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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HOW ARE THINGS AT THE CHAMBER?
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As your Chamber maintains full operations with a commitment to absolutely maximizing support for North Country business through this pandemic and now the re-opening phases, we are gratified by the strong commitment of our members to maintain their membership, with a number of businesses who have not been part of the team stepping forward and joining - wanting to support the work we are doing.
The Chamber is not eligible for federal PPP financing and is looking at a $500,000 - $800,000 hit in 2020 revenue from lost state funding and cancelled networking events.
But while some North Country chambers have closed:
WE HAVE BEEN DETERMINED FROM DAY ONE TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM INFORMATION, ASSISTANCE AND ADVOCACY
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Now more than ever, we value each opportunity to bring a new member business onto the North Country Team. If you are a not-yet-member and would like to learn more about how to keep your regional Chamber strong, please contact Jody Parks by
email
at 518.563.1000. We would love to talk with you and find a way to make full membership possible.
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And in the meantime, please continue to maximize your use of our services and please let us know if we might be of assistance.
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Phase Three Guidelines For ๐๐ข๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐ and ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฆ Are Now Posted
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While Phase 3 has not begun, Phase Three Guidelines for ๐๐ข๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐ and ๐ฃ๐๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฆ are now posted on the
NYS Forward website.
๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ:
- Tattoo & Piercing Facilities
- Appearance Enhancement Practitioners
- Massage Therapy
- Spas
- Tanning
- Cosmetology
- Nail Specialty
- Waxing
These Guidelines do not substitute for the Guidelines for Hair Salons/Barber Shops but are in addition if they engage in any of these added services.
NOTE:
Phase three has NOT started yet, but we welcome the posting of the guidelines ahead of the start. Restaurants/Food Services and Personal Services should read and affirm the updated Guidelines and either update or create their Safety Plan while awaiting the start of Phase Three, hoping in a matter of days but with no firm date.
NYS and Empire State Development also released updated guidance for Child Care and Day Camps and Higher Education Research
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Q & A With Jacqueline Kelleher, Attorney Specializing in Employment Law at Stafford Owens
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Question:
What can an employer do when an employee declines to return to work?
Answer:
If an employee refuses to return to work, you need to consider the following:
If the employee was terminated or furloughed, and you now have work available, you need to document the offer to return, and the employeesโ refusal to return to work. DOL should be notified that work is available. If you have a PPP loan, and can document employee refusal to return, you will not be penalized on loan forgiveness.
If the employee has remained employed, either on a reduced schedule or working from home, and you are asking them to come on premises, you will need to consider whether reason employee does not want to return triggers coverage under CARES Act federal leave program, NY COVID-leave program, and traditional programs such as ADA, FMLA and NY Executive Law.
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UPDATE: Camping at New York State Parks
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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation (State Parks) has began accepting new camping reservations for check-in beginning June 22.
Campers are reminded:
- To practice social distancing
- Bring and wear a face covering
- Respect the rules
- Do their part to keep the campgrounds, parks & beaches open and safe
Camping capacity is limited and visitors must make an advance reservation before arriving at a campground. Reservations can be made in advance by calling toll free 1-800-456-CAMP or visiting this website - online reservations are encouraged.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Carriage House Cooking School Facebook Live Class
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Chef Curtiss, from Carriage House Cooking School is celebrating the beautiful weather with this delicious menu. Learn to add some serious flavor to your summer repertoire tonight.
The event kicks off with libations, this time building a beautiful white sangria with fresh fruit. Apple Wine is the back bone for the sangria and is complemented with fresh apples, grapes, watermelon, peaches, pears and rosemary.
Then you get to the business of cooking dinner. Chef Curtiss will begin by marinating his Vietnamese inspired local pork steaks. While the pork is marinating Chef will crisp shallots for the Charred Beans then pull dinner together.
The menu for the class is below:
- Honeycrisp Sangria
- Vietnamese Pork Steak
- Charred Beans
For more information and to download the recipes
click here
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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.
- How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.
- 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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