January 14, 2021
COMMERCE WEEKLY NEWSBITES
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Commerce PROGRAMS/UPDATES/NEWS |
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'KEEP CALM & Kerri ON' -
'No More' is ready for your reading enjoyment on our website or weekly in the Evening Sun's Monday edition.
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Your Membership Investment invoice is on the way!
You may notice a ‘Big 10 Club’ line item on your invoice and are wondering what that is all about!
This year we are offering members a new opportunity to be a part of the ‘Big 10 Club’. This is a chance for your business or organization to give a little extra to Commerce Chenango and support our initiatives. On your invoice, you will see your normal annual dues amount, and then a line item that adds an optional 10% increase. Being a part of the ‘Big10 Club’ means you will receive special recognition at our signature events and in other communications throughout the year, including our website, social media posts, and our newsletter.
Please note, the deadline to be included in the ‘Big 10 Club’ is March 31, 2021. You are not obligated to participate in the Big10 Club and by paying your regular membership investment you will continue to receive all your benefits (some old and some new) as always!
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Request for Proposal
Commerce Chenango is updating our Chenango County Relocation & Community Guide. We are accepting proposals for a business or individual to help create and design this publication. It will be distributed as a quality of life piece and resource for those looking to relocate here or visit Chenango County.
Our goals for the guide is to:
• Expand our information to local residents and visitors
• Increase awareness of our organization
• Present a professional, modern image
Qualified and interested parties are asked to respond to this request for proposal by the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Monday, February 1, 2021. Send proposal via EM to mailto:arobinson@chenangony.org or by mail to Audrey Robinson, Director of Communications, Commerce Chenango, 15 South Broad Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
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Have you decided on your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Consider making your New Year’s resolution
this year to help others. Volunteer with the American Red Cross to support your neighbors in need.
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Happy January "Workiversary" to three employees from sfcu - Sidney Headquarters. Chelsi Rosa, Quality Assurance Analyst (5 years of service); Nicol Krom, Vice President of Lending (30 years of service); and Keith May, Vice President of Marketing (10 years of service). Congratulations to all!
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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is accepting nominees for their Torch Awards for Ethics. These awards celebrate the commitment made by businesses and charities to the highest standards of leadership character and organizational ethics.
The awards show the practices that these organizations employ to generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers, and their communities. Learn more about BBB's Torch Award for Ethics, requirements, and the categories HERE. The application period for the 2021 Torch Award for Ethics is open until February 1, 2021. https://www.bbb.org/upstate-new-york/torch-awards-for-ethics
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NBT is launching a new portal to streamline the new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process for new or additional PPP funds. In order to access the portal to apply for new PPP funding, you will need to be sure you’re taking the proper steps to prepare for your application.
1. Ensure you are eligible for the new PPP funding.
2. Ensure you are or become a customer by having an active Business Checking account.
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Save the Date for DCMO BOCES Spring 2021 Virtual College & Career Day set for March 16th (8th-grade students) and March 18th (12th-grade students). Please join Martha Ryan on Monday, January 18th at 2:00 p.m. for a brief presentation of the Spring Career Day to see how you can help educate students about the many jobs and careers available in our region.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 959 7418 9558 / Passcode: jobs
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Quote of the day:
Today is not just another day. It's a new opportunity, another chance, a new beginning. Embrace it. -KushandWizdom.
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo delivered his 2021 State of the State address this week. The Governor's 2021 agenda - Reimagine | Rebuild | Renew - features a suite of initiatives to not only begin reopening New York as the state continues its work to defeat the COVID-19 virus, but also investing billions into infrastructure improvements to build a new New York. See more HERE.
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Congratulations to George Seneck, Town of Guilford Supervisor, who is taking on a new role as Chairman, Chenango County Board of Supervisors. Citing his priorities as maintaining the fiscal integrity of Chenango County, dealing with COVID 19, internet services, and emergency medical services, he went on to add his thanks to past-Chair Lawrence Wilcox his years of service.
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VACCINATION INFORMATION
Posted January 14, 2021
The COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline is open 7:00 A.M. - 10:00 P.M., 7 days a week, to help New Yorkers determine if they are eligible and schedule vaccination appointments. 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)
Over 7 million New Yorkers are now eligible for the COVID vaccine but the state only receives 300,000 doses per week from the federal government. Due to limited allocation by the federal government, limited appointments have filled up quickly. Currently, appointments have been made for the next 14 weeks. Vaccinations are performed by local health departments, pharmacies, doctors' offices, and hospitals. Please call them for appointments as they become available & for additional information.
Posted January 12, 2021
Eligible New Yorkers in Phase 1a and 1b can now register to receive the COVID vaccine. Prior to receiving the vaccination, you must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form. This form can be completed online and you will receive a submission ID, or you can fill out the form at your vaccination site. Individuals being vaccinated must bring proof of eligibility to the vaccination site. This may include an employee ID card, a letter from an employer or affiliated organization, or a pay stub, depending on the specific priority status. Check your eligibility phase HERE. Appointments could take Up to 14 weeks due to limited federal allocation and all vaccines are by appointment only. Click HERE to determine eligibility and schedule appointments with administrating providers.
