October 11, 2021
News, Happenings & Collaborations
Included in this Issue ...
We are pleased to share the following news, happenings, and collaborations with you! The information contained in this week's newsletter was shared with the Chamber on or before noon on the Thursday before it was sent. To have your information considered for inclusion in future issues, please submit your information on or before noon on the Thursday before you'd like it published.

To stay in the know, visit the WGACC Digital Archives. For past NHCs and now our monthly Engager, which is only mailed to each Primary Contact at our members in good standing is also in the on-line library. While you are there please feel free to review The Chamber’s 2020 Annual Report as well.

In addition, we have heard that some messages are being delivered with a link that must be clicked to see the complete newsletter. We apologize for the inconvenience and have determined that this is related to the email service provider that you use to read the newsletter. We hope you will click the link!

Highlights include the following:
  • Grandma's Kitchen ribbon-cutting
  • Complete a survey
  • Updates from the Park
  • Media shout-out to Floridians
  • Pop-ups hosted in Nov/Dec
  • Marketing is a year-round sport
  • Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions
Visit Watkins Glen
& Schuyler County
Watkins Glen
Area Chamber
Pandemic Spotlight Updates

We continue to monitor the evolving situation with the pandemic. Currently, staff and Chamber visitors are not required to wear masks, but are welcome to do so. Continue to check the CDC and State web sites for updates. Scroll down for helpful information. We will do our best to keep you up-to-date, but it is likely that there will be new updates as soon as we hit send! Stay safe.
NY Forward & Other Government News

  • Communicate your HERO Act plan
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • New York State Budget Update
  • Gov. Hochul: requirements for school personnel
  • Vaccine clinics
  • Join your neighbors and VaxUp
  • $800 million in grants for small businesses available
  • Grant info
Chamber News
Enjoy Columbus/
Indigenous Peoples' Day!

A federal U.S. holiday, this day commemorates two events.
  • The voyage and landing of Christopher Columbus in the “New World”
  • Reflecting upon the cultures, histories, and stories of the Native American people
Business Expo is in the books

Thank you to all those who participated at last week's Business Expo. We welcomed close to 80 people at the event, which was postponed from the Spring due to COVID. We were pleased with the feedback, for example, it was great to get together and exhibit, although we would have liked more traffic. We are expecting to do two a year from now on, to meet the needs of seasonal and year-round businesses. Great networking, great food, and great prizes were had by all. Thanks again to Cameron Design and Manufacturing for their sponsorship of the Expo and the Debra Harrington Scholarship.
Choose vegan at Grandma's Kitchen

Grandma's Kitchen will officially open tomorrow (Oct. 12) following a ribbon-cutting held last week and organized by the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce. Gene Baur, Co-Founder and President of Farm Sanctuary, attended the opening and shared his hopes for a compassionate future where people and animals all live without suffering. (Pictured, from left: Farm Sanctuary Co-Founder Gene Baur, Mayor Jim Ryan, Owners Casey and Mike Easterling (with children), Executive Director Michael Hardy, and Manager Brenda Bomysoad)
Pop-Up Shops: Small Business Saturday/Village Christmas

We are actively planning for Small Business Saturday and the 28 days of shopping local that follows. On Small Business Saturday and during Watkins Glen Village Promotions' Village Christmas on December 10, the Chamber will make space available at 214 N. Franklin Street for 6 pop-up shops. Details and parameters are available online.
Spot-on Messaging:
Complete a quick survey

As a Schuyler County resident, what sites make YOU proud of the county? If you were to introduce Schuyler County to a young professional couple who was considering a move to the region, what locations would you highlight for them to check out? SCOPED is taking the opportunity to solicit input from the general public for the new video that will be made to promote Schuyler County for the purpose of attracting businesses, investors, and new residents (workforce). Please take 2 minutes to fill out this short survey. We can’t wait to hear from you!
 
