Thursday June 18, 2020
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!
Guidelines Today for Colleges & Universities
Governor Cuomo announced today in his daily briefing that New York State will issue its Guidelines today for Colleges and Universities, to guide final plans for their operations for fall. These guidelines are or shortly will be posted on the Forward.NY website.
Updated Statewide Guidelines are Available on Forward NY
New Your State's Forward NY website has updated and posted Statewide Guidelines, Affirmation and Safety Templates for the following industries:
Dept of Financial Services Obtains Agreement with Credit Reporting Agencies
The Governor announced yesterday that the New York State Department of Financial Services has reached an agreement with New York's credit reporting industry to help New York consumers facing hardship caused by COVID-19 to avoid unjustified negative impacts on consumers' credit reports. DFS also urges New York State-regulated financial institutions to furnish credit information in ways that minimizes negative impacts on consumers.

Credit Reporting Agencies Will:
  • Provide one free credit report each month through November 2020
  • Inform financial institutions of procedures that allow institutions to report missed or delinquent payments in ways that minimize the impact on consumers' credit histories and credit scores
  • Apprise financial institutions of their credit reporting obligations under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides relief for consumers
  • Communicate with financial institutions about credit reporting that may not comply with the requirements of the CARES Act
Updated PPP Forgiveness Guide
Attached is the updated U.S. Chamber’s  Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness . This guide reflects recent substantive changes made by Congress and the administration to the PPP program to provide borrowers with more flexibility. 

These changes include:
  • Extending the time to spend PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks
  • Lowering the amount that must be spent on payroll from 75% to 60%
  • Extending the deadline to restore FTEs and payroll from June 30 to Dec. 31
  • Setting the repayment term for loans made after June 4, 2020 at five years
 
It is designed to help you easily understand the forgiveness application process.  
DEC Announces 20 Campgrounds & Day Use Areas to Open June 19th
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that 20 of DEC’s campgrounds in the Adirondack Park will open on June 19 for the 2020 season.

To maintain social distancing and reduce the density of facilities and protect visitors, DEC is not accepting additional reservations or walk-in camping for the 2020 season. Existing reservations will be honored for the DEC campgrounds listed below.   

Adirondack Park Campgrounds and Day Use Areas Opening:

For information about campgrounds operated by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation visit their website .
Member Spotlight: The Wild Center
New Virtual Visit of Wild Walk Available at Wild Center - Digitally! Although The Wild Walk at the Wild Center remains temporarily closed, their new virtual visit can still get above the treeline and allows you to discover The Wild Walk from the comfort of your home.
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.
QUICK LINKS:
  • 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.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000