•  ARCC Update Mask Guidelines

    The COVID-19 Coronavirus continues to impact our businesses and communities and your Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce is continually working on assisting our members and business community the best way we can. Below you will find multiple resources:

     ARCC

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Guide to Loan Forgiveness from the US Chamber of Commerce

    Please click here for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Guide to Loan Forgiveness from the US Chamber of Commerce.

  • Reopening Self-Assessment and Affirmation of Compliance Form for the City of Glens Falls

    Please click here for an informational letter from Glens Falls Mayor Dan Hall regarding reopening self-assessment and affirmation of compliance for the City of Glens Falls.

    Please click here for the City of Glens Falls reopening self-assessment and affirmation of compliance form.

  • Capital Region Phase 1 Reopening Starts Wednesday May 20, 2020

    May 19, 2020
     
    Great news! The Capital Region Phase 1 reopening starts, tomorrow, Wednesday May 20, 2020!!
     
    Some key points:
     
    Click here to see if your business is in Phase 1 and that you have read the NY State safety guidance and have a business reopening safety plan in place.
     
    Click here for Business Reopen Lookup Tool.
     
    Click here for the Business Reopening Safety Plan template (this is a standard template, please see if there is one specific to your business).
     
    The business reopening safety plan template states, “This plan does not need to be submitted to a state agency for approval but must be retained on the premises of the business and must be made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.”
     
    Other helpful guidance:
    1. Develop Plans and Procedures (fill out business reopening safety plan template referenced above)
    2. Have a person “in charge” and accountable for the procedures and making sure they are implemented
    3. Employees should all receive a copy of the plan and sign off that they have read the plan and agree to implement them
    4. Have log books available for staff to fill out that they are performing the procedures (sign off time and initials)
    5. Have signs at your place of business outlining what your safety expectations are for your employees and your guests/customers

       

  • New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool

    May 18, 2020

    Please click here for the “New York Forward Business Reopening Lookup Tool”.
     
    As stated on the webpage, “This tool will help you determine whether or not your business is eligible to reopen, and the public health and safety standards with which your business must comply.”
     
    Please click here for an updated “Industries Reopening by Phase” page.
     
    Both links will help you determine, and provide information for, your business’ timing of reopening.

     

  • Capital Region Ready to Open for Business Once Contact Tracers in Place

    May 18, 2020
     
    We are excited that the Governor’s Office has stated that once the Capital Region has enough certified tracers we may open for business and start Phase 1. It is anticipated that the Capital region will have enough tracers early this week.
     
    The announcement occurred due to the Governor’s office correctly recalibrating the 7-Matrix metrics numbers properly in the area of hospitalizations and mortality rates and numbers. Please click here for the email we sent this past Saturday to Dr. Malatras, a member of the Governor’s COVID-19 team, asking him to look at and recalibrate these numbers. Many thanks to the many folks who worked hard to make this happen!
     
    Please see below, an interview and further information from yesterday with Mark Mulholland of WNYT Channel 13.
    Warren, Washington County businesses ready to reopen
    Mark Mulholland
     
    Businesses are eager to reopen in Warren and Washington Counties.
     
    Leaders there were eager to be separated from the rest of the Capital Region when it came to reopening, but Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday that the entire region is nearly ready to begin phase one.
     
    State Assemblyman Dan Stec, Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore and Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce President Mike Bittel have been discussing plans to reopen the economy.
     
    Bittel pointed out that big box stores are open and soon beaches will be able to, but not the "mom and pops" that provide a livelihood for so many in the region.
     
    Apparently, the state listened.
     
    Bittel, Stec and Moore are thrilled that the Governor's team recalibrated its metrics Sunday and the Capital Region is ready to reopen as soon as it can prove it has enough certified contact tracers.
     
    "Before today's announcement, I would've said let's do a subregion because Warren and Washington Counties are a little bit different than our neighbors to the south," said Moore.
     
    Click here to read this article online.

     

  • Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the US Department of Treasury

    Please click here for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application from the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the US Department of Treasury.
     
    Please also see below a “News Release” from the SBA on further guidance regarding PPP.
     
     
    NEWS RELEASE
     
    ATLANTIC REGION  New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands
     
    Release Date: May 15, 2020                              
    Contact: Press_Office@sba.gov, (202) 205-7036
     
     
    SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program
    Loan Forgiveness Application
     
    WASHINGTON—The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application. 
     
    The form and instructions inform borrowers how to apply for forgiveness of their PPP loans, consistent with the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). SBA will also soon issue regulations and guidance to further assist borrowers as they complete their applications, and to provide lenders with guidance on their responsibilities.
    The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including:
     
    • Options for borrowers to calculate payroll costs using an “alternative payroll covered period” that aligns with borrowers’ regular payroll cycles
    • Flexibility to include eligible payroll and non-payroll expenses paid or incurred during the eight-week period after receiving their PPP loan
    • Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the calculations required by the CARES Act to confirm eligibility for loan forgiveness
    • Borrower-friendly implementation of statutory exemptions from loan forgiveness reduction based on rehiring by June 30
    • Addition of a new exemption from the loan forgiveness reduction for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined
     
    The PPP was created by the CARES Act to provide forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to keep American workers on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. The documents released today will help small businesses seek forgiveness at the conclusion of the eight-week covered period, which begins with the disbursement of their loans.
    Click here to view the application and instructions. It is also available at www.sba.gov/ppp in the Loan Forgiveness section of the webpage.
     
    ###
     
    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more visit www.sba.gov.

  • Letter to Dr. Malatras - PLEASE REOPEN OUR REGION FOR BUSINESS

    Please see below a letter that we penned today to one of Governor Cuomo’s chief associates, Dr. Malatras. Dr. Malatras is intimately involved as a representative of the Governor with Reopening Regions for business.
     
    Your ARCC is involved and advocating 24/7 for our businesses and our region to our government agencies at all levels and elected officials at the local, state and Federal level.  Many thanks to our businesses for all your input, support for our community and grit through this situation. Many thanks to so many local, state and Federal elected and government officials who are fighting for us and with us to open up now.
     
    The time is NOW to reopen our doors!  As noted below in my letter, I have the utmost faith in our business community to do the right thing and keep our employees and customers safe and healthy.

    Please respond to this email if you have any feedback you would like me to pass along to Dr. Malatras.
     
    We are in this together!!
     
    Blessings,
     
     
    Michael Bittel
    President/CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
     
    May 16, 2020
     
    Dr. Jim Malatras
    Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo
    Via email
     
    Dear Dr. Malatras,
     
    I am writing today on behalf of the 773 members of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Our main footprint is Warren, Washington, Southern Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties.  Our businesses are diverse in nature from manufacturing, non-profits, financial, tourism, and so many other small businesses which make up the back bone of our region.  ALL of our members are hurting, and more importantly their employees and families are hurting, because of the current state of affairs and the fact that we are not allowed to open for business.
     