Winter in Watkins

At last week's meeting with community members and our media partners, we continued to solidify the calendar for Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions and even added some events. Please review the calendar below and let us know if you're hosting/sponsoring any events from November 2021 through February 2022. With are natural "anchor attractions," Watkins, Schuyler County, and Finger Lakes Wine Country are open. These attractions include the Watkins Glen State Park (north and south rim trails WILL be open), the Finger Lakes National Forest, and the waterfalls that freeze into photo-worthy masterpieces, plus area museums, including the Corning Museum of Glass, Rockwell Museum, Finger Lakes Boating Museum, and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, and the Finger Lakes Festival of Lights at Grist Iron Brewing.

This is the current schedule. All events will be subject to change and pandemic-related regulations.

Now-Dec.: Finger Lakes Festival of Lights at Grist Iron Brewing
Nov. 19: Snowflake Spectacular entries due (member-only; free ice skating with entry) and Small Business Saturday kick-off event, 4pm-6:30pm at Clute Memorial Park
Nov. 27: Small Business Saturday, kick-off for 28 Days of Shopping Local, and community Tree Lighting at Clute Memorial Park
Dec. 1: WGACC Annual Meeting/Snowflake Spectacular Winner Announced: Glenora Wine Cellars, 5pm to 7pm
Dec. 3-4: Holiday Fair at Clute Memorial Park (Carriage Rides, Wine Tastings, Crafts, Elfland with Visit from Santa)
Dec. 3-5: Lights & Flights, Seneca Lake Wine Trail (tickets available soon)
Dec. 10: Watkins Glen Promotions’ Village Christmas on Franklin Street with night-time parade and fireworks
Dec. 10: Launch of Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style
Dec. 10-12: Lights & Flights, Seneca Lake Wine Trail (tickets available soon)
Dec. 11: WGACC Fireworks off the Pier at 7:30pm
Dec. 31: Ring in the New Year with Aunt Millie’s Biscuits and Donna and the Mystics at Clute Memorial Park, Seneca Lake Events Center
Jan. 5: Winter-themed Monthly Chamber Mixer/Social (STAY TUNED)
Jan. 22: The Annual Chamber Winter Gala at the Harbor Hotel
Jan.27-29: Hart’s Harbor Hotel Ice Bar
Feb. 2: Chinese New Year at House of Hong (Monthly Mixer and Social)
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Weekend packages

Tell us about it so we can include details in promotional materials: submit your event information here. For more information, contact Abby Lane, Events Manager.
Save the Date: Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.

December 1, 2021, at 5pm to 7pm 
Glenora Wine Cellars
5435 State Route 14, Dundee, New York, 14837

Chamber board members, the Executive Director, and Chamber staff will present financial summaries and updates on activities and events. Cash bar and treats to be served.
Fall hours for Visitor/Info Centers

The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce staffs the Visitor Center at the Watkins Glen State Park (in addition to the Information Center at 214 N. Franklin St.). Chamber representatives will be available in the Park's Visitor Center from 9am to 5:00pm daily through October 31, 2021. Chamber representatives will be available at 214 N. Franklin Street from 9am to 5pm during the week (Mondays through Fridays) and from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Also, please note additional updates from the Park as follows:
  • The shuttle bus at the Park is now only running on Saturdays and Sundays.
  • The north and south rim trails are open and will remain open all year.
Update from the Park

We have learned this from the Watkins Glen State Park: Rim trails at the Watkins Glen State Park remain open year round with plowed/maintained parking at the 3 key entry points. Also, the Catherine Valley Trail is open year round, the full 10 miles with plowed/maintained parking at designated trailheads. As we approach the winter season, the gorge trail at the Watkins Glen State Park will be closing for the season at close of business on 10/24/21, (which will be the last day for staffing at the welcome center by park staff). Camping at the State Park closed for the season as of yesterday (10/11/21). Archery big game deer season began October 1 in select areas of the park and will expand into more areas of the park on November 1. Several repair/upgrade projects are slated to be accomplished over the fall and winter by park staff and skilled trades crews. 
New attraction:
Something to do in the evening
NOW EXTENDED THRU DEC.

