Wednesday August 19, 2020
Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time. - Onward and Be Well!
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced yesterday that two additional states meet the metrics to qualify for the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states, all of which have significant community spread, to quarantine for 14 days.

The newly-added states are:
  • Alaska
  • Delaware 

No areas have been removed.
North Country Regional Economic Development Survey
Each region across the state has been asked to prepare a regional economic recovery strategy to reflect the new environment in which we find ourselves. We are working with colleagues across the North Country to analyze where we were, where we are currently, and where we should be. By collecting feedback from our business communities, we will develop strategies and an actionable plan to get us back on track.
Input from your business is critical to this process. Please know this survey is being used by multiple work groups to collect information from the regional business community to develop plans.
   
Your survey response is appreciated by August 20th.
MOVIE THEATERS: WHAT ABOUT US?
With the recent pathway to re-opening for Bowling Alleys and then Gyms, our movie theaters are becoming one of a handful of business categories left without any way forward.

The continued total closure impacts all movie theaters across the North Country, including the many small, independent cinemas in places like Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, Ausable Forks, Indian Lake, Schroon Lake and other communities.

Many of these are family owned and operated, are economically fragile and are a key part of their community downtowns. We will continue to advocate for guidance and hope that the recent announcements indicate that remaining sectors like movie theaters will have guidelines soon.
Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period Remains Open Through September 15, 2020 for Uninsured New Yorkers
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the Special Enrollment Period for uninsured New Yorkers will be extended for another 30 days, through September 15, 2020. New Yorkers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health, New York State's health insurance marketplace, or directly through insurers.

NY State of Health, together with the State Department of Financial Services and New York State insurers, are taking this action in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency so that individuals do not avoid seeking testing or medical care due to a lack of health insurance coverage.

If you have questions please reach out to our in-house broker Lisa Bedard Dupee, for details.
Webinar: Understanding Your Financial Position
COVID-19 has undoubtedly posed a number of challenges - financial, workforce, supply chain, and more - that have put a strain on the financial health and resilience of many small-to-midsized businesses.


  • Why it's necessary to understand your current and future financial position
  • A broad overview of balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements
  • When your business may need to pursue a loan
  • Best practices on location, applying for, and securing a loan
  • Different types of loans and financing available 

Date: August 20, 2020
Time: 1:00PM
Cost: FREE, Registration Required
AEDC Entrepreneurship Course - Coming to You Virtually in September 2020! 
This course is focused on business plan development and would be appropriate for anyone considering launching their own business on a full-time or part-time basis, or for an existing small business to better plan their operations and success. The course will be taught by AEDC staff in partnership with regional experts.

The following are a summary of anticipated course topics: 
  • Insurance for Small Business
  • Laws, Regulations, Taxes
  • Management
  • Market Analysis
  • Targeted Marketing
  • E-Commerce
  • Accounting for Small Business
  • Technology
  • Legal Concerns
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Bookkeeping
  • Business Financing

Notes:
  • Limited spots available
  • $25 participant cost
  • all other instruction and material fees sponsored

To register contact Stephanie Donaldson.
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: PACTIV
Pactiv's team-members are taking the “Family First. Prevent to Protect.” pledge and we applaud this effort to keep all safe during this unique time!
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.
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