    I pen this letter today to you as you are a vital part of the Governor’s Control Room Team to reopen the Capital Region, which our footprint is a part.  We have worked hard with our business community, other EDCs and chambers, to plan for a reopening and ensure that our employees and guest/customers will be safe.  The care and passion that our business owners have for all is second to none.  In concert with NY State health guidelines, CDC guidelines and industry and local guidelines, OUR BUSINESSES ARE READY TO OPEN NOW.  In a past life, one of my duties was head of Food Safety at the King Arthur Flour Company.  The standards that our business community has set for health and safety are second to none, and I can say that based on my years of experience at King Arthur Flour.
     
    We have worked hard with our partners at all levels of government and elected officials (Federal, State and Local) to ensure that our businesses will meet or exceed all standards set by the government for health and safety.  Please see a link for the 113 page “Warren County Partnership for Recovery” 
    https://chambermaster.blob.core.windows.net/userfiles/UserFiles/chambers/1842/CMS/WCPfR-TOC-FINAL.pdf  report where we included all facets of business and experts in each field to participate and execute in a re-opening plan, doing so in concert with local elected officials.  OUR BUSINESSES ARE READY TO OPEN NOW. 
    Our community has worked extremely hard and well with our health care providers and our non-profits through this difficult time.  I am amazed, but not surprised, at the way those in our region have rushed to the table to help each other.  Both our healthcare providers and non-profits are struggling in regards to dollars because of our business closures. 
     
    Our healthcare providers are second to none.  Which is part of the reason why we are confused as to why we are not open for business.  Glens Falls Hospital has 5 COVID-19 patients as of Friday May 15, 2020.  GFH vastly exceeds number of beds needed, doctor and nurse availability and all other health emergency and preparation metrics.  Our concern is that the current 7-point matrix is possibly being held back using old/dated data.   If we had number of deaths or hospitalizations from weeks ago holding us back, how does that apply to today?  Having a low number to strive for in hospitalizations is not fair to our region as we continue to have lower and lower numbers each day.  If we have five hospitalizations and that number unfortunately goes to 6, is it fair to say with a low number such as this that we increased 20%?  Not at all.  Are we being penalized in the numbers for being good neighbors and taking people in from outside the region to care for, yet those hospitalizations are in our region’s numbers? We hope not.
     
    Large box stores are open, yet the “Mom and Pops” stores, the backbone of our community, are closed.  Beaches are going to be open, but not the small businesses who provide the livelihood for so many in our region.
     
    Dr. Malatras, please help us OPEN FOR BUSINESS NOW.  I can assure you that our region is prepared, passionate, and poised to reopen and do it safely.  Our healthcare providers are prepared, our community needs to go to work and I assure you our employers always will do their best to keep their employees and customers safe and happy.
     
    Please feel free to contact me anytime for more information and/or clarity on what I have written above.
     
    We just have one ask, help us because OUR BUSINESSES ARE READY TO OPEN NOW. 
     
    (While I will be sending this to you via email and sharing this with our members and elected officials, I will not share your personal email address.  Should our members have further comments I will be sure to pass them through me to you and not give out your personal email address sir). 
     
    Blessings,
     
     
    Michael Bittel
    President/CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
     
    Cc:         Senator Betty Little, NY-45
                   Assemblyman Dan Stec, NY-114
                   Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, NY-113
                   Argyle Supervisor Bob Henke
                   Ryan Moore, Warren County Administrator

     

  • ARCC Conversation with Your Legislators Video Recording from May 13, 2020

    Please click here for the ARCC Conversation with Your Legislators Video Recording from May 13, 2020. 
     
    Many thanks to Mark Shaw and StoredTech for hosting and to Jesse Jackson and his team at LookTV for filming.
     
    Thank you to Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Betty Little, Assemblyman Dan Stec, and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner for joining us for an information packed call.
     
    We are in this together.
     
    Blessings,
     
    Michael Bittel
    President & CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
     

     

  • Warren County Partnership for Recovery Report

    Queensbury Supervisor at Large Mike Wild chairs a Warren County task force who authored the “Warren County Partnership for Recovery Report”. The goal of this report is to offer further insight to our elected officials at all levels of government on the true impact to our business community through this COVID-19 pandemic. We also want the world to know the care and passion that our business community possesses and that when the time is right we are prepared and ready to open for business. 
     
    It has been an honor to work with the folks on this task force and witness the solidarity and love that we share collectively for our region.
     
    Please click here to view the “Warren County Partnership for Recovery Report”.
     
    Here is a list of the folks on the task force:
     
    Frank Thomas, Chair, Warren County Board of Supervisors
    Ryan Moore, Warren County Administrator
    Mike Wild, Queensbury Supervisor at Large and Chair of the Task Force
    Ed Bartholomew, Warren County EDC
    Dr. Kris Duffy, SUNY Adirondack
    Frank Dittrich, The Inn at Erlowest
     

    Click here to view the Warren County Partnership for Recovery report.

     

  • REQUIRED: "Read and Affirm Detailed Guidelines" for Phase 1 Reopening and Essential Businesses

    Please click here for the “NY Forward Industries Reopening by Phase” page where you will find “Read and Affirm Detailed Guidelines”, along with summary guidelines and sample safety plan templates.
     
    Please note:
    Each business reopening in Phase 1, and currently open essential businesses, will have to read and affirm the detailed guidelines for your industry and submit acknowledgement to the state on the link found above.

     

  • New York Safety and Health Guidelines for Phase 1 Industry Reopening

    Please click here for updated New York safety and health guidelines for Phase 1 industry reopening.

    Please note:

    At this time, New York is urging each business to develop a safety and health plan prior to reopening.

    There is no guidance at this time to submit your plan for approval.

    Click here for the FAQ, where there is a section with a contact email address for the Capital Region should you have questions regarding a safety and health plan for your business.

    Please check the links above often as new information is added several times per day.

  • SBA Update: PPP and EIDL reports, New FAQ for PPP, Safe Harbor extension, 8-week period, use of PPP and EIDL funds

    Just a few updates as we wait for the PPP forgiveness guidance to be issued. We’ve been receiving a lot of questions on a few topics, particularly the following:       
    • An updated FAQ has been posted today on treasury.gov addressing how SBA will evaluate the good faith certification regarding the necessity of the PPP loan request: https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf
    • The safe harbor deadline for businesses to return PPP funds if they determine that they were ineligible has been extended until tomorrow, 5/14, pending publication of the procedures for returning the funds. If the guidance is not ready by then, I would expect another extension of the deadline. We’ve been receiving a lot of questions from PPP borrowers about the “economic uncertainty” certification, and I would encourage you to direct questions from your constituents to our office if they’re concerned.
    • There are no updates to the 8-week forgiveness period, and we can’t speculate on any legislative or regulatory changes to this. Businesses should plan based on the rules as they are now.
    • The first PPP Interim Final Rule requires that 75% of the use of proceeds be used for payroll costs. This is distinct from the rule that 75% of the forgivable expenses must be payroll.
    • The EIDL Advance has no reporting requirements and does not have to be repaid. It is designed to provide immediate economic relief. This is independent from the EIDL Loan and not part of the Loan’s terms and conditions. Any Advance funds will be deducted from PPP forgiveness, however.
    • The EIDL Loan funds may only be used for working capital expenses. Business expansion or acquiring fixed assets are not eligible uses of proceeds.
     
