary series include:
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older and residents in long-term care settings;
  • Individuals age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions;
  • Individuals age 18-49 with underlying medical conditions, based on individual benefit and risk (can be based on shared clinical decision-making and encourages, but does not require, prior consultation with a provider before administration of a booster dose); and
  • Individuals age 18-64 who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure or transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Stay informed:
Interested in tracking vaccine results? Bookmark this page: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
For the latest updates on news and regulations, bookmark the New York Forward webpages.
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Office Phone: (607) 535-4300
Katherine Jack, Visitor Center and Office Administrator email
Abby Lane, Events and Membership-Engagement Manager email
Stephanie Specchio, Director of Communications and Marketing email
Kate Fuller, Marketing Consultant (Part-Time contractor) email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email and (585) 721-6032 (cell)