PPP Extension Signed into Law |
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President Biden signed into law the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act of 2021.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provides funds necessary to sustain business operations and keep workers employed. In general, borrowers can receive a loan amount of up to 2.5x (or 3.5x if NAICS 72) the average monthly payroll costs in the one year prior to the loan or the calendar year.
The deadline to apply for a PPP loan has been extended until May 31st, 2021.
Changes and updates to the program include:
Additional Funding
- An additional $7.25 billion have been allocated for PPP loans to qualifying businesses
Expanded Eligibility
- Larger non-profit organizations
- Certain nonprofits that engage in limited lobbying and advocacy efforts
- Online only news-outlets
For more information on the Paycheck Protection Program, click here.
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Eastern Ontario joins Ottawa and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark in Red-Control Zone |
Three of the five public health units in Eastern Ontario are now in the Red-Control zone in Ontario's COVID-19 response framework.
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit officially moved to the red zone at 12:01 a.m., joining Ottawa and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit in the second-highest level of the COVID-19 restrictions.
The move to the red zone imposes new restrictions on social gatherings and capacity at bars, restaurants, retail stores and gyms.
Private social gatherings are now limited to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Restaurants are limited indoors to the lesser of approximately 50 per cent of the indoor dining area or 50 people.
Eastern Ontario Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis told CTV Morning Live on Friday it was "disappointing" new restrictions were being imposed on the region, adding everyone needs to follow the public health guidelines with the variants of concern spreading.
"We’re pleading with everybody; please, please, please be very careful. The variant now has taken over in our area," said Dr. Roumeliotis. "It’s over 50 per cent of the cases as well and it's happening like that provincially. It’s much easier to transmit."
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INPUT NEEDED: Business Recovery, Resiliency, and Opportunity Survey |
The Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB) Economic Development team is launching a “Business Retention & Expansion Program” to support businesses in the region as part of the Forward Together initiative. The program’s purpose is to CONNECT with the business community, UNDERSTAND needs of businesses, IDENTIFY pervasive problems and trends, and RESPOND with resources and information.
Help us launch the program by telling us what your business needs to be resilient now and into the future. The information you provide will be used to help drive action by LCLGRPB and our regional economic development partners.
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If you are a business owner, please complete the survey here.
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To learn more about the Forward Together Initiative, visit the LCLGRPB’s website here.
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April 1 Kicks Off Trout Season |
Trout fishing season in New York State opens on Thursday, April 1. In preparation for opening day, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is stocking 1.8 million catchable trout in waters across the state. In addition to larger size fish being stocked this year, some stream reaches will receive four stockings of trout.
New York State offers a diverse set of fishing opportunities for wild and stocked trout.
"This year opening day represents the beginning of a new era in trout stream management for New York," DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "After more than two years of committed work with our angling public, DEC will begin implementing the new Trout Stream Management Plan. In addition to new and fewer types of special regulations, we have made significant progress toward achieving our fish production objectives to stock larger yearling fish and seed all stockings with some fish 12 inches or larger. Best of all, anglers can continue to enjoy our trout stream resources through the fall and winter months thanks to the creation of a new catch and release season."
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What You Need To Know about the Covid-19 Vaccines |
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Join the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield for our 3rd Webinar answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccine submitted by our business community.
As the restrictions are opening up to all NYS residents 16+ (starting April 16th) and more vaccines enter the marketplace, we are turning to our panel of experts for answers.
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Date: April 7th
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Time: 10am
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Fee: Free
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Thanks to our sponsor Excellus
Panelist Include:
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Dr. Wouter Rietsema, UVM-CVPH
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Dr. Mona Chitre, BC EXCELLUS
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Ruth-Ellen Van Arnam, Kinney Drugs
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Margaret Searing, RN, Clinton County Public Health
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Dr. Tracey Henderson, Adirondack Health
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Large-Scale College Sports Venues Can Host Spectators Beginning April 2nd |
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Collegiate sports can bring fans back to the stands under strict state guidelines, beginning April 2. Intercollegiate sports at large-scale venues that hold more than 1,500 attendees indoors or 2,500 attendees outdoors can host up to 10 percent indoor or 20 percent outdoor capacity. All attendees must present proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test result or completed COVID-19 immunization prior to entry. Colleges and universities hosting spectators for sporting events at large-scale venues must notify and coordinate with their respective state or local health department, aligning with the state guidance for professional sports competitions with spectators.
Small-scale college venues that host intercollegiate, intramural, or club sports can host spectators at either two fans per player, or the social gathering limit of 100 attendees indoors or 200 attendees outdoors. However, if the school or venue require all attendees to present proof of a recent negative test result or completed immunization prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 attendees indoors or 500 attendees outdoors. Maximum occupancy limit of 50 percent remains in effect, pursuant to the state guidance for sports and recreational activities.
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Hudson Healthwaters Health Network Turns 40! |
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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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