May 10, 2021
News, Happenings & Collaborations
Included in this Issue ...
We are pleased to share the following news, happenings, and collaborations with you! The information contained in this week's newsletter was shared with the Chamber on or before noon on the Thursday before it was sent. To have your information considered for inclusion in future issues, please submit your information on or before noon on the Thursday before you'd like it published.
  • Register for Frontline Customer/Visitor Service Training
  • Ribbon cut for new store
  • Cornhole is on
  • New media coverage
  • Red Dress exhibit
  • New race at WGI
  • Help for broadband costs
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Survey (DEI - Take 2)
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
Pandemic Spotlights Updates
Scroll down for important updates on the pandemic protocols, restrictions, and revisions, including news this week for catering, restaurants, PPP, and more. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we send!
NY Forward & Other
Government News
  • Vaccination Clinic Links
  • Restrictions eased!
  • PPP information
  • Shuttered Venue Operators update
  • Small Business Loan Info
  • Health Insurance Deadline Extended
Chamber News
V is for Vino features the
Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes and our wines are featured in Season 3 of V is for Vino, a hit show about wines. Available on YouTube, Roku, and Amazon, visforvino.com explains that the Finger Lakes are home to an iconic grape variety: the Riesling. In this episode, Vince, the host and certified sommelier, explains why cool-climate wines are in vogue in the Finger Lakes. Season 3 also traveled to Walla Walla, Washington, and Ensenada, Mexico. Filmed in February 2021, the show explores each region's culture and history, tastes the wine, meets the winemakers, and highlights food pairings in local restaurants. Check out the Finger Lakes episode here.
Sleep well in Schuyler County

The Last week, the Chamber helped to cut the ribbon at Mattress by Appointment in Montour Falls. If you're looking for VIP service, expert advice and affordable prices, make an appointment with Sharon Sidle before going out of town. In the market for more than one new mattress? The Sidles want to work with you! All purchases made in May will benefit the athletics programs at either WGCS or OMCS (buyer's choice where donations are directed). Give Sharon a call for more info: 607-742-0058 (same-day service is sometimes available!).
New staff this season?
We can help! Customer/Hospitality
Training for your Front Line

May 18, 1-3 pm
May 19, 3-5 pm

Register online for one day only

If you had to pick one form of marketing as the most valuable, what tops your list? Did you choose word of mouth, the original social media campaign? If so, you’re right! According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers believe recommendations from friends and family over all other forms of advertising. The options to steer these recommendations in a positive direction are many and include delivering jaw-dropping service. 

This month’s training session – included with your membership – walks your front line supervisors and staff through expectations, processes, procedures, and tips to amaze your visitors, clients, and guests. The two-hour session is for full- and part-time, paid and/or volunteer, seasonal or permanent staff and includes ideas to handle these reputation-building opportunities with ease, energy, enthusiasm, and efficiency. 

The session will be conducted by Michael Hardy, Executive Director, who has conducted hundreds of these sessions for thousands of frontline partners at hotels, stores, restaurants, including for-profit and non-profit organizations. 

Often seasoned frontliners learn something new or are invigorated by professional development. New hires often feel a relief knowing that they don’t need to know it all, but they do need to know where to find answers to customer and visitor questions.
Register for Cornhole NOW

Registration is now open for the Chamber's first annual Cornhole Tournament. Presented by the Corning Credit Union, the event is scheduled for June 17, from noon to 5pm (rain or shine). Find your partner ... we're looking for 20 two-person teams ... register online. The event will be held at Toast Winery (formerly Pompous Ass Wines). Make plans to step away from your desk: enjoy an afternoon of fun, networking, and fresh air. More info.
NYS's short-term marketing

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce is eager to support the Roam the Empire campaign introduced by the New York State Travel Industry Association in partnership with Mower. The campaign will officially be announced this week, and all Chamber members will be invited to support the state-wide initiative that encourages New Yorkers to choose our home state in all ways!
First Live Event held @ Grist Iron

Thank you to all our members who participated in the Spring 2021 Brochure Exchange! Members shared information about their businesses, networked, learned about options for partnerships right here in our community, and enjoyed a fabulous view and food (thanks for the discount Grist Iron!). Consider participating in future events like the May Customer Service training (May 18 or May 19) and Simpleview training (May 18). These opportunities are included in your membership. Watch for another opportunity to exchange brochures at the Business Expo this fall.

