As Expected, Border Restrictions Extended to May 21 |
The U.S. and Canadian governments have announced that existing restrictions on non-essential travel across the border, due to expire on April 21, have been extended to May 21.
"This was entirely expected," notes Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "Given circumstances in Canada, there is no reason to expect any significant change in the near future, though we will continue to call on both governments to step up planning for the ways forward, including some potential adjustments ahead of summer for those who are vaccinated."
Douglas notes that "there continue to be spikes in Ontario and Quebec with curfews and other restrictions, including closure on Monday of the Ontario-Quebec border to all but essential travel. And at the same time, the Canadian vaccination process is months behind the U.S. with Quebec still focusing on age 55 and older as an example. It seems increasingly likely we will not see major changes for summer, though we are still calling for some possible modest adjustments to accommodate near border property and boat owners, some additional allowance for business related travel, and more support for family connections, limited for now to the vaccinated if they wish."
"As we have pointed out, we need a sense of greater urgency around this matter from both governments," says Douglas. "The U.S.-Canada relationship is unique in the world but is based upon people-to-people connectivity, not government to government. Enormous and long-lasting damage is being done and this all deserves stronger attention and commitment, so we don't just drift in place for months to come without a sense of progress and hope."
The Chamber reports that it is working actively to encourage more dialogue and discussion cross border to focus greater attention on the impacts and possible ways forward. This includes a webinar on April 28th sponsored by the FCCQ (Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Quebec) and the North Country Chamber featuring former Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Rep. Elise Stefanik, co-chair of the Northern Border Caucus in Congress. The Chamber is also working with the Can/Am Border Trade Alliance on two days of virtual border related programming on May 3-4. The North Country Chambe is also in communication with the Wilson Center in Washington which has a bi-national task force developing recommendations and with the Council of State Governments whose Canada-U.S. Relations Committee is co-chaired by Assemblyman Billy Jones.
Garry Douglas
President/CEO
North Country Chamber of Commerce
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Learn more and sign up for our Webinar Next week called, "Let's Talk about Reopening the Border" with key government liaisons from both sides of the border and timely conversations. |
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Area Employment Continues to be Stronger than State |
Recently released preliminary unemployment numbers for March continue to show our area is performing better than the state at-large. Statewide unemployment in March 2021 was 8.9% compared with 8.5% for March 2020. The county unemployment rates in our own area were as follows:
Clinton County: 6.2% for March 2021 compared with 5.4% for March 2020. Essex County was 6.8*% compared with 6.6%; Franklin County was 6.5% compared with 6.1%; Hamilton County was 6.9% compared with 9.4%; and Warren County was 7.1% compared with 6.0%.
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Looking for employment in the North Country? Check out the North Country Chamber's Now Hiring Page! |
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Employers Stepping Up: Helping Employees Get Vaccinated |
Why it matters: Our economic recovery depends on getting as many people vaccinated for COVID-19 as possible. Employers play a crucial role in accomplishing this.
“Vaccination is one of our strongest social contracts in the context of health care,” explained Dr. Susan Garfield, EY Americas Chief Public Health Officer. “Me getting vaccinated as a relatively healthy person is not only protecting me, my family, and my community, but it’s particularly protecting those most vulnerable around us: those with underlying health issues, who are immune-comprised, pregnant, or otherwise.”
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Hard-Hit Leisure and Hospitality Industry Poised for a Rebound |
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Last week, in our analysis of where the various industries that comprise our economy stand in the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, we looked at the hard-hit food and beverage industry. Today, we look at the similarly hard-hit leisure and hospitality industry.
Big picture: The industry has lost almost 1.3 million jobs since February of 2020. That is 28% of its total workforce. While this is a stunning total, it was actually much worse around this time last year. As of April 2020, the industry had lost more than 2.2 million workers – almost half of all its pre-pandemic positions.
Breaking it down: A look at the sub-industries shows the depth of the pain. Performing arts and spectator sports has lost 163,000 jobs, about one-third of all its workers. Museums and historical sites have lost 44,000 jobs (-25%), amusements, gambling, and recreation 472,000 jobs (-26%), and accommodation more than 600,000 (-29%).
Looking ahead: Like restaurants and bars, leisure and hospitality are poised for a strong rebound in the coming months. Once vaccinations increase more, and viral cases drop more, people will return to events, travel, and visit recreation sites in strong numbers. There is pent up demand for these services and Americans have the money to spend on them.
The coming better days are welcome news, but the pain this industry has felt over the last year means it will still be some time before it is fully healed.
—Curtis Dubay, Senior Economist, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
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Small Business; Big Ideas: Protecting Your IP Rights |
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This year, World Intellectual Property Day 2021 focuses on the critical role that small businesses play in the economy, and how they can use IP rights to build stronger, and more competitive businesses.
The U.S. Embassy will hold this World IP Day event to help prepare small businesses with the IP tools required to expand their market presence. We plan to contribute to small business success with information on how patents, designs, trademarks, geographical indications, and copyright affect them and play a major role in innovation.
Event Details
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Date: Monday April 26, 2021
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Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm EDT
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Cost: Free, but must register
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Location: Cisco WebEx Meeting (Link will be sent after registration)
Speakers
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- Department of Commerce STOPfakes
- Canada Border Services Agency
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Plattsburgh Boat Basin the Gateway to the Lake City! |
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In the early 1800’s the Boat Basin served as the commercial port used to unload the building blocks that would become the City of Plattsburgh.
Today, almost a century and half later, we are still the centerpiece of the marine entry to Plattsburgh.
With anchorage and docking for over 350 boats, full service repairs, towing and lifts accommodating up to 35 ton for vessels, we await serving you.
Our waterside bar and grill, The Naked Turtle, has become a famous stop and has been acclaimed by New York State as one of the best stops on Lake Champlain for food, drink and fun.
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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.
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Today's Dose is Generously Supported By: |
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NYS Vaccination Updates: Official Site for making an appointment to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
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Forward NY: Official State Website for opening procedures and guidelines.
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NYS Travel Advisory: Stay up to date on the latest NYS Travel Advisory Updates.
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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.
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SCORE: Small business owners are resilient and can power through this challenging time, with SCORE by their side.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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