Please share with your guests and visitors: A new, world-class, attraction is open for community members and visitors alike to enjoy in the evening. Finger Lakes Festival of Lights illustrates the story of a brother and sister who visit their grandfather in the Finger Lakes. Grandpa spins tall tales and stories that are depicted with larger-than-life lanterns lit with thousands of LED lights. Please encourage frontline staff, guests/visitors, friends, and family to visit the show and to tell their friends about it! Info and tickets are online. Lodging partners, this is an opportunity to develop packages that will help fill rooms through December. Eateries, encourage festival goers to eat with you before or after their visit. Retailers and homeowners, this is a great reason to involved with "Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style."
Encouraging Floridians to
chase waterfalls

Recently, a writer visited the area and spent time with several Chamber members on her way to Niagara Falls. We/she expects that she will write a series of articles, placing them in different publications. This is the first in the expected series. It was published in Around Wellington, which is a regional magazine in Palm Beach County, FL.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a reminder that our increased reliance on technology brings an increased responsibility to improve our security when online. Please consider these resources to safeguard your organization.
Marketing is a year-round sport

As we begin thinking about fall and winter, make plans to purposefully share your message with potential guests and customers. It's time to make decisions about your ad in the 2022 Travel Guide. At least 80,000 will be distributed (hard copy) with thousands more served digitally. Details and the contract are in the October Engager. Need an electronic version of the Engager? Check here.

Consider one of these marketing opportunities with the Chamber. We are happy to be partnering with the Farm Sanctuary to remind visitors of the brand-building merchandise for sale online and with the Schuyler County Historical Society to share some of their collection in our display case. Other opportunities:
 
Window space at 214 N. Franklin Street: $125/month

Video segments at 214 N. Franklin: $130/month

Ask about wall and floor displays!

As you're finalizing your 2022 marketing budget, please remember your Chamber membership, sponsorships, 2022 travel guide ads, and maybe a little slush fund for new initiatives that the Chamber may be able to present with a new executive director and/or post-pandemic opportunities.
 
Questions? Contact Executive Director Michael Hardy: michael@watkinsglenchamber.com or (607) 535-4300.
Hints from Hardy

Business and hospitality hints
from Michael Hardy

 
HINT 1 Have jobs to fill? Target untapped talent
With many businesses facing a labor shortage, some chambers are focusing on those left out of their community's labor market and finding ways to include them in the job market. Read how the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (Neb.) and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce (N.Y.) are reaching out to marginalized communities and including them in their talent strategies. Learn about their journeys and how they are partnering with other organizations.

I love taking action by reaching out to veterans and refugees as outlined in the article above to see where talents and skills exist but for asking. In addition to those mentioned in the article, we should include these groups in untapped talent pools: retirees, stay at home moms and/or dads, as well as returning college students and high school students who have all mostly returned to school and may be available to work in their "school community." Have shorter shifts and a bigger pool of part-timers. It may mean more scheduling and check processing but less benefit payment requirements, more flexibility, better (yet varied ) coverage, and multiple shifts to get your jobs done.

HINT 2 Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Check out recent updates to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program in the Government News section (below). Recent changes may make it easier for you to apply.
Happenings
Check out the Events Calendar

Members are invited to submit events to the Chamber's online events calendar. The Chamber routinely pulls from this calendar for social posts and includes the link in appropriate news releases. Please bookmark the events page. Check it regularly for opportunities to enjoy, and remember to submit your organization's events (including a picture). If you don't have a relevant picture, upload a logo (designating it as an image, please). Want to talk this through? Call Abby (607-535-4300) or register for the next Simpleview training.
Accounting Technology Webinar Series

Budgeting and Payroll

In this webinar, we’ll discuss best practices for budgeting and how payroll automation can help your organization save time and increase accuracy.
 