Email info@watkinsglenchamber.com for details and to register for upcoming events.
Marketing opps still available
Visitors are here. Summer is coming. Share your message through several great marketing opportunities with the Chamber.
  • Cornhole Tournament, presented by the Corning Credit Union, has additional sponsorship opportunities
  • Window space at 214 N. Franklin Street: $125/month
  • Brochure distribution at the State Park: $160 for the season (Limited quantities to comply with COVID regulations)
  • Video segments at the State Park & at 214 N. Franklin: $130/month

Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy at (607) 535-4300.
Thank you!

The Chamber wants to thank Alison Hunt, District Director for Congressman Tom Reed’s office, for here years of service, to our region, collaborative spirit with us and or members and partners and her friendship to us and support of our programs and projects. She will be missed but is wished every success as she departs to become our nearby State Senator’s office as Chief of Staff for Senator George Borrello. Thank you Alison for everything! Please feel free to send a note to Alison.Hunt@mail.house.gov if you would like to send best wishes.

Jacquelin Phelps will be taking over Alison's duties and can be reached at Jacqueline.Phelps@mail.house.gov.
Last reminder! Survey to improve Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Please participate in a survey to develop a baseline understanding of where New York State is now in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and opportunities to improve. Survey results will highlight current realities concerning DEI in our workplaces, visitation, and marketing efforts. It should take less than 15 minutes to complete, and you will need information from HR and marketing as you go through it. Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience.
Let the Chamber know about
your events and summer traditions 

Let us help you celebrate summer traditions, holidays, and festivities! We want to share your events on our social media platforms and newsletters. Like us on all our social channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), and we’ll return the favor! Using this form, please submit your public event to notify the Chamber and its staff. Pending membership the Chamber will assist in promoting the event to visitors and locals alike! 
Hints from Hardy

Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy


Data-driven decisions
 
HINT 1

Stress, Burnout and did I hear someone say VACATION! See this great article from our friends at Clinical Associates of The Southern Tier https://www.clinicalassociates.org/overcoming-stress-and-burnout
It includes great reminders of self-care we should all be taking note of for ourselves and our friends, families, and work force teams! I am taking this article to heart (and lungs and body, mind and soul) and heading south for a couple weeks to rest, relax, and recharge. I truly hope you and yours have done, or are able to do the same, before July when I believe we will see a “Busy Season” unlike any other - right through October and into November and December!

HINT 2
As so many of our members and businesses -- like other organizations, including for-profit and nonprofit, as well as mom and pops, small businesses, and seasonal businesses -- are all desperate for employees, I’d like to suggest employers consider internships. Matt Burr, the Chamber’s HR Consultant (and proud member) has published an easy to follow and implement set of tools to help you learn about this mutually beneficial option for all involved. I asked him to allow me to share his extremely helpful guidance. Here is a small piece of it. With so many colleges and universities here in the Finger Lakes there are plenty of sources for recruiting.
 
The goals of an internship program should follow the SMART(ER) paradigm. The goals should be:
  • Specific, clear and understandable.
  • Measurable, verifiable and results-oriented.
  • Attainable.
  • Relevant to the mission.
  • Time-bound with a schedule and milestones.

If you want to add true value add ER to SMART(ER); Evaluate & Revisit.
For more information go to his web site and review all the proper steps to evaluate your needs as well as those of the student interns. Read the full article from Matt Burr of Burr Consulting.