Posted January 14, 2021
COVID 19 UPDATE FOR CHENANGO COUNTY
As of Thursday, January 14, 2021, there are 200 active cases of COVID-19 in Chenango County, and 21 current hospitalizations. There have been 30 confirmed deaths so far reported. The Chenango County Department of Health confirmed there have been 1,581 total cases of COVID-19 in Chenango. The health department also confirmed there are 491 residents under quarantine and 11,338 total recoveries. So far, approximately 60,573 tests for the virus have been administered in the county.
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SBA Re-Opening Paycheck Protection Program to Small Lenders on Friday, January 15 and All Lenders on Tuesday, January 19
The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, will re-open the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 9 a.m. EST. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA.
Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to reach underserved and minority small businesses.
First Draw PPP Loans are for those borrowers who have not received a PPP loan before August 8, 2020. The first round of the PPP, which ran from March to August 2020, was a historic success helping 5.2 million small businesses keep 51 million American workers employed.
Second Draw PPP Loans are for eligible small businesses with 300 employees or less, that previously received a First Draw PPP Loan and will use or have used the full amount only for authorized uses, and that can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in gross receipts between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. The maximum amount of a Second Draw PPP loan is $2 million.
The New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF) ...
...is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits, and small residential landlords as they reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE.
The NYFLF now targets the state’s small businesses with *50* or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, nonprofits, and small residential landlords that have seen a loss of rental income.
An Eligible Small Business must: Employ *50* or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees; Have gross revenues of less than *$5 million* per year; Must not have received a U.S. Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program of greater than $500,000 or an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) for COVID-19 of greater than $150,000; Have suffered a direct economic hardship as a result of COVID-19 related social distancing policies and stay-at-home order that have materially impacted their operations;
Been in business for at least 1 year as of the date of the application, and be located in the State of New York.
For more information and to start your pre-application visit click HERE> www.nyloanfund.com
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Empire State Development Announces “Raising The Bar” Restaurant Recovery Fund
The “Raising the Bar Restaurant Recovery Fund” will help eligible restaurants adjust their operations to the impacts of COVID-19 and adherence to New York State’s public health and safety measures during the winter months when outdoor dining is limited.
“Raising the Bar” grant funding can be used for COVID-19-related improvements and equipment that will allow the business to comply with social distancing guidelines, expand take-out/delivery operations, or accommodate outdoor dining such as plexiglass barriers/partitions, signage promoting social distancing and hygiene protocols, heaters, heat lamps, weatherization upgrades, and insulated delivery bags. Funding can also be used for improvements that will allow the business to continue operating through the winter months such as filtration system upgrades and food heaters to maintain temperature for to-go orders and purchasing PPE and sanitation supplies necessitated by the pandemic, and COVID-19 related business improvements.
Qualifying purchases and expenditures must be from September 1, 2020, onwards to be eligible. The initial round of grants is up to $5,000. Restaurants can apply starting Monday, January 11, 2021. For more information, visit the ESD website at https://esd.ny.gov/raising-bar-restaurant-recovery-fund. |
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Commerce Chenango would like to remind you that it is still mandatory to wear a mask and to social distance. RESPECT your friends, neighbors, and families. |
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CTM Media Group would like to help you fund your 2021 marketing campaigns with the “Discover More!” matching funds program. Businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis and are seeking to attract travelers and locals are encouraged to apply. For every dollar you invest, CTM will match 50% in free additional marketing services. For example, if you invest $2,000, you’ll receive $1,000 in free services. Your free services can include free distribution of your guides to additional audiences and markets, or a free digital campaign on the attached digital networks. See more on the CTM program HERE.
Additional questions can be directed to Darrell Adler, Sales Manager at 203.548.9793.
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Winter Fun for Kids, Parents & Families: The Winter Season is upon us and the Norwich YMCA has partnered with Norwich High School Ski Club Advisor, Rhett Genung to step in and offer this fantastic skiing and snowboarding offer for area students and families. With the pandemic still active, outdoor skiing and snowboarding is a social distant activity that even promotes wearing a mask for warmth.
Therefore the Ski and Snowboard Club is passing along the benefits of group purchasing. There is no transportation provided or chaperones as in years past. To register for this Saturday Evening, ski pass at Greek Peak Mountain contact Kimberly Thayer, School Programs Coordinator at 1-844-846-9572 to register over the phone.
Registration will NOT take place at the YMCA. You may contact Rhett Genung, Ski Club Advisor at blando7@yahoo.com or the Greek Peak Sales Office with specific questions.
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Preliminary plans are in the works for a 2021 General Clinton Canoe Regatta; Chairman John Harmon announced that there will be a Kick-off meeting Tuesday, January 19th at 7:00 PM at Galaxy Bowl in Bainbridge. Everyone is welcome to attend & share ideas; more information is available by contacting John at 237-6008.
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Take a Break and Increase Your Productivity
When the goal is to get things done, it may sound counterproductive to stop what you’re doing. But, if you embrace the art of taking a break, you can be more efficient and effective at work. Here are five ways on how you can take a break and boost your productivity. https://www.lifehack.org/889477/take-a-break |
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