October 26, 2021 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM ET
Presented by Jacqueline Platt and Lynn Peisch
NYS Small Business COVID Recovery Loan Program Webinar


Earlier this year, New York State launched its New York Forward Loan Fund to support small businesses reopen after the COVID-19 outbreak. The Business Council, in conjunction with our Chamber of Commerce partners, are hosting a webinar with Empire State Development to provide valuable information on these programs, including how to apply, eligibility requirements, loan terms, etc. The webinar will be Tuesday, October 12 from 1:00 - 2:00pm. The presentation will be by Cynthia Shannon, an Economic Development Specialist with ESDC. This event is open at no cost to all Business Council members and Chamber of Commerce members, however, you will have to log in to register. Register online.
Franklin Street Gallery
hosts local artist

Check out work by local Artist Cheryl Johnston during October at the Franklin Street Gallery. Cheryl says ... "I love painting animals especially their faces to catch the light in their eyes. And I like to create a feeling or a mood in my landscapes, especially misty scenes."
Farmer Tax School

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialists from across the state for their virtual Farmer Tax School, offered in October 2021 through January 2022. This educational series offers courses designed to inform and empower farm managers to better understand their tax obligations, management strategies, and improve farm profitability. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ccetaxschool. Each course has its own fee. There are scholarships available for those experiencing financial hardship. The courses will be offered virtually via live and interactive zoom webinar. For those without internet access, there will be a call-in option available with the opportunity to receive paper copies of the presentation via mail. Each presentation will be recorded and sent to those who are registered (even if you can’t attend the live event). Register online by visiting www.tinyurl.com/ccetaxschool.
Walking to End Alzheimer's: It's Thursday!

Walk to End Alzheimer's is happening at Watkins Glen International on October 14. You can form a team, join a team, or walk as an individual. There is no cost to walk, but fundraising is encouraged. The walk will implement safety protocols, including physical distancing, contactless registration, hand sanitizing stations, and more. Per CDC guidelines around crowded outdoor settings, we ask that all Walk attendees be vaccinated against COVID-19 or wear a mask when in an overcrowded area. Masks will be available on-site. Visit the website for details and to register.
This event, which is a 2021 TAP grant recipient, coincides with Watkins Glen International's annual beer festival, the Finger Lakes Beer Festival presented by Chemung Canal Trust Company. Details online.
Member News & Collaborations
Updates all around

Does your organization have news to share? A promotion, a new service, a new product? New hours or location? Send us your news so we can help you share it. Looking for advertising opportunities? We have them too. If you'd like to encourage sales of your product line and/or service offerings, please contact Stephanie Specchio.
NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to the Glen 8/20/22

The NASCAR Xfinity Series will return to Watkins Glen International alongside the NASCAR Cup Series in late August next year as the sanctioning body has announced the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule. The Watkins Glen race on Saturday, August 20, will start the five-to-go countdown for the conclusion of the 2022 Xfinity Series regular season, and will be the last chance for drivers to flex their skills on a road course in an attempt to get into the postseason.
Rescued racecar on the grid

A 1967 Lotus Formula Ford is now on display at the International Motor Racing Research Center (Decatur St) through October. Donned "Rotus-51" and the “The Yellow Submarine,” this car has an interesting back story and has traveled a long way to end up in Watkins Glen. Check it out in person at the Center and read more online.
Watkins-Montour Rotary Club updates

Tony Vickio was the invited speaker at last week's rotary meeting, sharing a new effort by Spirit of Schuyler to increase the organization's scholarship program. The Seneca Lake Brewing Company's annual bonfire this year will benefit the fund. The event is planned for November 6, at 5pm, and will be held on Route 14, north of Watkins Glen at Seneca Brewing. The Rotary will hold October meetings at the Elks. On November 4, and thereafter, meetings will be at the Harbor Hotel. For more information about the Watkins-Montour Rotary Club, contact Michel Ray (Mray@visionsfcu.org).
On stage at SUNY CCC

Superheroes return to the stage! SUNY CCC Theatre Studies and Muse of Fire Theatre club present four performances of Mynx and Savage by Rebecca Gorman O'Neill, Friday through Sunday, November 12 through November 14, in the Schuyler Amphitheatre at SUNY CCC.
 
Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 7:00 pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $12 general admission, and $6 for all students and seniors 65+.
 
The story: Ket, a young illustrator, comes to work with her graphic novel idol, Adam, on the 100th issue of his popular superhero fantasy series, Mynx and Savage. Ket finds Adam facing a serious case of artist-writer's block as his past, and the origins of Mynx and Savage in a childhood friendship, haunt him more and more. Fantasy bleeds into reality when the superheroes and their mild-mannered alter egos invade the artists' studio. With wit and bold action, Ket and the superheroes help Adam to face the tragic past so he can finally claim his creative future.
Talking wages with Burr Consulting

 
The law requires employers to give notice to employees of their wage rates at the time of hire. Now, the WTPA requires employers to give a written notice to each new hire. The notice must include:
 
  1. Rate or rates of pay, including overtime rate of pay (if it applies).
  2. How the employee is paid – by the hour, shift, day, week, commission, etc.
  3. Regular payday.
  4. Official name of the employer and any other names used for business (DBA).
  5. Address and phone number of the employer’s main office or principal location.
  6. Allowances taken as part of the minimum wage (tip, meal and lodging deductions).
  7. In the past, the notices were in English; now, the notice must appear both in English and in the employee’s primary language (if the Department of Labor offers a translation).
  8. Employers must have each employee sign and date the completed notice; employers must provide a copy to each employee.
 
Also, remember to use the correct Wage Theft Notification Form as well, found on the New York State websites. There are differences for exempt or nonexempt employees.
 
The Great Escape is hosting the following fundraiser. If you love animals, ice cream, or kids with big hearts, please consider participating. Head to the Great Escape 10/14 to 10/17.
Ice skating rink comes online

Update from Clute Memorial Park: The new ice skating rink is expected to be open on November 19. Details -- for ice skating and the Seneca Lakes Event Center -- can be found on the Village's website. This is a great excuse to invite family, friends, and associates to the area.
Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grants

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is currently accepting applications for the Erie Canalway IMPACT! Grant Program. The grants range from $2,500 to $12,000 and will be awarded to municipalities, not-for-profits with a 501(c)(3) designation, and federally-recognized Native American tribes within the boundaries of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. Applications are due by Friday, October 15, 2021. Details are online. Reps from the granting organization indicate that applicants are strongly advised to contact them to discuss proposed projects prior to submitting an application. Please contact Andy Kitzmann, 518-237-7000 x201, andy_kitzmann@partner.nps.gov.
LODGERS ... Please share info
We are compiling the following information (so please share with us!):
  • What packages will you offer for Holiday Lights - Schuyler Style? (Please note the event as part of Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions.)
  • What packages will you offer for New Year's Eve? (Please note the event at Clute Park as part of Holiday Happenings & Winter Traditions.)
  • What packages will you offer for Valentine's Day?
  • Will you offer packages for people looking for things to do toward the end of January/February 2022? We're calling these "Cabin Fever" events.
  • If you're changing hours and/or closing for a portion of the year, please share that too.
Any and all accommodation members are welcome to share their food, entertainment, and packages with the Chamber. We will help spread the word here in our e-news and on our social media platforms and website. Please know that we do NOT have complete information on availability and openings. In most cases, we direct guests to www.explorewatkinsglen.com, where they can find links to area lodgers. With this in mind, we hope you will keep your listings current and be sure to post your offers for the public and members on the WGACC Bulletin Board when you are checking out and/or updating your listing on the Simpleview Extranet.
Government News
Governor Hochul Alleviates
Potential Healthcare Staffing Shortages