HINT 3
We have gotten some great cell phone data from the Domo+rove Data Dashboard System we purchased this winter. I am disseminating it to our 16 points of interest, local officials and other committees and stakeholders to help us plan marketing, advertising, and likely resource planning, staffing, and other forward-thinking strategies you may want to consider. I will likely host a couple sessions for membership and the public in June. I am confident the more eyes and minds looking at these stats the better prepared we will be for trends the pandemic may have created. Some of those could be permanent and/or offer opportunities yet to be identified. Below are just two graphs of the overall 2019 ( “Record-Breaking Year” I am told) and 2020, which should have been abysmal but came close to being a better year than 2019 for many of us professionally if not personally. Keep in mind these graphs illustrate data that reflect a sampling of the area's visitors. Although the visitors' identity is unknown, the service tracks mobile devices through hundreds of mobile device applications. The data points were then combined with zip code data and length of stays/visits and/or overnights to compile and present the information. Note: We understand October is a busy and important time for our region. The vendor is working to address the missing data.
Happenings
Business Council
hosting events

Labor/HR Series:
Annual Harassment Training - Train the Trainer
5/20/21; 11am to noon; Registration fee for non-members
Webinar intended to provide individuals responsible for providing training the tools and strategies necessary to deliver a training program that meets New York State guidelines as defined in the new sexual harassment laws effective October 2019. We will also cover requirements related to the development and communication of the required sexual harassment policy. Registration and more info.

2021 Business and Education Forum: Workforce of the Future
5/26/21; noon-4pm
The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the employment landscape in the near-term and long-term. Join us to discuss where we are and where we go from here in regards to workforce development with industry, education, and government leaders. More info.

New York's Marijuana Law: Podcast (click the link & scroll down!)
Melissa Moore, New York State Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, recently joined the podcast to chat about legalized cannabis in New York State. We discuss how New York is not the first state but perhaps the "most ambitious" state with marijuana policies. We also examine realistic expectations for state projected revenues, employer protections, and how the federal government may use New York's law as a possible future national standard.
USMCA explained

Considerations for Leveraging the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
May 11 & May 18
Presented virtually, via MS Teams.
Register with Tammi Parsons, SBA at tammi.bennett@sba.gov

This two-part webinar series will discuss the changes to this new Free Trade Agreement, implications for your business, how to qualify your goods, and properly declare them.
Join us tomorrow
for "Talking Tuesdays"
Chat with Executive Director Michael Hardy about the pressing issues for tourism-based businesses in the Finger Lakes). The next "Talking Tuesdays" will be 10 to 11 am on May 11. These sessions are comprised of brainstorming, planning, information from the Chamber, and from time to time a guest speaker. We will review Domo+rove mobile device data collected for 2019, 2020, and into 2021 as well at each session. All tourism-based members and partners are welcome. All sessions are held via Zoom, and advance RSVP is not required. Coffee break, snacking and /or brown-bag lunches during zoom are encouraged. The May 25 Talking Tuesday will be from noon to 1 pm and will feature Laury Ward of Finger Lakes Wine Country.
 
Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 874 4108 3852 
Passcode: 896020
Join us for May's
Simpleview Extranet
training

According to Profitworks Small Business Services, 93% of business purchase decisions start with an internet search. Your web presence is important. So is repetition. In addition to making sure your website is in tip-top shape, make sure your presence on the Chamber's website is as good as it can be by learning about and using the Simpleview Extranet. During this training, learn about adding images, descriptions, and keywords to your listing on ExploreWatkinsGlen.com. Join us on May 18 at 10 a.m. via zoom. Email info@watkinsglenchamber.com for login details.
Virtual event at the Farm Sanctuary
The Sanctuary Speaker Series event is back with acclaimed author, anthropologist, and activist Barbara J. King and The New York Times bestselling author Jeff VanderMeer will discuss King’s latest book, “Animals’ Best Friends: Putting Compassion to Work for Animals in Captivity and in the Wild.” Together, they’ll explore cognitive dissonance in our society’s regard for animals, the opportunities we have to show care for all animals, and more. The event concludes with a live Q&A––get your questions ready! Register here.
Member News & Collaborations
American flag protocol honored
The Schuyler County Veterans encourage all of us to respect the American flag. According to the United States Flag Code, an American flag can be cleaned or mended when necessary. Washing your American flag can prolong its life. Many outdoor flags can be hand-washed using a mild laundry detergent. If your flag has seen better days and needs to be disposed of, the Veterans can help. They have a formalized process to dispose of tattered flags appropriately. Flags can be dropped off at the Chamber or delivered directly to the Veterans. For more information, contact Clayton Snow at bjws47@aol.com or Fred Hall at gfhall47@gmail.com. Memorial Day is the perfect time to get a new flag!
WGI announces new event

Watkins Glen International announced a new standalone road racing event, the Masters & HSR Race Weekend, hosted by Masters Historic Racing July 9-11. The event will be headlined by Masters Historic Formula One USA, featuring cars from the 3-litre F1 era from 1966-1985, Masters Endurance Legends USA, for endurance-based Prototypes & GT cars from 1982-2016 and the newly announced Masters Formula Atlantic Plus Series, for Formula Atlantic, Formula Super Vee and F2 cars from 1969-1986.
 