    Updated PPP and EIDL Advance numbers:
     
    In Round Two of the Paycheck Protection Program (April 27 - May 8, 2020), the SBA has guaranteed 2,571,167 loans. For more information on Round Two loan activity, click here.

     

  • Updated Regional Monitoring Dashboard

    Please click here for an updated Regional Monitoring Dashboard. We are in the Capital Region where we improved from 5 out of 7 yesterday to 6 out of 7 today.
     
    Please take note:
     
    The goal is to be 7 out of 7 on the metrics. Once the Capital Region hits 7 out of 7 after May 15, we may get clearance to start Phase 1 reopening.
     
    This chart can change day to day in either direction, better or worse, or stay static.
     
    Please note at the bottom of the Dashboard a description of each metric.

  • NY Industries Reopening by Phase

    As you know from the information we emailed yesterday afternoon, our Capital Region is not declared ready for Phase 1 of reopening. Our Capital Region is working hard to meet the 7 point metrics criteria, known as the Regional Monitoring Dashboard. Click here to view the Regional Monitoring Dashboard. When these criteria are met and the Governor approves, our Capital Region will be able to start in Phase 1 of reopening.
     
    Please click here for a link to the Governor’s website with current information on New York industries reopening by phase.
     
    As you will see, the New York industries reopening by phase web page is still a work in progress. There is a “Frequently Asked Questions” section, which currently has no questions or answers. But it does have an email link for each region for you to ask questions you may have.

     

  • Governor Cuomo Announces Updated New York Re-Open Information

    Please click here as Governor Cuomo announces three regions of New York ready to begin re-opening on May 15th.
     
    Please click here for an updated Regional Monitoring Dashboard released by Governor Cuomo this afternoon.
     
    In addition click here for the "NY Forward Re-Opening" Guide also distributed by the Governor’s office.

     

  • ARCC LookTV Interview

    Many thanks to Jesse Jackson and the team at LookTV for the opportunity to interview with them. 
     
    Please click here for the interview.
     
    We are in this together.
     
    Blessings,
     
    Michael Bittel
    President & CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

     

  • New York State Extends Eviction Moratorium through August 20, 2020

    May 7, 2020

    Please click here for an announcement from Governor Cuomo that New York State extends the eviction moratorium through August 20, 2020.

    This eviction moratorium applies to commercial and residential properties.

     

  • COVID-19 Relief Extends Certain Employee Benefit Plan Deadlines

    Please click here for a Compliance Overview which summarizes the participant deadline extensions under a final rule from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), which affects COBRA continuation coverage, special enrollment periods, claims for benefits, appeals of denied claims and external review of certain claims. It also includes the deadline extension pursuant to the DOL’s Disaster Relief Notice 2020-01, for notices and disclosures required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).

    Thank you much to our partners at Upstate Agency Insurance for the information and allowing us to pass it on to our members.

  • New Guidance Today on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from the US Department of Treasury

    May 4, 2020

     

    Please click here for new guidance today on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) from the US Department of Treasury. Eleven new questions and answers have been added to this guidance.

    Your ARCC has worked hard to be a voice with our Federal Officials and the Small Business Administration to ensure our members don’t get penalized for doing the right thing. It was unclear, until now, if PPP loans would be prorated downward if our employers made a good faith effort to return all their employees to work and some employees did not return. Here is the good news:

    Question #40: Will a borrower’s PPP loan forgiveness amount (pursuant to section 1106 of the CARES Act and SBA’s implementing rules and guidance) be reduced if the borrower laid off an employee, offered to rehire the same employee, but the employee declined the offer?

    Answer: No. As an exercise of the Administrator’s and the Secretary’s authority under Section 1106(d)(6) of the CARES Act to prescribe regulations granting de minimis exemptions from the Act’s limits on loan forgiveness, SBA and Treasury intend to issue an interim final rule excluding laid-off employees whom the borrower offered to rehire (for the same salary/wages and same number of hours) from the CARES Act’s loan forgiveness reduction calculation. The interim final rule will specify that, to qualify for this exception, the borrower must have made a good faith, written offer of rehire, and the employee’s rejection of that offer must be documented by the borrower. Employees and employers should be aware that employees who reject offers of re-employment may forfeit eligibility for continued unemployment compensation.

     

  • Child Care Funding for Essential Workers - Southern Adirondack Child Care Network Can Help

    Through the CARES Act at the Federal Level, monies have been set aside for child care funding for qualified essential workers. Our partners at Southern Adirondack Child Care Network are here to help you see if you qualify for these funds and help you through the application process. Visit their website here, or call 518-798-7972 for more information.
     

    Click here for the Child Care Scholarship Application information.

  • Request for Federal Funding for our Rural Counties, Towns and Villages

    Please find a letter below to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Stefanik requesting Federal Funding for our Rural Counties, Towns and Villages in our region. The letter was crafted and signed in partnership between the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and the EDC of Warren County.
     
    April 29, 2020
     
     
    The Honorable Charles E. Schumer
    322 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington DC 20510
     
    The Honorable Kirsten Gillibrand
    478 Russell
    Washington DC 20510
     
    The Honorable Elise M. Stefanik
    318 Cannon Office Building
    Washington DC 20515
     
    Re: Immediate Funding Needed for Rural Counties, Towns and Villages
     
    Dear Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Stefanik,
     
    As Congress convenes to discuss and pass a fourth stimulus package, we at the Warren County EDC and Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce hope that you will pass immediate funding for our rural counties, towns and villages. 
     
    The impact that COVID-19 has had on our local sales tax revenue and upcoming cuts from New York State will hurt those most vulnerable in our rural communities.  Without immediate Federal funding to our local level to make up for these shortfalls, the most vulnerable in our communities will suffer; our children, the elderly, those with mental health needs and those who are income insecure.  Also effected will be our frontline safety and emergency infrastructure of our police, fire and EMTs.
     
    Thank you for your consideration to address this immediate and vital need to our region.
     
    Please feel free to call on us, phone numbers below, if we can be of further assistance or offer more clarity on this important matter.
     
    Blessings,
    Ed Bartholomew Michael Bittel
    President President/CEO
    Warren County Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
    Economic Development Corp. 518-368-1477
    518-761-6007  
     

     

  • Webinar: Navigating the New Federal and State Sick Leave Policies

    presented by Pinnacle Human Resources

    On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, Rose Miller and John Monteiro, of Pinnacle Human Resources, presented a webinar on navigating the new Federal and State Sick Leave policies.

    Click here to view the recording of the webinar.

     

  • Governor Cuomo Announces 12-Step Phased Plan to Reopen New York State

    Please click here for Governor Cuomo’s 12-step phased plan to reopen New York State.

    While all 12 steps are vital to our community reopening, points 2 and 3 are very relevant directly to our business community.

  • Getting Employees Back from Unemployment: from the Business Council of New York Getting Employees Back from Unemployment: from the Business Council of New York

    Getting Employees Back from Unemployment: from the Business Council of New York

    We just came across this email from the Business Council of New York. Many employers in our area have questions regarding trying to bring employees back to work who are currently on Unemployment Insurance (UI). We thought this information might be helpful to you and your business. Please utilize the links in the email below to go directly to the NYS Department of Labor website for more information on UI and bringing employees back to work.

