Thursday, October 1, 2020
COVID Alert NY App Ready for Download
Today, New York is thrilled to launch COVID Alert NY – the official Exposure Notification App created by the New York State Department of Health in partnership with Google and Apple. Now you can use your phone in the fight against COVID-19 and get exposure alerts, without compromising your privacy or personal information. 

What is COVID Alert NY? 
COVID Alert NY is New York State’s official Exposure Notification App. This is a free smartphone app for anyone 18+ that lives and/or works in New York available for download in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store starting October 1st.  The COVID Alert NY app notifies users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Upon receiving an exposure notification, the app will encourage users to contact their physician or the State Health Department hotline (1-833-227-5045) to get more information about quarantining and testing. 
Anyone who downloads the app does not have to worry about being tracked, identified or having their personal information shared. The app is completely anonymous and does not track your location or movement. No personal data is collected. COVID Alert NY uses Bluetooth proximity-enabled exposure notification technology provided by Apple and Google which is safe and secure. 

What can you do? 
The more New Yorkers using the COVID Alert NY app, the more effective it will be as a tool to fight against COVID-19. We need your help to rally your community to download and use the app. 
The COVID Alert NY app puts the power in the hands of New Yorkers to protect their neighbors, friends, family and community at large. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19. 

We are asking you to put our COVID Alert NY Outreach Toolkit to work by using the resources contained as soon as possible. Your influence can make a big difference. 

What resources are available? 
We designed the COVID Alert NY Outreach Toolkit to make your support of app downloads as convenient as possible. The kit materials use communications channels your organization already has in place and include the following, all of which are ready to use with little to no work on your part: 
  • Social media posts with companion graphics 
  • One Pager with FAQ 
WEBINAR: Employee Sexual Harassment Prevention Training
Please join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and guest speaker, Jaci Kelleher Esq. of Stafford Owens Law Firm as we explore the issues and impact of sexual and other harassment types in the workplace.

Participants of this virtual session will focus on prevention and intervention through looking at current NYS law and policies regarding harassment and discrimination and through recognizing the legal definition and conditions of sexual harassment. Finally, participants will learn strategies to create a safe, supportive and respectful work environment for everyone.

  • Dates: October 6 and 14, 2020
  • Times: 2pm - 4pm
  • Cost: $8.00 (member & partner chamber members) $16 (non-member)

This training is required annually for all employees in New York State and meets NYS compliance requirements.

Register for one of the two trainings by clicking the buttons below, please note space is limited:
Webinar: How to Leverage the US-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement 
The USMCA went into effect on July 1, replacing the 25-year-old NAFTA. This new agreement provides new opportunities for U.S. companies to sell to Mexico and Canada, along with new regulatory requirements you need to know.

Hear from three experts: the lead Commercial Diplomat at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, Canada; the Diplomat in Mexico City who was part of the team working on USMCA; and an international trade lawyer and former logistics executive with expertise on the provisions of the law. There will be time for Q&A. 

  • Date: Wed, October 7, 2020
  • Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
State & Local Aid the Chief Topic in Revived Coronavirus Relief Talks
As discussions go on in Washington, we continue to actively advocate for agreement among the House, Senate and President on a compromise COVID-19 relief bill as soon as possible, including a new round of the PPP Program which has become crucial to sustaining restaurants and many other businesses and organizations into the new year. We thought this article would provide some insight on the current status.  
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Schedules Vote on Possible Name Change
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe could be no more by the end of the year.
The tribe and its members aren’t going anywhere. But it may no longer be known as the “St. Regis Mohawk Tribe.”

Tribal members are scheduled to vote Nov. 14 whether to retain the name or to formally change it to the “Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe.”

Tribal leaders had proposed the change more than ago year ago in response to some tribal members concerns that the name was not reflective of the tribe’s traditions and culture.
Might This Be an Opportunity For Your Business?
A beautiful new facility is available at Plattsburgh International Airport, for potential creative use by a regional business or organization. Bright, spacious, modern with possibilities including small business, offices, a studio, use by a non-profit, a public sector use. Check out the link below for information and contact us if interested.
QUICK LINKS:
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.


  • 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.

  • SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, The North Country Chamber of Commerce has created a comprehensive list of resources to navigate state and local requirements. Check out the home page for details. There is also a series of webinars available for businesses to help educate and provide answers to common questions.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000