Adding to the racing action will be HSR’s Group 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10 categories. Group 5 will compete in its own run group and feature classic Big Bore sports cars and sedans, including Porsche 911s, V8 Mustangs and Corvettes, from one of road racing’s golden eras, 1967 through 1975. Group 7 will include Sports Racers from the 1960s and 1970s including GT40s, Lola T70s and more. Group 8 will be the Historic Stock car group and Groups 9 will represent Historic IMSA cars from the 1970s along with TA and SCCA cars from the same period. The final Group 10 will be more modern machinery that does not fit into HSR host's Masters Endurance Legends Group.

WGI also recently announced a partnership that will name the Aug. 6 ARCA Menards Series race for Clean Harbors – North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The 41-lap, 100-mile event will be called the Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen. 
 
Airing on FS1 at 6 p.m. ET, the Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen will be the first of four races over three days leading into the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Watkins Glen International in upstate New York.
 
Clean Harbors is North America’s leading COVID-19 decontamination company with nearly 18,000 responses. Last May, Clean Harbors helped NASCAR become the first major sport to return to competition and its preventative work allowed them to safely bring back fans in June. Crews local to each track have been decontaminating and deep cleaning each facility for all races since. 

For more information, visit www.theglen.com.
Broadband benefit program

The FCC has announced that consumers can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12. Check if you qualify here. The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you may receive:
  • Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
Public art installation amplifies important issue

In May, several regional organizations are collaborating to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women by providing opportunities to learn about this epidemic as well as community resources for sexual assault and domestic violence. This collaboration came at the invitation of the Native American Council of Corning Incorporated and the organizations involved include community partners SUNY Corning Community College’s Diversity & Inclusion office, The Gaffer District, The Rockwell Museum and Planned Parenthood of Greater NY.
 
One in three Native American (indigenous) women is sexually assaulted during her life. Native American women are more than twice as likely to experience violence than any other demographic and they are murdered at rates that are more than 10 times the national average, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Many crimes go unresolved and the perpetrators are not prosecuted. This has contributed to a growing number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in the United States.
 
The public is invited to the participate in the following events throughout May, to learn about this growing crisis.
 
Program: MMIW Awareness Panel Discussion
Date, time: Wednesday, May 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Online webinar
Description: The public is invited to join a virtual discussion that will highlight why MMIW awareness is happening. Hear from the Seven Dancer Coalition, a Native American resource for sexual assault and domestic violence, and listen to a local survivor of domestic violence. Learn more about community resources for sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Program: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Red Dress Exhibit
Dates: Through May 14
Location: Corning Community College campus and throughout Downtown Corning
Description: The Red Dresses are a haunting representation of the many missing Indigenous Women and are on display in local communities and throughout the Gaffer District. Walk through to see the dresses and to learn more about MMIW.
Slushies saved 2020!
What's in store for 2021?

We'll be searching the Finger Lakes for new slushie flavors this year, including options in the tasting room or to-go at Bagley’s Poplar Ridge Vineyards this week. Are you doing slushies in 2021? Let us know!
Want to volunteer?
Consider CASA

Abused and neglected children need help every day, all year. Consider becoming a Volunteer Child Advocate with CASA of the Southern Tier. Learn about the next information session on May 25 or call CASA at (607) 936-2272.
Professional growth recognized

Congratulations to Andrew S. Cartwright, of Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. for his recent designation of Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ by the College for Financial Planning. Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professionals have a proven expertise in the area of financial planning, which helps them better advise clients. The foundation of financial planning is developing strong relationships with new and current clients, so you can help them achieve their financial goals. Drew joined the firm seasonally in December 2009 and started full-time in the Operations Department in April 2012, as Systems and Reports Manager.
Hunt for history in the Glen

