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!
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GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $65 MILLION NY FORWARD CHILD CARE EXPANSION INCENTIVE
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $65 million in federal CARES Act funding is available for child care providers statewide through the New York Forward Child Care Expansion Incentive program.
The funding available includes:
- $20 million to assist childcare program with reopening and expansion of capacity by providing materials to support a more socially distant model, and for supplies and activities associated with reopening and expansion. This may include partitions, short term rental of space, etc.
- $45 million in childcare Reopening and Expansion Incentive funds to pay for 50% of the cost of a newly opened classroom (maximum grant amount of $6,000) as an incentivize to open the classroom. The temporary funds will phase out over the second and third months as more parents bring their children back into childcare.
Throughout the pandemic, 65 percent of OCFS-licensed and -registered child care programs remained open, many serving families of essential workers. The funding being made available today will help to bring closed programs back to operation to serve families returning to the workplace.
"As we move further into the reopening and more parents go back to work, we're also making sure child care programs across the state have the support they need to reopen safely,"
Governor Cuomo continued.
"By providing support for expanded classrooms that allow for more social distancing and other resources, we can help keep staff and children safe."
The maximum awards for the $20 million in Reopening and Restructuring Incentives depend on the size of the program and range from $300 to $1,600 one-time grants. Child care programs may apply to OCFS through July 15.
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Higher Education Guidelines on Forward NY
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New York State has posted Guidelines, Affirmation and a Reopening Checklist for higher education on the Forward NY Website.
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Lunch & Learn: Moving Forward with the North Country Chamber of Commerce
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Join Garry Douglas, President & CEO, and Kristy Kennedy, VP, Marketing & Business Development, of the
North Country Chamber of Commerce
for an informative session about the Chamber; "Who We Are" and "How We can Help You Business Continue to Thrive in these Challenging Times".
Hear about the Mission of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and ask questions about what being part of our team offers.
- Date: Monday, June 29th
- Time: 12:00PM
This event is open to current members who want a bit of a refresher about what membership offers as well as businesses curious about the Chamber and what being a member entails.
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Webinar: COVID-19’s Impact on Commercial Construction
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The U.S. Chamber, in partnership with USG Corporation, will host a live webinar on Wednesday, June 24, exploring the impact of Covid-19 on the commercial construction industry.
Drawing on recent findings from the quarterly USG + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index, expert panelists will discuss Covid-19’s toll on construction, new procedures to protect worker health and safety, and how the construction industry is poised to lead the way to a quick recovery across the broader economy.
- Date: Wednesday, June 24
- Time: 11am
Panelists include:
- Christopher Griffin, CEO, USG Corporation
- Curtis Dubay, Senior Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Michael Stark, CEO, Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry
The panel will be moderated by Stephanie Potter, Executive Director, Sustainability and Circular Economy Program, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Corporate Citizenship Center.
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Complete Your 2020 Census Today!
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Shaping your future starts with self response to the 2020 Census.
Answering the Census provides funding for:
- Hospitals
- Emergency services
- Schools
- Roads and highways
When you self-respond to the 2020 Census, you’re doing your part to make sure Clinton, Essex & Franklin Counties are accurately counted and funded.
Even if you have not received a census form in the mail, you can still respond by phone or online! It’s easy and takes just 10 minutes.
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Member Spotlight: Lowe's Home Improvement Center
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Lowes recently dropped off 20 boxes of Non-Medical Grade KN95 masks for us to distribute to our members in need of more PPE. So far, Plattsburgh Lowes, has generously delivered masks and hand sanitizer to over 60 local businesses and still have more to give! Well done Lowes!
If your business is in need, please contact Cassius Baker at the Plattsburgh Store for more information.
Phone:
518.561.6517
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To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates,
T
he 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.
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- 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.
- SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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