Thursday February 18, 2021
Update on New York State's Vaccination Program
Governor Cuomo updates New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. As of 11AM yesterday, New York's health care distribution sites have received 2,192,675 first doses and already administered 92 percent or 2,024,225 first dose vaccinations and 87 percent of first and second doses. The week 10 allocation from the federal government allocation from the federal government begins mid-week.

"We know the vaccine is the weapon that wins the COVID war and we are doing everything we can to get shots in arms as quickly as possible while continuing to prioritize access and equity for underserved communities," Governor Cuomo said. "More than one million New Yorkers have now been fully inoculated against the COVID virus and that's great news, but we won't stop until every New Yorker has had the opportunity to take the vaccine. The numbers prove our vaccination efforts are working and we're now beginning to ease restrictions across the state - our only limitation continues to be the federal supply. I'm confident that we will continue to see an increase in the weekly supply with new leadership in Washington, but until then New Yorkers must do their part and remain vigilant and we will do our part to fight for more supply." 
SBA Coronavirus Relief Options: Cross Program Eligibility 
By now, many of us are aware of the federal small business assistance programs available such as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), and Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC).
What is less well known is that some businesses may be eligible to take advantage of 2 or even 3 of these programs, but it is first important to understand which programs can be used together and for what purposes/costs. For example, a business that received a PPP loan prior to 12/27/20 may apply for an SVOG once the program opens OR they may be eligible to apply for a 2nd Draw PPP loan but not both.
Luckily, aside from the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), all the programs listed above do have one thing in common, they are all administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the SBA recently released a chart which explains which programs can be used together, which cannot, and what criteria should be considered before applying for multiple assistance programs.
 
In partnership with the Hoffman-Eells Group, CPAs, the North Country Chamber of Commerce also recently published a guide on the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) which describes how the ERTC interacts with programs such as the PPP.
Open Enrollment For New Yorkers Extended to May 15th
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021, aligning with states across the country. With this extension, New York joins the federal Marketplace and other state-based Marketplaces giving consumers even more time to enroll for 2021. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York's health insurance Marketplace, or directly through insurers.
 
"As we continue to navigate the huge challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and work toward rebuilding for a post-pandemic world, ensuring New Yorkers have access to affordable healthcare is more important than ever," Governor Cuomo said. "This commonsense step to extend open enrollment aligns with the federal government's actions and will help New Yorkers keep themselves and their families safe. I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to explore the different plans NY State of Health has to offer and get insured today."
 
Coverage start dates will vary:
  • Enroll March 15: Coverage starts April 1
  • Enroll by April 15: Coverage starts May 1
  • Enroll by May 15: Coverage starts June 1

Most marketplace enrollees qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of their coverage. This extension allows individuals eligible for Qualified Health Plan insurance additional time to enroll for coverage in 2021. Enrollment remains open for all NY State of Health programs, which is especially important during the ongoing public health emergency.

Did you know? Lisa Bedard-Dupee at the North Country Chamber of Commerce can help you with your Health Insurance needs. Email her today!
GOV Cuomo Announces opening dates and guidance for Indoor Family Entertainment, Outdoor Amusement Parks and Day/Overnight Camps
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that indoor family entertainment centers and places of amusement can open with a 25 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, March 26. Outdoor amusement parks can open with a 33 percent capacity limit beginning Friday, April 9.

Details:
  • Facilities must submit reopening plans with health protocols to the local health department
  • Customers and staff must wear face coverings and social distance
  • Customers will be required to have a health screening with temperature checks prior to entry


In addition to face coverings, social distancing and mandatory health screenings, all indoor family and entertainment centers and places of amusement, and outdoor amusement parks, must follow the below guidelines:
 
  • Contact information must be collected from each party to inform contact tracing, if needed
  • High-touch areas, attractions, and rides must be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day
  • Attractions must close if they cannot ensure distancing and be frequently cleaned/disinfected
  • Sufficient staff must be deployed to enforce compliance with rules, including capacity, distancing and face coverings
  • Tickets should be sold in advance, and entry/exit and waiting times should be staggered to avoid congestion
  • Indoor areas must meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation and purification standards
  • Retail, food services and recreational activities must abide by all State-issued guidance
2021 Restaurant Week - Clinton County
MARCH 22, 2021 - MARCH 28, 2021

We know 2020 and these winter months of 2021 have been tough, but we are determined to see you succeed and to keep the local support that has been so crucial to your business going.