HEAL Schuyler is partnering with Watkins Glen Library and Schuyler County Historical Society to sponsor a scavenger hunt all summer. Details are available at the Watkins Glen Library, Schuyler County Historical Society or online (HEAL Schuyler website) until August 16, 2021. Browse Watkins Glen and explore area historical sites to find answers. Each correct answer gets an entry into a drawing for prizes. Submit your correct answers to the drop boxes outside of the Watkins Glen Library or Watkins Glen Sporting Goods. The winners of the drawing will be announced August 20, 2021. Prizes sponsored by Seneca Sunrise, Montour Falls Library, and Schuyler County Historical Society. For more information on the scavenger hunt, visit the HEAL Schuyler website. http://www.schuylercounty.us/heal
Encourage visitors to book a
one-day excursion

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is partnering with industry professionals to create a variety of day trips for groups up to four people who will be visiting Seneca Lake. Excursions, including a day of tastings and transportation, can be booked as soon as 10 days but not more than 60 days in advance of a visit. Each excursion includes:

  • Transportation for 5 to 6 hours
  • Pickup/drop off within a 30-mile radius of Seneca Lake.
  • Driver gratuity
  • Tasting fees (as well as the food that is currently required with alcohol consumption)
  • Charcuterie trays (where applicable)
  • Taxes and fees

For more information, please visit: https://senecalakewine.com/one-day-excursions/ or call the Seneca Lake Wine Trail Office at 607-535-8080. AND NO MATTER WHAT, HAVE VISITORS CALL AHEAD before heading out to any and all tasting rooms.
Health Care scholarships available

The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary is offering scholarships to students who plan to enter the health care field. $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school students who are residents of Schuyler County. Applications can be found online at www.schuylerhospital.org and can also be picked up at high school guidance offices. Applications must be postmarked by June 4, 2021. For more information, email info@schuylerhospital.org, or contact Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary member Alice Learn at (607) 594-3401.
HEAL celebrates women's healthy hearts

Obesity affects 18% more women than men in Schuyler County, and heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in Schuyler County. This trend for heart disease as the leading cause of death in women is common across New York State and the US. Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) Schuyler is grateful for the women in our lives and is celebrating their health during the month of May through a discussion series called, “May Her Heart be Healthy.”  To participate in the discussions, visit the HEAL Schuyler website at www.schuylercounty.us/heal.
Public input sought
to designate FLX region
National Heritage Area


The Finger Lakes region of New York is under consideration for designation as a National Heritage Area. Currently, the National Park Service is studying the feasibility of designating 14 counties of the Finger Lakes region as a National Heritage Area.

Public input is sought by the National Park Service, with the 90-day comment period under way and continuing through June 1, 2021. To offer your thoughts, please submit your comments via this link: NPS PEPC - Documents Open For Review

“Input from the public regarding the creation of a national heritage area in the Finger Lakes is critical to the study process. We also hope to learn more about the region from the people who know it best,” said Allen Cooper, regional chief of planning, National Park Service. “The information, interest and inquiries we receive from the public help inform our work as we assess the Finger Lakes as a potential National Heritage Area.”

The lengthy process of designating an area as a National Heritage Area has continued virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can learn more here about what is a National Heritage Area. Visiting this link will take you to updates about the study on making Finger Lakes a National Heritage Area.
GOT NEWS? THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR
LODGING MEMBER UPDATES
Any and all accommodation members are welcome to share their food, entertainment, and packages with the Chamber. We will help spread the word here in our e-news and on our social media platforms and website. Send us a note, please! Also, be sure to post your offers for public and members on the the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
Government News
Great news from the State: restrictions eased!

Social Distance-based Business Capacities
Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New York and New Jersey. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.

Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits
In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Event Venues
Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated. 
Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30% capacity, which is an increase from the current 10% capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33%. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.

Industry Reopening Requirements
While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.

