Friday June 26, 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!
Phase 4 Begins TODAY in the North Country
Five regions including the North Country enter Phase 4 of reopening TODAY!

Phase four includes, Higher Education, Low-risk Outdoor Arts & Entertainment, Low-risk Indoor Arts & Entertainment and Media Production.

The State has posted phase 4 guidelines for the following categories:


  • LOW-RISK OUTDOOR ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Including outdoor zoos, botanical gardens, and other related low-risk arts and entertainment businesses and organizations.
  • Guidelines
  • Affirmation
  • Safety Plan Template

  • LOW-RISK INDOOR ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Including museums, historical sites, aquariums, and other low-risk indoor arts and entertainment businesses and organizations.
  • Guidelines
  • Affirmation
  • Safety Plan Template

  • MEDIA PRODUCTION: Media Production Activities including activities undertaken in motion picture, music, television and streaming productions on set, on location, or at any production or recording site.
  • Guidelines
  • Affirmation
  • Safety Plan Template

If you are unsure if your operation fits one of these categories, use your NAICS code in the LOOKUP TOOL for an immediate answer.
Other Phase 4 Updates
Phase IV Guidance Will Permit:
  • Social Gatherings of 50 People
  • Indoor Religious Gatherings at 33% Capacity

The Governor also announced a Travel Advisory in NYS that took effect yesterday.
New York To Extend Allowing Cocktails-To-Go
New York will continue to allow customers to place to-go drink orders as restaurants and bars continue to struggle in the pandemic-induced economic recession. 

What You Need To Know:
  • New York has waived State Liquor Authority rules to allow to-go drink orders at restaurants.
  • That rule change has been praised by restaurants as they struggle during the recession.
  • The order was due to expire this weekend, but it's being extended.
CANADIANS EXEMPTED FROM BAN ON WORK VISAS
While we continue to advocate for a plan for the eventual reopening of the U.S.-Canada border to non-essential travel, we welcome this week's success in obtaining an exemption of Canadians from the Administration's suspension of a number of visas for work status, including L-1 visas which are essential for bi-national movement of Canadians employed by the many Canadian based businesses in our region. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik successfully advocated for the exemption with the White House and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Stefanik Announces CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grants for the North Country
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced today that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $400,000 to the Lake Champlain – Lake George Regional Planning Board and $150,000 to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. This CARES Act Recovery Assistance funding will be used to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This CARES Act funding will be very helpful in revitalizing our communities in Lake George and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe community,”   said Congresswoman Stefanik.  “I was proud to vote in favor of the CARES Act, which continues to bring much needed direct funding to our communities as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen their economies. I will continue to advocate in Congress for programs like these that provide direct assistance to our North Country communities.”
Plattsburgh Farmers' and Crafters' Market - Now Open!
Looking to get outside this Saturday? Check out the Plattsburgh Farmers & Crafters Marketing on Durkee Street in Downtown Plattsburgh, from 9-2. Go on down and support local businesses and farmers.

Please remember to observe all safety guidelines including wear a mask and maintaining 6 feet from others when possible.
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:

  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.

  • 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.

  • 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