     

    Getting Employees Back from Unemployment: from the Business Council of New York

    As New York businesses slowly begin to reopen, many are having difficulty getting employees previously furloughed or laid off to return to work. One reason may be the generous unemployment (UI) benefits provided as part of the federal CARES Act passed in March. In addition to extending the period benefits [which] are available by an additional 13 weeks and adding additional qualifying reasons for receiving benefits, the CARES Act provided an additional temporary $600 per week for each UI recipient affected by the COVID pandemic. As a result, it is entirely possible that employees you furloughed/laid off are receiving more from UI than they did working for you.
     
    Now that you need and want these employees to return to work, what can you do? While the state of New York has broad latitude in making UI eligibility decisions, in general, the same rules apply to emergency UI benefits as applied prior to the emergency. That is, that employees must be “ready, willing, and able to work” and actively seeking employment.
     
    If you are able to re-employ a former staff member, contact the individual directly. If the claimant refuses rehire or fails to report to work, they may become ineligible for benefits. Your offer of employment must pay at least the Unemployment Insurance cutoff wage (10% lower than the Unemployment Insurance prevailing wage) for similar work. You can find the UI prevailing wage for your area here.
     
    If this happens, you should contact the Department of Labor in writing:
    NYS Department of Labor
    PO Box 15130
    Albany, NY 12212-5130
    or fax to: (518) 402-6175
     
    By the way, employers should take advantage of the UI Online Services Account for communicating with the department. This notification of a re-employment offer could be done via email if registered. General UI information for employers can be found here.
     
    Keep in mind, of course, the “employee relations” effects of doing so. Employees compelled by their employer to return to work at a rate perhaps lower than what they were receiving from UI could fall in the “disgruntled” category. Be sure to remind the employee that the additional $600 was a temporary benefit due to expire July 31, 2020 and that the post-pandemic job market is nothing if not uncertain.
     
    We have begun to hear anecdotal evidence that UI is denying claims for individuals who have refused to return to work when re-employment is offered – even when claimants have expressed fear of returning to work due to having an underlying health condition that could make them vulnerable to the virus. The governor’s recent stated concerns about New York having enough money to pay all UI claims could (and should) be driving these decisions. All UI decisions, however, are fact specific for each claimant and are made solely [by] the Department of Labor.

  • April 28, 2020 at 1 pm: SBA Upstate NY Webinar-Updates on PPP and SBA COVID-19 Relief Efforts for Small Businesses April 28, 2020 at 1 pm: SBA Upstate NY Webinar-Updates on PPP and SBA COVID-19 Relief Efforts for Small Businesses

    April 28, 2020 at 1 pm: SBA Upstate NY Webinar-Updates on PPP and SBA COVID-19 Relief Efforts for Small Businesses

     
    Please find a webinar invite from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Upstate NY district office for updates on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and SBA COVID-19 relief efforts for small businesses. 
     
    The SBA Upstate NY District Office has scheduled a webinar for 1pm on Tuesday, 4/28 to cover updates to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and SBA’s COVID-19 relief efforts for small businesses. This webinar is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
     
    Please note, this event can only be viewed online via the link below, and voice questions will not be available.
     
     
    Please submit questions in advance to Syracuse.DistrictOffice@sba.gov. Live questions via the event chat will also be available.

  • Governor Cuomo Sunday, 4/26, Press Conference comments on "Restarting the State" Governor Cuomo Sunday, 4/26, Press Conference comments on "Restarting the State"

    Governor Cuomo Sunday, 4/26, Press Conference comments on "Restarting the State"

     

    First and foremost, our continued prayers go out to all those effected by COVID-19.

    Please click here for an article from the Post Star highlighting Governor Cuomo’s Sunday April 26, 2020 press conference. 

    The Governor highlights what your ARCC has been advocating and working on with our elected officials: a regional approach to reopening New York as well as a business sector approach for reopening New York State.

  • Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - SBA Press Release: Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - SBA Press Release: Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin

    Resumption of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - SBA Press Release: Joint Statement by SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin

     

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) has informed us that the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) will reopen Monday April 27, 2020 at 10:30 am.

    Please click here for the SBA press release.

    This program works through your banking/lender relationship.

  • Letter to NYS Department of Labor re: New York State Dislocated Worker Grants Your Adirondack Region Letter to NYS Department of Labor re: New York State Dislocated Worker Grants Your Adirondack Region

    Letter to NYS Department of Labor re: New York State Dislocated Worker Grants

    Your Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Warren County Board of Supervisors, the Warren County EDC, SUNY Adirondack and the Warren County Employment and Training Administration to proactively plan on the re-opening of our local economy. Part of this plan centers around making sure that we have the ability and funding to train and develop our workforce as our economy changes and evolves in our region in the short and long term due to COVID19. Please see below a letter that we sent out, with our partners, to the New York State Department of Labor requesting funding as part of our plan.
     
    This is funding that we anticipate being discussed in Washington DC and then applied to the states in the coming months. We also sent a letter to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Congresswoman Stefanik.
     
    April 24, 2020
     
    Mr. Russell Oliver, Director
    Division of Employment & Workforce Solutions
    New York State Department of Labor
    State Campus-Building 12, Room 428
    Albany, NY 12240
     
    Re: NY State Dislocated Worker Grants for Warren County, NY
     
     
    Dear Mr. Oliver,
     
    As representatives of the business, government, and workforce community of Warren County, we have come together to request your support in ensuring that our region receives adequate funding to support our local workforce in the short and long-term phases of economic recovery. More specifically, as your office determines which regions receive Dislocated Worker Grants and any subsequent funding, please take this into consideration.
     
    Our region is uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic for the following reasons:
     
    1.  The tourism industry is more important to our economy than any other region in the state resulting in $1.5 billion in Adirondack tourist spending, with over $629 million in Warren County alone, and representing 15% of the local workforce ($360M labor income) and 42.3% of the region’s tourism tax base.
     
    2.  If the J1 Visa program is inactive due to travel restrictions then up to 1500 employees will need to be replaced and this is a challenge that businesses cannot afford financially and our local workforce may not be able to fill successfully.
     
    3.  Our adult learners in local educational and training programs were already under-resourced individuals prior to the pandemic with little to no financial aid available for short term training programs. SUNY Adirondack has a longstanding partnership with the Warren County One Stop Career Center and we will leverage this relationship to ensure that eligible individuals receive the support and guidance needed to move into courses and training programs as quickly and seamlessly as possible. With new funding, we can continue to build on our past success of training and educating thousands of students in the region, and preparing them with the skills and knowledge to be successful in our new economic reality.
     
    4.  During this current COVID 19 period we have observed that many diverse businesses large and small within Warren County have been acting as part of the supply chain to the diverse industry/manufacturing base not only within the County but beyond the County. This recognition of diversity and networking provides an economic initiative for expanding or establishing new supply chain businesses thereby creating further employment opportunities for dislocated workers in our community/region. This workforce development effort with its collaborative resources ( SUNY Adirondack, BOCES and Warren County Employment/Training /NYSDOL ) would educate/train/retrain individuals for these positions while the economic development group of EDC of Warren County and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce would assist existing and new businesses in the transition/ adjustment for the expansion of the supply chain.
     