The announcement [released on May 3, 2021] builds on Governor Cuomo's recent measures to further reopen the economy amid a steady decline in New York's COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates. On April 30, Governor Cuomo announced that hair salons, barber shops, and other personal care services can expand to 75% capacity beginning May 7. On April 28, Governor Cuomo announced that curfews for the food and beverage service and catered events would end this month. Bookmark our COVID-related page on www.explorewatkinsglen.com for the latest updates.
Restaurant restrictions lifted

Governor Cuomo announced on 4/28 the following:  
  • The 12 a.m. food and beverage service curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning May 17 and for indoor dining areas beginning May 31
  • The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted beginning May 17
  • The curfew for all catered events is set to be lifted May 31 
Additionally, the Governor announced, also on 4/28, that catered events can resume at residences beginning May 3 above the State's residential gathering limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors, as long as the events are staffed by a professional, licensed caterer, permitted by the respective locality or municipality, and strictly adhere to health and safety guidance, including social and event gathering limits, masks, and social distancing. Also on May 3, the guidance for dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states, replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks.
Vaccine clinic links

Anyone who works or lives in New York State and is 16 years old or older can now get the COVID vaccine. NOTE: Only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those 16 and 17 years old.


Interested in tracking vaccine results? Bookmark this page: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.

For the latest updates on news and regulations, bookmark the New York Forward webpages.
New York Forward Loan Fund

When the NYFLF launched in May, the federal Small Business Administration had just issued rules regarding companies' eligibility for federal assistance. The goal of the NYFLF was to help New York-based small businesses that did not receive PPP or EIDL funding with flexible working capital to reopen and adapt to post-COVID needs. Effective immediately, small businesses and non-profits that received a PPP loan of $500,000 or less or EIDL loans of $150,000 or less can be eligible for a NYFLF loan.
Possible Fund Opportunity

REDEC has secured funding from Steuben County and Chemung County to provide emergency relief funds to assist small businesses with employee and operational expenses. For additional information contact REDEC at (607) 962-3021.
Outdoors? Drop your mask with vaccination

On 4/27, Governor Cuomo announced that New York State will adopt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new guidance on mask use for fully vaccinated people. The guidelines state that fully vaccinated people, defined as two or more weeks after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, no longer need to wear masks outdoors, except in certain crowded settings and venues. However, masks should still be worn indoors and should still be worn by people who are not fully vaccinated. This guidance reemphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated and closely adheres to public health guidance, particularly if you are not yet vaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals with immunocompromising conditions should consult with their healthcare provider first.
Learner permits available online

Governor Cuomo announced on 4/26 that the online learner permit test for Class D (passenger vehicles) and Class M (motorcycles) is now available to New Yorkers statewide. The announcement comes after the launch of an online permit application pilot program last year. This new service allows New Yorkers to begin the permit application process and take the test from the comfort of their home, saving the customer significant time in the DMV office.
It's open: Shuttered Venue Operators grant application

The Small Business Administration's Shuttered Venue Operators Grants for Applications opened at noon on April 8. $16.2 billion is available for venues, theatres, and more. Get the details.
PPP small-business loan
program deadline
extended to May 31 with Senate vote

Senate passed a bill Thursday extending until May 31 the deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications. The PPP Extension Act of 2021 also gives the SBA an additional 30 days beyond May 31 to process those loans. The House-passed measure now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. Click here to learn more
Small business guidance and
loan resources during COVID-19
SBA offers several different relief options to help businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
 New York's health insurance
Open Enrollment Period closing soon

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that New York's health insurance Open Enrollment Period will be further extended to May 15, 2021, aligning with states across the country. Click here to learn more
PROMOTE YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS
Add your happenings to the Public Events Calendar on our website!
Add your event quickly, easily, and at no cost. Click here for the submission page.

SHARE YOUR NEWS — VIA CHAMBER SOCIAL MEDIA & ENEWS
We will gladly feature your upcoming events and news on our social media channels and in our newsletter.
Contact Michael at (585) 721-6032 or send him your news
at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com by noon on Thursdays.

CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER TEAM
Office Phone: (607) 535-4300
Katherine Jack, Visitor Center and Office Administrator email
Abby Lane, Events and Membership-Engagement Manager email
Stephanie Specchio, Director of Communications and Marketing email
Karen Dodson, Membership (Part-Time/Contract) email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email and (585) 721-6032 (cell)