That being said, in conjunction with the SUNY Plattsburgh Hospitality Management Program, we are inviting you to participate in the Adirondack Coast's first ever Restaurant Week - ADK Coast Eats - March 22, 2021 to March 28, 2021. A FREE opportunity that will hopefully help boost profits and maybe even bring in some new clientele.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please don't hesitate to reach out to John Parmelee, the coordinator of the SUNY Plattsburgh Hospitality Department and point of contact for ADK Coast Eats 2021:

(518) 569-2950

If you would like to participate, please fill out the form below by March 1st, 2021 and submit to Kristy Kennedy by email:


It is FREE and open to all Clinton County restaurants, so sign up today!
The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) is a $15 billion grant program created by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Venues Act which was signed into law on December 27, 2020. Under the SVOG program, eligible applicants that have experienced a reduction in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to receive a grant for up to 45% of their 2019 gross earned revenue up to a maximum of $10 million.





On Thursday, February 25th, join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and SCORE for a webinar that will cover the following topics:

  • An Overview of the SVOG Program
  • Who Can Apply
  • How SVOG Funds Can Be Used
  • How SVO Grant Amounts will be Calculated
  • How You Can Prepare to Apply
  • How the SVOG, PPP, and EIDL Programs Interact
  • Recordkeeping Requirements

Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on the call to provide the most up-to-date information to our members and business community, as well as, answer your questions.

If you are a live venue operator/promotor, theatrical producer, live performing arts organization, museum, independent movie theater, talent representative, or think that you may qualify as a shuttered venue as per the program guidelines, we encourage you to join us.

While the program has not officially launched and applications are not yet being accepted, this is an opportunity to hear more about the program, learn how you can prepare to apply, and have your questions answered.
State Legislative Forum
Join the North Country Chamber of Commerce for our annual State Legislative Forum - going virtual this year. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from our North Country representatives about their agendas for the coming year and their strategies for economic growth moving through 2021. 

Speakers include:
State Senator Dan Stec
Assemblyman Billy Jones
Assemblyman Matt Simpson




Details:   
  • Date: February 26th
  • Time: 7:30
  • Where: Virtually at your computer or on your smartphone
  • Registration:
  • $10/person for members & partner members
  • $15/person for not-yet-members
  • Proceeds will support the continued work of your Chamber during this time

Call Adriana at 518.563.1000 or email her with any questions. 
 
2021 International Trade Week
Get Your Border Questions Answered by Experts at the 2021 International Trade Week featuring 3 virtual sessions covering timely export topics, best practices and a Can-Am leadership update!

Dates: March 9, 11, and 16, 2021
Time: 9:30AM -11:00AM each day

Free to attend / Advance registration required / You may attend 1, 2, or all 3 days
*Check back for speaker updates & additions
62nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Event
Featuring MC Matt Boire and a crazy cast of Irish characters, the Luck of the Irish will "socially distance" celebrate a Chamber member at the Annual St. Patrick's Day event!

This special event is held each year to honor the Irishman of the Year, a tradition based on dedication of volunteerism, whether in business, the community, through civic activities or a combination of any of these.

This year might look a bit different, but we can promise you that this will not be your typical virtual event. No standing at a podium, lots of entertainment abound and fun surprises!

Join us VIRTUALLY to honor this year's Irishman of the Year:
  • Date: Wednesday, March 17, 2021
  • Time: 8:00AM - 9:00AM
  • Location: Virtual (link will be sent once registration is received)
  • Registration Fees: $15 per person / $30 for not yet members
  • Proceeds will support the continued work of your Chamber during this time
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.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • 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: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000