    We trust that you will take these factors into consideration as you determine which regions are most in need of financial support in the coming months and years of economic and workforce recovery. With the appropriate funding support for our local workforce, we will be more prepared as we work together to ensure a faster recovery.
     
    Thank you for your time and consideration.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Frank Thomas
    Chairman
    Warren County, NY     
    Board of Supervisors   
     
    Ed Bartholomew
    President
    Warren County
    Economic Development Corp
     
    Michael Bittel
    President/CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
     
    Kristine Duffy, Ed.D.
    President
    SUNY Adirondack
     
    Liza M. Ochsendorf
    Director of Employment & Training Administration
    Warren County

  • "CARES Act Funding, 3.5", Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Updates "CARES Act Funding, 3.5", Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Updates

    "CARES Act Funding, 3.5", Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program Updates

    The US Senate and now the US House of Representatives have signed the new “CARES Act Funding, 3.5”. This bill still awaits the President’s signature. Once the President signs the bill, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Treasury will give guidance on when both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program will open back up. Once both programs are turned back on, the PPP is through your bank and the EIDL is through the SBA website, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance.
     
    Please click here for updated PPP guidance from the SBA and the Department of Treasury. The main update we found was clarifying the size of the company eligible for PPP.
     
    Please click here for highlights of the recent “CARES Act Funding 3.5” by our partners at the US Chamber of Commerce. Most notable in this recent bill is more funding for PPP and EIDL, farmers and Agriculture related businesses can now apply for EIDL, and there is increased funding for hospitals and COVID-19 testing. Please remember, this still needs to be signed by the President before it becomes law. We hope that will happen today.

  • ARCC Works with Assemblyman Dan Stec and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a Regional Reopening Approach ARCC Works with Assemblyman Dan Stec and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a Regional Reopening Approach

    ARCC Works with Assemblyman Dan Stec and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a Regional Reopening Approach

    Many thanks to Assemblyman Dan Stec and Todd Shimkus of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for working with your Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce to ask the Governor to push for a regional reopening approach throughout New York State. Please click here for WNYT Channel 13 News article, go to third picture in article for complete news cast story. 

    The Governor responded in kind yesterday (Tuesday, April 21) for the need of a regional reopening approach within New York State. Please click here for Albany Times Union article.

    We are in this together.

    Blessings,

    Michael Bittel

    ARCC President & CEO

  • US Senate Passes Updated Coronavirus Relief Bill US Senate Passes Updated Coronavirus Relief Bill

    US Senate Passes Updated Coronavirus Relief Bill

    The US Senate passed a $484 billion Coronavirus relief bill yesterday. Approximately $380 billion goes towards two Small Business Administration programs; $320 billion towards the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and $60 billion towards the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). Approximately $75 billion goes towards hospitals and $25 billion towards coronavirus testing.
     
    Just a reminder that the US House of Representatives still needs to vote and pass this bill and then it needs to be signed by the President. Once both of those happen, then employers will be able to start applying for the PPP through banks again and directly with the SBA on EIDL loans. The word is the US House of Representatives will be voting on Thursday (tomorrow).
     
    We are in this together.
     
    Blessings,
     
    Michael Bittel
    ARCC President & CEO

  • The US Chamber of Commerce "Save Small Business Fund" Grant The US Chamber of Commerce "Save Small Business Fund" Grant

    The US Chamber of Commerce "Save Small Business Fund" Grant

    Please click here for information on The US Chamber of Commerce 'Save Small Business Fund' grant initiative offering short-term relief for small employers in the United States and its territories.

  • LCLGRPB COVID-19 Business Interruption Micro-Loan Program LCLGRPB COVID-19 Business Interruption Micro-Loan Program

    LCLGRPB COVID-19 Business Interruption Micro-Loan Program

    The Lake Champlain – Lake George Regional Planning Board is pleased to announce the release of our COVID-19 Business Interruption Micro-Loan Program. These loans are available to businesses within Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Warren and Washington Counties for working capital purposes, including payroll, rent, utilities and monthly expenses. Some quick facts about the Program:
     
    • $5,000 - $25,000 working capital loans
    • Fixed 5% interest rate
    • First 6-months are interest only
    • 24 – 60 month terms
    • Sufficient collateral required
    • No application fee
    • Borrower is responsible for closing costs (flat $350 rate plus filing fees)
     
    Loan applications and additional information can be found on our website at https://lclgrpb.org/revolving-loan-fund/. Loans are processed on a first come, first serve basis and subject to availability of funds.
     
    If you know of a business that is struggling due to COVID-19 closures, please have them contact Andrea Palmer, Economic Development Coordinator, at andrea.palmer@lclgrpb.org before submitting an application to ensure that the business qualifies for a LCLGRPB loan.

  • Governor Cuomo Announces 'NYS on PAUSE' Extended until May 15 Governor Cuomo Announces 'NYS on PAUSE' Extended until May 15

    Governor Cuomo Announces 'NYS on PAUSE' Extended until May 15

    On Thursday, April 16, 2020, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced all NYS on Pause restrictions and closures will be extended until May 15th.

    Click here to read this announcement.

  • NYS Department of Labor Services & Benefits for Businesses NYS Department of Labor Services & Benefits for Businesses

    NYS Department of Labor Services & Benefits for Businesses

    Please click here for an overview of NY State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) services and benefits for businesses known as Rapid Response.

    Within NYSDOL Rapid Response are several programs. The one that may gain the most attention is the Shared Work Program. Please click here for an overview of the Shared Work Program and click here for a video of the Shared Work Program.

    Many thanks to Liza Ochsendorf, Director of Warren County Employment & Training Administration, for sending us this information to share.

     

  • SBA Update on Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, Full Loan and the PPP SBA Update on Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, Full Loan and the PPP

    SBA Update on Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, Full Loan and the PPP

    Please click here for some further clarity and an update from the SBA on the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance, full loan and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

  • NYS Department of Health on Wearing Masks & CDC Guidance on Making Masks NYS Department of Health on Wearing Masks & CDC Guidance on Making Masks

    NYS Department of Health on Wearing Masks & CDC Guidance on Making Masks

    The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued recommendations on how to properly put on and take off masks. You can view those guidelines here.
     
    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has also issued information on how to make face masks. View that information here.

     

    Governor Cuomo Orders All New Yorkers to Wear Face Masks or Covering

    On Wednesday, April 15, 2020, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced he will issue an executive order “requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained, such as on public transportation.” The order will take effect on Friday, April 17, 2020.
     
    Click here for an update, sent to us by our friends at Upstate Insurance Agency.

    Governor Cuomo, Masks to be worn by Employees effective April 15, 2020 at 8 pm

    Please click here for an update to Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order regarding masks to be worn by employees when in direct contact with customers or members of the public, effective April 15, 2020 at 8 pm.
     
    Visit the CDC website for recommendations on the use of cloth face coverings: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

  • Updated NY State Essential Business Guidance Updated NY State Essential Business Guidance

    Please click here for updated NY State Essential Business guidance.

    Please click here for updated Q&A for NY State Essential Business guidance.

