Thursday July 29, 2021
New Vaccine Requirements for NYS Employees
Governor Cuomo announced yesterday that patient-facing healthcare workers at state-run hospitals will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 by Labor Day. There will not be an option to be tested in lieu of vaccination for these patient-facing healthcare workers.

The Governor also announced that all New York State employees - about 130,000 people - will be required to get vaccinated for COVID-19 by Labor Day. State employees who do not get vaccinated will be required to be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. New York State is working with state unions to implement the requirement quickly and fairly.
North Country Chamber Partners with Buffalo Niagara Partnership in Letter to President Biden
On July 26, the North Country Chamber joined with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership in directing the attached letter to President Biden and to Secretary Mayorkas, seeking reversal or amendment of the latest U.S. action extending border restrictions into the U.S. through August 21. This is one example of what will continue to be outreach and advocacy though all possible channels.
Federal Government Awards Record-Breaking $145.7 Billion in Contracting to Small Businesses
The  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.

This new change will help rush relief to over 6.5 million smallest of small businesses which has been the Administrator’s priority since day one. The new forgiveness platform will begin accepting applications from borrowers on August 4th, 2021. 

Lenders are required to opt-in to this program.
In addition to the technology platform, the SBA is standing up a PPP customer service team to answer questions and directly assist borrowers with their forgiveness applications. 

Borrowers that need assistance or have questions should call (877) 552-2692, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EST.
Canada Border Guards Vote to Strike Days Ahead of Reopening to US Travelers
The union representing Canadian border officers has rejected the latest contract offer from the Canadian government and they have voted to strike. North Country companies engaged in cross border shipping, as well as those with essential personnel returning to Canada, should plan for delays and back-ups in north bound movement. Similarly, people planning to cross the Canadian border for non-essential purposes starting August 9 should check border wait times and allow extra time for their crossings until this is resolved.
Presented and offered by CITEC
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!

Upcoming virtual class begins August 4th!
August Business After Hours - Taylor Rental
After the last four stellar months' event we are eager to continue in-person networking - we hope you are too! ⁠
Join us on Thursday August 12th at 5:30 at the Commercial Sales Outdoor Supply location.⁠
Some of the Fun Includes:
Smores & Slushies⁠
Music by Neil Gillespie⁠
Play a round of Cornhole ⁠
East Coast Watercross is back on the Adirondack Coast - THIS WEEKEND
Jet skiers take on Lake Champlain at the Plattsburgh City Beach, July 31-August 1

The IJSBA National Championships presented by East Coast Watercross is back on the Adirondack Coast after a 2020 interrupted by COVID-19! Watch as jet skiers soar across Lake Champlain from 10am-6pm. each day, July 31 – August 1, in an action-packed race around a 30-buoy course, providing entertainment and suspense for all spectators.

Event Director Christopher Yates commented, "East Coast Watercross LLC is proud to return to the Plattsburgh City Beach for their third hosting of the International Jet Sports Boating Association's National Championship! With many beaches and locations to choose from in our 13 state territory, Plattsburgh is always our first choice due to its size, water conditions and local businesses who welcome ourselves and athletes from all over the country with open arms! We hope to see you all there on the beach supporting these athletes as they battle on the shore of Lake Champlain."

Racing will be completely visible right from the Plattsburgh City Beach each day. Classes range from Novice racers to pros, juniors to Veterans and more – all running one time in the morning and a second time in the afternoon both days, making for non-stop, action packed fun for the entire family.

So come out, walk through the pits, grab a free sample from tour sponsor, Monster Energy, shop race inspired clothing and accessories, grab food from The Dogfather Food Cart (Sunday only) and enjoy watching talented racers from all over the country take on Lake Champlain – rain or shine, July 31 – August 1 (beach admission fees and rules do apply)!  
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.
Today's Dose is Generously Supported By:
QUICK LINKS:
  • NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
  • NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
  • 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.
  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000