Siena Poll: New Yorkers See Corner Turned With Pandemic |
Most New York state residents believe the worst is over with the COVID-19 pandemic and many want to resume activities taken for granted prior to the crisis, like visiting family members or eating in a restaurant, a Siena College poll released Tuesday found.
Still, the poll also found New Yorkers were depressed by the events of the last year, and many remain concerned a family member will become ill with the coronavirus, while about half of residents are concerned there will be a surge in cases in the coming weeks. At the same time, many New Yorkers also expect some pandemic-related changes to continue on, including working remotely.
The poll comes as New Yorkers are attempting a return to normal this summer following the devastation of the last year that saw tens of thousands of deaths, and a spike in unemployment and economic hardship.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 are widely available for New Yorkers and positive cases and hospitalizations have dropped since the spring. But there are concerns that those who are not vaccinated stand the risk of contracting new, more contagious versions of the virus.
Restrictions have been lifted on public gatherings and on businesses, and mask-wearing is now optional for people who are fully vaccinated. The poll found a solid majority of New York state residents, 68%, think the worst of the pandemic is over, with 17% believing the worst is still to come.
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Saranac Lake Chamber welcomes new Executive Director |
The Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of thier new Executive Director, Rachel Karp!
Rachel has lived in Saranac Lake for 12 years and grew up in Chateaugay Lake, NY. She graduated from Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management, and prior to becoming Executive Director for the Chamber she was Director of North Country Operations for the Adirondack Mountain Club. She has experience in owning a small business, working in nonprofits, and hospitality & tourism.
As the new Director of the Chamber, she is excited to be more involved in the local community and looking forward to getting to know the businesses and members. When not working you will find her enjoying the lakes and trails by paddling, hiking, biking, or running.
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Barbershops, Salons Officially Allowed to Cut Hair on Sundays |
Barbers in New York can now give a haircut on a Sunday without worrying about breaking the law. Gov. Cuomo signed a bill Tuesday allowing barbershops and salons to operate on Sundays.
Rarely enforced, there had been a law on the books making it a misdemeanor to cut hair or provide a shave to another person on Sunday.
"This is the very definition of an archaic and meaningless law that makes little to no sense in the 21st century," Cuomo said in a statement. "While not routinely enforced, I'm more than happy to sign this repeal into law and allow these businesses to determine what days they choose to operate."
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Excellus Donates $5K to Support JCEO's Local 'farmacy' Efforts |
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently awarded the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties a $5,000 community health award to support the agency’s ongoing ‘farmacy’ efforts.
The JCEO/Cornerstone Farmacy program brings fresh and local produce, dairy, meat and bulk spices to a pharmacy in Rouses Point, a rural location without a grocery store nearby.
“Healthy foods are often inaccessible to low income families. The Farmacy is designed to help eliminate some of the hurdles such as payment options and location,” explained Nicole Laurin, JCEO Development Director.
“Anyone in the community can purchase items and those who receives EBT or SNAP can use those as a payment option.”
Through a competitive application process, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Community Health Awards help fund programs that improve the health or health care of a specific population, programs that aim to improve the health status of the community, closes the gaps in health disparities, reduces the incidence of specific diseases, promotes health education and assists our communities in dealing with COVID.
“The company’s Community Health Awards demonstrate a corporate commitment to support local organizations that share our mission as a nonprofit health plan,” said Eve Van de Wal, Utica regional president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
“These awards complement our existing grants and sponsorships with agencies that work to enhance quality of life, including health status, in upstate New York.”
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July Business After Hours - TONIGHT! |
Join us TONIGHT at West Side Ballroom for Business After Hours.
Come see what is happening at West Side Ballroom, what they are offering companies for meetings and events. Enjoy snacks, a beverage and quality networking!
Be sure to bring your business cards for the raffle.
Register or just stop on by! See you tonight!
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Citec Training: Optimize Your Current Workforce |
Employers are finding it increasingly challenging to fill the skills gap. One solution is to optimize your current workforce by providing high-potential employees with critical skills training. This training prepares employees to take on greater responsibility in leading people and projects.
Topics include critical thinking, delegation, negotiation, time and stress management, facilitation skills, and managing change.
This small commitment can offer big changes for your workforce!
Two two-hour sessions per month beginning August 4th.
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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.
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Today's Dose is Generously Supported By: |
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NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
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NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
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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.
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SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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