  • ARCC Conversation with your Legislators - April 8, 2020 ARCC Conversation with your Legislators - April 8, 2020

    ARCC Conversation with your Legislators Recording

    Please click here to find the ARCC Conversation with your Legislators recording from yesterday, Wednesday April 8, 2020.
     
    We were blessed to have Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Betty Little, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Assemblyman Dan Stec on a phone call with over 150 ARCC members yesterday (Wednesday). We also had Jeffrey Boyce from the SBA and Dale Rice from the SBDC on the call as well.
     
    Assemblywoman Woerner called me to clarify a comment she made on the call regarding NY State Unemployment Insurance (UI). The Assemblywoman informed me that NY State UI normally helps the unemployed for 26 weeks. The Governor has now extended UI benefits to 39 weeks.
     
    Thank you to Mark Shaw and the StoredTech team for hosting the call. Thank you to our guests and to all of our members who attended the call and supplied us with questions.
     
    We are in this together.

     

    ARCC to host Conversation with our Legislators on Wednesday, April 8th at 9:30 am

    Join the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) for a conversation with our Legislators on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at 9:30 am.
     
    The following will be on the call:
     
    • Congresswoman Elise Stefanik
    • Senator Betty Little
    • Assemblyman Dan Stec
    • Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner
    • Small Business Administration (SBA) Representative Jeff Boyce
    • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Representative Dale Rice
     
    This call will be moderated by ARCC President & CEO Michael Bittel.

  • Updated Paycheck Protection Program Q&A Updated Paycheck Protection Program Q&A

    Updated Paycheck Protection Program Q&A

    Please click here for updated Paycheck Protection Program Q&A from the SBA and the US Department of the Treasury.
    I am very excited to share that within the new Q&A, question and answer #9 came from verbiage from the ARCC working with Congresswoman Stefanik and her staff.
    We received several calls last Friday after initial guidance was issued on PPP with concerns regarding our seasonal businesses. Chandler Atkins of Elms Waterfront Cottages was the first call I received with concerns that seasonal businesses not in operation on February 15, 2020 would not receive any PPP to help support their employees. We immediately called Congresswoman Stefanik and worked with her staff over the weekend to provide clarity to our members and in turn thousands of seasonal businesses around the country. Many thanks to Congresswoman Stefanik and her staff for the team work and turning this around so quickly!
    I love that phone calls that started from our region changed and clarified the verbiage in a national program. Thank you to our local seasonal businesses for calling us and being a part of the solution.
    Blessings,
    Michael Bittel
    ARCC President & CEO
     

  • SBA Paycheck Protection Program Final Guidance Released SBA Paycheck Protection Program Final Guidance Released

    SBA Paycheck Protection Program Final Guidance Released

    Please click here for final SBA Paycheck Protection Program Final Guidance.
     
    While applications are supposed to be open for small businesses today through SBA approved banks, this guidance was officially released late last night. Please be patient with your bank as they are working hard to digest the guidance and get application systems up and running. Some banks may not be able to process your application immediately.

  • US Department of Labor Guidance on FMLA and COVID-19 US Department of Labor Guidance on FMLA and COVID-19

    US Department of Labor Guidance on FMLA and COVID-19

    The US Department of Labor has issued guidance regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act regarding COVID-19. 
     
    Please click here to review this guidance provided to us by Upstate Agency Insurance.

  • New York State Tax Deadline Extended until July 15, 2020 New York State Tax Deadline Extended until July 15, 2020

    New York State Tax Deadline Extended until July 15, 2020

    On March 7, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo declared a State Disaster Emergency for all of New York State due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 outbreak. The Governor has subsequently issued Executive Order No. 202.12 authorizing the Commissioner to provide relief from certain tax filing and payment deadlines.

     

    Please see guidance extending New York State Tax deadline until July 15, 2020 from The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance here.

  • CARES Act SBA Paycheck Protection Program Sample Application and Information CARES Act SBA Paycheck Protection Program Sample Application and Information

    CARES Act SBA Paycheck Protection Program Sample Application and Information

    Through the CARES Act Legislation signed last Friday, the SBA has released an overview here, information fact sheet here and a sample application here for the Paycheck Protection Program.
     
    KEY INFORMATION HIGHLIGHTS:
     
    April 3, 2020* is when small businesses and sole proprietorships may apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.
     
    April 10, 2020* is when independent contractors and self-employed individuals may apply for the Paycheck Protection Program.
     
    You may apply through an approved and existing SBA lender (that would be an SBA approved bank, etc.). 
     
    Please note that the sample application here within is to be used as a guide. Banks may require that you apply online on April 3, 2020*. This will help the banks and you streamline the process. The sample application link above will help you gather the info you need when you apply through your bank.
     
    *The application date may vary as banks are still waiting for final guidance.

     

    CARES Act/SBA Payroll Protection Program Final Guidance and Application still to come

     

    The CARES Act was passed and signed into law this past Friday. The SBA is working hard on finalizing guidance and the application process of the Payroll Protection Program portion of the CARES Act. Once the SBA provides final guidance and the ability for you to apply for the Payroll Protection Program, we will share with you asap.  
     
    We sent out the following links yesterday from our friends at the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association:
     
    Please click here for a SBA 7(a) CARES Act/Payroll Protection Program and SBA 7(b) EIDL Federal Stimulus Loan Chart.
     
    Please click here for who is eligible under the CARE Act for loans.
     
    Our banks cannot process anything under the CARES Act/Payroll Protection Program at this time until the SBA formally provides final guidance and opens up the application process.  
     
    SBA 7(b) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) can be applied for now.

  • SBA 7(a) and SBA 7(b) Federal Stimulus Loan Chart and Eligibility Guide from NYSH&TA SBA 7(a) and SBA 7(b) Federal Stimulus Loan Chart and Eligibility Guide from NYSH&TA

    SBA 7(a) and SBA 7(b) Federal Stimulus Loan Chart and Eligibility Guide from NYSH&TA

    Please click here for a SBA 7(a) CARES Act and SBA 7(b) EIDL Federal Stimulus Loan Chart from our friends at New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association.
     
    Please click here for who is eligible under the CARE Act for loans, also from NYSH&TA.

  • CARES Act Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist from the US Chamber of Commerce CARES Act Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist from the US Chamber of Commerce

    CARES Act Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist from the US Chamber of Commerce

     

    From our friends at the US Chamber of Commerce:

    Congress has approved $350 billion in emergency loans for small businesses to help them keep workers employed. In fact, if small businesses maintain or later restore their payrolls, they may not have to repay some — or possibly any — of the loan. Here’s a guide and checklist from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to help your small business through the process. 

  • COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law and Guidance COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law and Guidance

    COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law and Guidance

    Please find a link here for COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Law and Advisory.

     

    Please find a link here for COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Guidance.

  • New York State DOL Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A for Employers and Employees New York State DOL Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A for Employers and Employees

    New York State DOL Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A for Employers and Employees

     

    Please click here for the New York State DOL Unemployment Insurance Benefits Q&A for Employers and Employees document.

  • USDOL Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights USDOL Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights

    USDOL Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights

    The US Department of Labor has come out with guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights.
     
    Please find a link here for the full fact sheet for the Employee Paid Leave Rights.
     
    Please find a link here for a question and answer sheet for the Employee Paid Leave Rights.
     
