Thursday, November 5, 2020
The local support happening throughout the #northcountry during this pandemic has been amazing to witness. We are so proud to be a part of a community that understands the immense value that these local restaurant and retail locations bring to our area. ⁠
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The winter months bring their own challenges – the pace of life and business slows down pretty dramatically. Add on top of that an ongoing pandemic, limited indoor capacities, severe restrictions at the Canadian border and continuously changing state regulations and you have yourself a perfect (snow) storm that we know can be overcome with your continued support. ⁠
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So let’s keep the momentum going and let us inspire you with our #shoplocaldinelocal campaign! Watch for a series of posts released all season long that will showcase our member restaurant and retail businesses – a helpful reminder to support your neighbors and friends!⁠
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Here are a few things you can do in the meantime:⁠
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  • Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss our #shoplocaldinelocal posts – you may discover a new business to support⁠⁠
  • Bookmark adkcoasteats.com for an easy place to go when you’re feeling hungry and need some local options⁠⁠
  • Visit goadirondack.com/shoplocaldinelocal to get a head start on your local support⁠⁠
  • And don’t forget to share your shopping experiences on social media! A nice review or a tag here and there will only help to support these businesses more.⁠⁠
  • Get ready, get set, #shoplocaldinelocal!
Bombardier Shows Major Support For the North Country Chamber!
Recently, in appreciation for our years of collaboration and being aware of the North Country Chamber’s financial challenges this year (due to the COVID-19 shutdown), Bombardier awarded the North Country Chamber a $10,000 Diamond Sponsorship!

This generous funding will assist us as we endeavor to maintain full operations so we can continue to assist the regional business community. And it will be gladly recognized in several ways, including banners on the Chamber and NAmTrans websites, inclusion in our widely read “Today’s Dose” and much more.


 
THANK YOU to Bombardier and to all of our other generous members!
COVID-19: Quebec Making Progress, but Two Regions are Slipping
The province’s COVID-19 pandemic situation remains generally encouraging but is deteriorating in two regions, which is a cause for concern, Premier François Legault said Tuesday.

“The situation has been stable for about five weeks, but when we break things down by region, we have certain areas which have vastly improved. But there are others deteriorating,” Legault said.

The two regions that are slipping are Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean and the northern part of Lanaudière.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with with our Partner Chambers, will be holding two virtually webinars to learn more about health insurance, as well as, dental and vision plans available to individuals and groups.
 
This short webinar will bring you up to date on the options available to you and the entire chamber membership.
 
Meet Lisa Bedard Dupee, Director of Health Insurance Services at the North Country Chamber of Commerce, who will explain your options, answer questions and explain coverage changes.

It is currently open enrollment and the ideal time to explore your options and switch or add plans. Registration is free!

Hamilton County Webinar:

Essex and Franklin Counties Webinar:

 
Any questions, please contact Lisa at lisa@northcountrychamber.com or (518) 563-1000.
Clarkson Army ROTC Battalion Finds Unique Solution to a Pandemic Problem
As the days grow colder, Clarkson University officials have been searching for a solution to a new problem created by the COVID-19 pandemic: the need for a space on campus that meets CDC requirements, where medical professionals can evaluate students who have COVID-19 symptoms. All summer and fall, staff from the Student Health and Counseling Center had seen patients in a canopy tent on campus, but the colder weather made that impossible for the winter.

The Golden Knight Battalion had a solution: a military Rapid Response Tent from the Canton Reserve Center. These tents are designed to withstand the elements and allow for heaters inside. The Army uses them to run their Field Training Exercises and store equipment and supplies during the events. 

“We signed out the tent from the Canton Reserve Center for a Field Training Exercise the previous weekend. When Mike Tremper, the Director of Facilities and Services reached out to Supply Technician Mr. Bucky Ladison, he jumped on the opportunity to help,” said Cadet Matthew Strempel ‘21.

Mr. Ladison worked with the Canton Reserve Center to allow Clarkson to utilize the tent for another 30 days. The fall semester ends on November 24. Mr. Ladison is also working with the Reserve Center to secure heaters for the tent.

“One of our core values in the Army is selfless service. We are more than willing to lend a hand and help serve our community,” said Cadet Ashley Gardner ‘21.
Franklin County Goes Yellow on Vermont's Travel Restriction Map!
Recently Franklin County has gone from yellow on Vermont's travel restriction map. This means that the counties active cases per million have increased to 800+ and not the 400-799 active cases per million it was last week. It is important to note that all Clinton County residents must still abide by the same Vermont travel restrictions released last week.

This makes all North Country Counties now on the Travel Restriction list.

Here are a few key facts and questions:

People traveling for essential purposes, including work, do not need to quarantine -- Essential travel includes travel for personal safety, medical care, care of others, parental shared custody, for food, beverage or medicine, to attend pre K-12 school and college if commuting daily, or to perform work for businesses that are currently allowed to operate.

Can we take a day trip to Vermont to go shopping or eat a meal in Vermont? Unfortunately, you cannot.



For more details and information, visit Vermont's Cross State Travel page below.
WEBINAR: New Forgiveness Application/Procedures for PPP Loans of $50,000 and Less
Join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and SCORE for a webinar that will cover the most recent changes to the Paycheck Protection Program including the new forgiveness application/procedures for loans of $50,000 and less.

Date: November 10, 2020
Time: 2:00PM

Staff from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be on the call to provide the most up-to-date information to our members and business community, as well as, answer your questions.

Questions will be accepted ahead of time, using the “REGISTER HERE” button below. Due to time constraints, questions submitted during the webinar may not be answered.

Any questions, please contact Joel at joel@northcountrychamber.com or (518) 563-1000.
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.

  • SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
To help the North Country reopen safely and meet the state and local mandates, 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.
Have Questions? We're here to help!

North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000