Governor Kathy Hochul tonight signed an executive order to alleviate potential staffing shortages in hospitals and other health care facilities statewide. The executive order significantly expands the eligible health care workforce and allows additional health care workers to administer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. In related news, the Governor has announced that health care staff vaccination rates continue to rise throughout New York State, according to the latest data reported by health care facilities to the Department of Health.
Vaccine Mandates

From a report published by the Business Council: On September 9, President Biden announced a six-prong national strategy to combat the COVID-19 virus. Several of the initiatives will impact employers. Primarily, the new mandates for employers will come from OSHA through an anticipated Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) that could become effective immediately upon publication in the National Register. While it could take weeks, it is unclear when the publication will occur. The strategy includes:
  • Requiring all employers with 100 or more employees to ensure their workers are vaccinated or tested weekly
  • Requiring employers with 100 or more employees to provide paid time off to get vaccinated
  • Requiring vaccinations for workers at Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals and other health care settings
  • Requiring vaccinations for federal workers and for contractors doing business with the federal government
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
In a recent update from Isabella Casillas Guzman, National Administrator for the US Small Business Administration, enhancements to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loans were highlighted.

  • Increased the COVID EIDL Cap. The SBA will lift the COVID EIDL cap from $500,000 to $2 million. Loan funds can be used for any normal operating expenses and working capital, including payroll, purchasing equipment, and paying debt.
  • Implemented a Deferred Payment Period. The SBA will ensure small business owners will not have to begin COVID EIDL repayment until two years after loan origination, so they can get through the pandemic without having to worry about making ends meet.
  • Established a 30-Day Exclusivity Window. To ensure main street businesses have additional time to access these funds, the SBA will implement a 30-day exclusivity window of approving and disbursing funds for loans of $500,000 or less. Approval and disbursement of loans over $500,000 will begin after the 30-day period.
  • Expanded Eligible Use of Funds. COVID EIDL funds will now be eligible to prepay commercial debt and make payments on federal business debt.
  • Simplified affiliation requirements. To ease the COVID EIDL application process for small businesses, the SBA has established more simplified affiliation requirements to model those of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Learn more about eligibility and application requirements and how to apply. The last day that applications may be received is December 31, 2021. All eligible applicants should file their applications as soon as possible. COVID EIDL Loan Program Overview Flyer (sba.gov)
New York State Budget Update

New York State has issued its first quarter update of the state's fiscal plan. The following information has been shared by the Business Council of New York State.
 
The update showed that all funds spending from state and federal resources will increase by $22.3 billion or 12% in FY 2022, up to $208.8 billion, driven by an $18.5 billion (mostly temporary) increase in federal aid. Overall state spending will increase by almost 20% over a two-year period. And while receipts from state-imposed taxes were off slightly last fiscal year, down by just .6% from FY 2020, they are projected to increase by 10.6% this fiscal year, based on a rebounding economy and increased personal income and corporate franchise tax rates adopted in April. The updated plan continues to project a balanced budget.
 
Further, recent cash reports from the Office of the State Comptroller show similar positive trends in both state and local government tax receipts. Not surprising, tax receipts for this year are well above last year's levels, when many individuals and businesses were impacted by COVID shutdowns, job losses, and depressed consumer demand. However, data shows that personal income and business taxes are also well above collection levels for the same four-month period in SFY 2019-20, before the pandemic. This year's tax receipt levels were influenced not only by economic recovery, but also by temporary increases in marginal personal income tax rates, and temporary increases in the corporate franchise rates.
 