    Many thanks to Dan MacEntee of Senator Little’s office for forwarding to us.

  • New SBA EIDL Applications 3/26 Website Link New SBA EIDL Applications 3/26 Website Link

    New SBA EIDL Applications 3/26 Website Link

    As the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) applications continue to surge, the Office of Disaster Assistance has provided an alternate method for applicants to submit and upload forms while the application portal is down for maintenance.
     
    Please find links below to the New SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) application website, online forms and other information helpful in your application process.
     
     
    Businesses are advised to fill out the PDF forms and reach out to SBDC if they need assistance with compiling the financial information. They may request assistance with the application at www.nysdbc.org to make an online request.

  • SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Recorded Session SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Recorded Session

    SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Recorded Session

     

    Please find a link of a recent SBA Economic Disaster Loan Programs Zoom Information Recorded Session. Thank you to Kate Baker of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for passing this along to us.
     
    Click here to view the recorded session.

  • Supplies Needed for our Hospitals and Healthcare Providers Supplies Needed for our Hospitals and Healthcare Providers

    Supplies Needed for our Hospitals and Healthcare Providers

    Our Hospitals and Healthcare providers in our region need your help. Do you have any of the following items that could be utilized by our Healthcare providers? If yes, please email the ARCC.
     
    Masks (Face/Surgical)
     
    Masks (P95 or N95)
     
    Protective eye wear (Glasses)
     
    Protective face shields
    
    Disposable Gowns
     
    Thank you much for your support of our community.

  • "New York State Pause" Governor Cuomo Executive Order "New York State Pause" Governor Cuomo Executive Order

    "New York State Pause" Governor Cuomo Executive Order

    Please find a link below regarding the “New York State Pause” Governor Cuomo Executive Order. This is a 10 point-policy that the Governor has mandated to combat the Coronovirus, starting with all non-essential businesses should be closed as of 8 pm Sunday (yesterday), March 22, 2020.

     

    Click here to read "New York State Pause" Governor Cuomo Executive Order.

  • NYS Department of Labor Launches New Streamlined Application for New Yorkers to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Without Having to First Apply for Unemployment Insurance NYS Department of Labor Launches New Streamlined Application for New Yorkers to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Without Having to First Apply for Unemployment Insurance

    NYS Department of Labor Launches New Streamlined Application for New Yorkers to Apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Without Having to First Apply for Unemployment Insurance

    Announced today, the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) has launched a new streamlined application for New Yorkers to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance without first having to apply for Unemployment Insurance.

    Read the release online here.

  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application and Information SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application and Information

    SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application and Information

    From our partners at the Small Business Administration:
     
    SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza has approved a statewide disaster declaration for NY. Eligible small businesses may now apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Please review the attached fact sheet with important information about the declaration and EIDL requirements. Businesses can take advantage of free assistance offered by SBA’s network of Resource Partners for help with preparing their loan applications. You may visit www.sba.gov/local-assistance to find local help. The NYS Small Business Development Center network recommends submitting a request for assistance online at http://nyssbdc.org/appointment.html.
     
    Click here to download the SBA Fact Sheet.

  • Governor Cuomo Signs The 'NEW YORK STATE ON PAUSE' Executive Order, List of Essential Businesses and "Designation as an Essential Business" Request Form - March 20, 2020 Governor Cuomo Signs The 'NEW YORK STATE ON PAUSE' Executive Order, List of Essential Businesses and "Designation as an Essential Business" Request Form - March 20, 2020

    Governor Cuomo Signs The 'NEW YORK STATE ON PAUSE' Executive Order, List of Essential Businesses and "Designation as an Essential Business" Request Form - March 20, 2020

     

    Click here to read Governor Cuomo's 'New York State on Pause' Executive Order
     

    Below is a list of "Essential Businesses" according to Executive Order 202.6:

     

    1. Essential health care operations including

    • research and laboratory services

    • hospitals

    • walk-in-care health facilities

    • emergency veterinary and livestock services

    • elder care

    • medical wholesale and distribution

    • home health care workers or aides for the elderly

    • doctor and emergency dental

    • nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities

    • medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers

     

    2. Essential infrastructure including

    • utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission

    • public water and wastewater

    • telecommunications and data centers

    • airports/airlines

    • transportation infrastructure such as bus, rail, or for-hire vehicles, garages

    • hotels, and places of accommodation

     

    3. Essential manufacturing including

    • food processing, manufacturing agents, including all foods and beverages

    • chemicals

    • medical equipment/instruments

    • pharmaceuticals

    • sanitary products

    • telecommunications

    • microelectronics/semi-conductor

    • agriculture/farms

    • household paper products

     

    4. Essential retail including

    • grocery stores including all food and beverage stores

    • pharmacies

    • convenience stores

    • farmer’s markets

    • gas stations

    • restaurants/bars (but only for take-out/delivery)

    • hardware and building material stores

     

    5. Essential services including

    • trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal

    • mail and shipping services

    • laundromats

    • building cleaning and maintenance

    • child care services

    • auto repair

    • warehouse/distribution and fulfillment

    • funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries

    • storage for essential businesses

    • animal shelters

     

    6. News media

     

    7. Financial Institutions including

    • banks

    • insurance

    • payroll

    • accounting

    • services related to financial markets

     

    8. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including

    • homeless shelters and congregate care facilities

    • food banks

    • human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support

     

    9. Construction including

    • skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers

    • other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes

     

    10. Defense

    • defense and national security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government

     

    11. Essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses including

    • law enforcement

    • fire prevention and response

    • building code enforcement

    • security

    • emergency management and response

    • building cleaners or janitors

    • general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor

    • automotive repair

    • disinfection

     

    12. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services:

    • logistics

    • technology support for online services

    • child care programs and services

    • government owned or leased buildings

    • essential government services

     

    Click here for "Designation as an Essential Business" Request Form

  • "Essential Business" and 75% Workforce Reduction Executive Order and Waiver Form "Essential Business" and 75% Workforce Reduction Executive Order and Waiver Form

    "Essential Business" and 75% Workforce Reduction Executive Order and Waiver Form

    Please find a link below regarding further guidance on Governor Cuomo’s 75% work reduction mandate. You will also find a link below for a “request a waiver” form. Both are through the Empire State Development website.

    Click here for guidance on Executive Order 202.6

    Click here for designation as an "essential business" request form

  • Conversation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik - Thursday, March 19, 2020 Conversation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik - Thursday, March 19, 2020

    Conversation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik - Thursday, March 19, 2020

    I would like to thank Congresswoman Elise Stefanik for joining over 100 of our members live at 3 pm this afternoon for an informative phone conversation.  The Congresswoman gave us an overview of what is happening at the Federal level as well as taking over 20 member questions regarding the ongoing challenges of our business community and our community as a whole.   Please find below a link to the conversation hosted and provided by our partners at StoredTech.

    Click here to listen to the conversation with Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

    Your ARCC looks forward to continuing to work with our elected officials and passing along information as it becomes available.

