#StrongerTogether
" I Pledge", Now More Than Ever
We are re-launching our "I Pledge" campaign as a way to remind everyone of the important roles our small businesses have in our communities.

Here is a link to a digital copy of the image. Use it on your website and social media posts, print and post in your business or in your window, share it with friends.

Printed copies (11 x 17 inches) are available in the front foyer of the Chamber office in Delhi.

Let's deliver this important message.
Business Owner Guide to Paycheck Protection Program

Chamber President Ray Pucci walks business owners through the application process for the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the US Small Business Administration, for businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, released on April 3, 2020. Visit delawarecounty.org where you will find a link to Covid-19 resources for businesses , including the online application for this program. There is a "forgiveness" component to this 1% interest rate loan detailed in the application process. The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to the success of all Delaware County businesses. #strongertogether
U.S. Chamber Guides to Federal Assistance
The Coronavirus Emergency Loans Small Business Guide and Checklist serves as a comprehensive step-by-step tool to help small businesses, independent contractors, gig economy workers and other qualifying individuals prepare to file for a coronavirus relief loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The guide has been updated to include new information from the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The CARES Act expanded the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The program is applicable to small businesses and most small nonprofits (less than 500 employees), sole proprietors and independent contractors. Check eligibility, understand loan parameters, and find out how to access $10,000 emergency grants.
Chamber Check In

Chamber staff have been hard at work for ALL Delaware County businesses this week - working remotely and occasionally in the office from the 6 foot social distance mandate!

We've compiled a resource list on our website which link to applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Paycheck Protection Loans through the US Small Business Association. The Chamber is committed to the success of your business and to Delaware County. #strongertogether
Local Media Offering Promotion Specials
Product and service promotion does not stop during a crisis. Several local media outlets are offering special programs to Delaware County Chamber members.
  • Decker Advertising, publisher of The Reporter, County Shopper, and other publications are encouraging businesses to post that they are open for free on their websites, The-Reporter.net and CountyShopperOnline.com in their newly created section called, WHAT’S OPEN. There are optional upgrades available to choose from as well. They are also currently offering a discounted non-profit rate display advertising in The Reporter and County Shopper. Call 607-746-2178.
  • Bold Gold Media Group, broadcasting at Thunder 104.5FM in Hancock, is matching dollar-for-dollar advertising from businesses affected by the crisis. Call Dawn Ciorciari, General Manager at 845-794-9898
  • The Daily Star is extending non-profit advertising rates to all businesses in Otsego, Delaware, Chenango and Schoharie counties regardless of their tax-exemption status. This temporary change is being made in an effort to help our local business owners cut expenses during this unpredictable time. This rate reduction will remain in effect until May 1, 2020 for The Daily Star, The Cooperstown Crier and The Weekly Star. Contact The Daily Star at 607-441-7235.
  • The Mountain Eagle will include all businesses in their Open listing each week for free. Display ads for restaurants are half-off through the end of April. Call 607-652-5252.
Business Owner Guide to Paycheck Protection Program

Chamber President Ray Pucci walks business owners through the application process for the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the US Small Business Administration, for businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, released on April 3, 2020. Visit delawarecounty.org where you will find a link to Covid-19 resources for businesses , including the online application for this program. There is a "forgiveness" component to this 1% interest rate loan detailed in the application process. The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce remains committed to the success of all Delaware County businesses. #strongertogether
"Essential Business" Rules Revised
Empire State Development, the economic development office for New York State recently released new rules to determine essential businesses.

Note that the exemption for sole proprietors or single employee has been removed.
Chamber Creates COVID-19 Business Resource Site
As small business owners across Delaware County are grappling with the current and potential impacts associated with COVID-19, the Chamber staff continues to track the latest developments from healthcare agencies, local, state, and federal officials, and our business association partners.

The site includes articles, information, and tools you can share with your staff and use for your company. We will continue to update this list as conditions change and we learn more.
New NY State Liquor Authority Rules
To help reduce the spread of the coronavirus and assist businesses impacted by the current state of emergency, Gov. Cuomo has ordered the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to promulgate guidance on new off-premises privileges for licensed businesses with on-premises privileges.


Some restaurant owners have questioned what constitutes "sealed container". Delaware County Sheriff Craig Dumond, in an email, noted: "My interpretation is a "sealed container" would include a beverage container with a lid and/or straw component....I can assure you we will be using sound common sense with this. The concern obviously, is folks using this as a means to somehow disregard the open container provision of the vehicle and traffic law and engage in drinking and driving. Please know I am speaking for my agency and not everyone else. However, based on my conversation with others, it appears this is the universal opinion."

As Sheriff Dumond noted, let's ALL use some common sense as we navigate through this uncertain time.
Online Workshops
The Chamber has partnered with New Haven Consulting Group, Inc. to provide our members with an online “Preventing Sexual Harassment" workshop that meets the requirements of the new law.

This program is available at a Chamber-member reduced price of $20 per participant.

FREE WORKSHOPS

Our partners at New Haven Consulting Group are also offering two FREE online workshops:



STILL Open for Business
Partnering with our friends at the MARK Project and our local chambers of commerce throughout Delaware County, we’re helping connect restaurants, farm stores and stands, beverage producers, bottle shops, and general stores with customers at SisBoomYum.com .
FREE (Virtual) One-on-One Business Counseling Sessions in Delhi
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering FREE comprehensive programming to provide management and technical assistance to small businesses in Delaware County!

Specializing in direct one-to-one counseling, the SBDC offers assistance in the following business areas:

  • Start-up assistance
  • Business Plan Development
  • Accounting and Financial Projections
  • Sources of Financing
  • Marketing
  • Business Expansion
  • Relocation and Agribusiness

There is no cost for the counseling services of the SBDC.

Reservations are required for the one hour appointments. To make your reservation for Tuesday, April 28 (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.) at the Delaware County eCenter, located at 5 1/2 Main Street, Delhi call 607.746.2281.
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Providing quality healthcare for employees can be a challenge.

Our members tell us that healthcare is a top concern for
their businesses. That's why the Delaware County Chamber has partnered with
the Small Association Leadership Alliance (SALA) to allow our members
access to a comprehensive and cost-effective alternative to traditional
insurance plans. The SALA Healthcare Program offers two preventative care plans
with a medical cost sharing program covering unexpected or catastrophic events.
Participants can expect to save as up to 60% when compared to traditional group
health insurance. Prescription drug and telemedicine programs are also
included. The SALA Healthcare Program helps businesses, who are unable to
provide group health insurance, offer their employees access to affordable,
high quality healthcare.

For more information visit us online at delawarecounty.org
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In our effort to help all businesses succeed, we want to feature YOUR business here and on our social media channels! If you've received a "Business Feature" email request from our office with a short questionnaire, please answer the questions and submit a jpeg logo or photo that you think best depicts your business, and send to Lillian at info@delawarecounty.org.

If you have not received an email yet, please feel free to copy and paste the below-listed questions into an email, along with a logo or photo, and we will be happy to help promote your business!
Business Name:
Location:
Contact info including mailing address, website address, email and social media information:
Hours of operation:
Number of Years in Business/Year Business Opened:
What types of services or products does your business provide?:
How many employees do you have?:
Recent or Planned Changes in Operation:
What you want your (potential) customers or clients to know:
Tell others why they should join the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce:
5 1/2 Main Street
Delhi, New York 13753

Give Us A Call: 607.746.2281

DelawareCounty.org
GreatWesternCatskills.com