Local sales tax receipts through the first half of 2021 were higher than the same period pre-COVID-19 in all major regions of the state, showing a rebound in sales activity as well. As these collections are also higher than inflation-adjusted levels from 2019, they indicate a real growth in consumer activity, not just the delay of purchases from 2020 into 2021. Comptroller data also shows that local governments took a hit in total sales tax collections in 2020, although not as significant as feared, again with one significant exception. New York City's sales tax collections fell by 18.7% from 2019 to 2020, (a loss of $1.5 billion). In contrast, three of the remaining nine regions of the state had sales tax revenue growth in 2020 (Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, and North Country), while the remaining six saw declines ranging from .2% to 2.9%. Excepting New York City, most other regions of the state have seen positive economic recovery, and their recovery in sales tax collections, coupled with the temporary federal funding, should place most regions in better than expected fiscal condition as well.
 
For more information, contact the Business Council of New York State (518-694-4460).
It's time: Communicate your HERO Act

The HERO Act requires employers to adopt and maintain an airborne infectious disease prevention plan to be implemented when an airborne infectious disease is designated by the New York State Commissioner of Health as a “highly contagious communicable disease that presents a serious risk of harm to the public health.” The deadline for communicating the existence of your plan to your employees was Saturday, September 4, 2021. Here's info to help you formulate your plan: Learn more about the HERO Act deadline and find sample language you can use to implement your plan. Please make sure your employees are notified.
FDA approves first COVID-19 vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. Read the full story.
Grants for small businesses:
Gov. Hochul extends opportunity

The successful recovery of small businesses is key to New York State's future. The New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program is open now and provides flexible grant assistance to currently viable small businesses, micro-businesses, and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations in the State of New York who have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please check online for revised threshholds, eligibility requirements, and more information regarding the New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Program: www.nysmallbusinessrecovery.com. The program is administered by ESD and powered by Lendistry. Questions? Call 877-721-0097.
Vaccine clinic info
In the area? The following options are offered by Arnot Health. Those wishing to be vaccinated can register online at arnothealth.org/vaccine-info-individuals, call 1-800-952-2662, or take advantage of walk-in service up to 30 minutes before the end of the clinic. 

  • Arnot Mall Event Center - Every Wednesday in October 2021, 10:00am - 5:00pm.
  • Watkins Glen Community Center – Every Friday in October – 9:00 am to Noon

Schuyler County Public Health Vaccine Clinics
  • Thursday, October 14, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Watkins Glen Community Center
  • Friday, October 15, from 9:00 AM - Noon at the Watkins Glen Community Center
Pfizer Boosters available at all Arnot Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
The CDC recently issued recommendations for a single booster dose for the Pfizer vaccine. Those Pfizer vaccine recipients eligible to receive the booster dose six months after completion of their primary series include:
  • Individuals 65 years of age and older and residents in long-term care settings;
  • Individuals age 50-64 with underlying medical conditions;
  • Individuals age 18-49 with underlying medical conditions, based on individual benefit and risk (can be based on shared clinical decision-making and encourages, but does not require, prior consultation with a provider before administration of a booster dose); and
  • Individuals age 18-64 who are at an increased risk for COVID-19 exposure or transmission because of occupational or institutional setting, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Stay informed:
Interested in tracking vaccine results? Bookmark this page: ny.gov/vaccinetracker.
For the latest updates on news and regulations, bookmark the New York Forward webpages.
$ $ Grant info $ $
PROMOTE YOUR NEWS AND EVENTS
Add your happenings to the Public Events Calendar on our website!
Add your event quickly, easily, and at no cost. Click here for the submission page.

SHARE YOUR NEWS — VIA CHAMBER SOCIAL MEDIA & ENEWS
We will gladly feature your upcoming events and news on our social media channels and in our newsletter.
Contact Michael at (585) 721-6032 or send him your news
at Michael@WatkinsGlenChamber.com by noon on Thursdays.

CONNECT WITH THE CHAMBER TEAM
Office Phone: (607) 535-4300
Katherine Jack, Visitor Center and Office Administrator email
Abby Lane, Events and Membership-Engagement Manager email
Stephanie Specchio, Director of Communications and Marketing email
Kate Fuller, Marketing Consultant (Part-Time contractor) email
Michael Hardy, Executive Director email and (585) 721-6032 (cell)