     

    Blessings,

     

    Michael Bittel

  • New York State Executive Order Mandating Business that Require In-Office Personnel to Decrease Workforce by 75% New York State Executive Order Mandating Business that Require In-Office Personnel to Decrease Workforce by 75%

    New York State Executive Order Mandating Business that Require In-Office Personnel to Decrease Workforce by 75%

     

    Governor Cuomo has issued an Executive Order mandating that businesses that require in-office personnel to decrease in-office workforce by 75%. Please see the link below to read the full Executive Order.

    Click here to read full Executive Order.

  • Essential Business Executive Order 202.6 Announced by Governor Cuomo -Wednesday, March 18, 2020 Essential Business Executive Order 202.6 Announced by Governor Cuomo -Wednesday, March 18, 2020

    Essential Business Executive Order 202.6 Announced by Governor Cuomo -Wednesday, March 18, 2020 

     

    Please find below an outline of the Essential Business Executive Order from Governor Cuomo. You will also see two links; one which is the actual bill the Governor signed and the second link to Empire State Development which you can ask questions directly regarding Essential Business status.

     

    Effective on March 20 at 8 p.m.: All businesses and not-for-profit entities in the state shall utilize, to the maximum extent possible, any telecommuting or work from home procedures that they can safely utilize. Each employer shall reduce the in-person workforce at any work locations by 50% no later than March 20 at 8 p.m. Any essential business or entity providing essential services or functions shall not be subject to the in-person restrictions. This includes essential health care operations including research and laboratory services; essential infrastructure including utilities, telecommunication, airports and transportation infrastructure; essential manufacturing, including food processing and pharmaceuticals; essential retail including grocery stores and pharmacies; essential services including trash collection, mail, and shipping services; news media; banks and related financial institutions; providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations; construction; vendors of essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses; vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public; 
     
    Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from the Empire State Development Corporation, which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity in order to properly respond to this disaster. No later than 5 p.m. on March 19, 2020, Empire State Development Corporation shall issue guidance as to which businesses are determined to be essential. 
     
    Read the entire Essential Business Executive Order 202.6 from Governor Cuomo here.
     
     
    To contact Empire State Development with questions regarding Essential Business status, click here.

  • COVID-19 Governor Cuomo Press Release Regarding Business Staffing Levels - Wednesday, March 18, 2020 COVID-19 Governor Cuomo Press Release Regarding Business Staffing Levels - Wednesday, March 18, 2020

    COVID-19 Governor Cuomo Press Release Regarding Business Staffing Levels - Wednesday, March 18, 2020

     

    AMID ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC, GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES DEPLOYMENT OF 1,000-BED HOSPITAL SHIP 'USNS COMFORT' TO NEW YORK HARBOR
     
    See here for a photo of the USNS Comfort
     
    Issues Executive Order Directing Non-Essential Businesses to Implement Work from Home Policies Effective Friday, March 20
     
    Businesses that Require In-Office Personnel Must Decrease In-Office Workforce by 50 Percent
     
    Exceptions Made for Essential Services — Including Shipping Industry, Warehouses, Grocery and Food Production, Pharmacies, Media, Banks and Related Financial Institutions, and Businesses Essential to Supply Chain
     
    Confirms 1,008 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 2,382; New Cases in 20 Counties
     
    Governor Meeting Today with Army Corp of Engineers to Discuss Hospital Surge Capacity 
     
    Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the USNS Comfort will be deployed to New York harbor and is expected to arrive in April. The 1,000-bed hospital ship has 12 fully-equipped operating rooms and will significantly increase New York's hospital surge capacity. The Governor is meeting with leadership of the Army Corp of Engineers today to discuss ways to increase hospital capacity in New York.
     
    The Governor also announced he will issue an executive order directing non-essential businesses to implement work-from-home policies effective Friday, March 20. Businesses that rely on in-office personnel must decrease their in-office workforce by 50 percent. The executive order exempts essential service industries, including shipping, media, warehousing, grocery and food production, pharmacies, healthcare providers, utilities, banks and related financial institutions, and other industries critical to the supply chain. 
     
    "We are fighting a war against this pandemic and we know that two of the most effective ways to stop it is by reducing density and increasing our hospital capacity so our healthcare system is not overwhelmed," Governor Cuomo said. "The deployment of the USNS Comfort to New York is an extraordinary but necessary step to help ensure our state has the capacity to handle an influx of patients with COVID-19 and continue our efforts to contain the virus. Partnering with the private sector to require nonessential employees to work from home will also go a long way toward bending the curve. My number one priority is protecting the public health so that a wave of new cases doesn't crash our hospital system, and we will continue taking any action necessary to achieve that goal." 
     
    Finally, the Governor confirmed 1,008 additional cases of novel coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 2,382 confirmed cases in New York State. Of the 2,382 total individuals who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:
     
    Albany County: 36 (13 new)
    Allegany County: 2
    Broome County: 1
    Chenango County: 1 (1 new)
    Clinton County: 1
    Delaware County: 1
    Dutchess County: 20 (4 new)
    Erie County: 7
    Essex County: 1 (1 new)
    Greene County: 2
    Hamilton County: 1 (1 new)
    Herkimer County: 1
    Monroe County: 14 (4 new)
    Montgomery County: 2 (1 new)
    Nassau County: 183 (52 new)
    New York City: 1339 (695 new)
    Onondaga County: 2
    Ontario County: 1
    Orange County: 32 (17 new)
    Putnam County: 2
    Rensselaer County: 4 (3 new)
    Rockland County: 30 (8 new)
    Saratoga County: 14 (5 new)
    Schenectady County: 14 (9 new)
    Suffolk County: 116 (32 new)
    Sullivan County: 1
    Tioga County: 1
    Tompkins County: 3 (1 new)
    Ulster County: 9 (1 new)
    Warren County: 1 (1 new)
    Washington County: 1 (1 new)
    Westchester County: 538 (158 new)
    Wyoming County: 1
     
    On Monday, Governor Cuomo directed nonessential state employees statewide to work from home. The Governor also directed local governments to reduce their overall workforce by 50 percent and allow nonessential employees to work from home.
     
    Also on Monday, Governor Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont announced a regional approach to combating the novel coronavirus - or COVID-19 - throughout the tri-state area. These uniform standards limited crowd capacity for social and recreational gatherings to 50 people, and required restaurants and bars to close on premise service and move to take-out and delivery services only. The three governors also temporarily closed movie theaters, gyms and casinos.

  • SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans

    SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans

    SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:
     
    “The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”
     
    Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending
     
    • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.
     
    • Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
     
    • SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.
     
    • Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.
     
    • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
     
    • These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
     
    • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.
     
    • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.
     
    For additional information, please visit: https://www.sba.gov/page/guidance-businesses-employers-plan-respond-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center, call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

  • Shared Work Program Information Shared Work Program Information

    Shared Work Program

    The New York State Department of Labor has a Shared Work Program that was designed as a layoff alternative. Read more here.

     

    Information on Shared Work Program from NY State Department of Labor

    The Shared Work Program gives you an alternative to laying off workers during business downturns by allowing them to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, you can reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group. Click here for an informational sheet on the NY State Department of Labor Shared Work Program.

     

     

    New York State Department of Labor Implements a Filing System and Extends Hours to Address the Influx of Unemployment Claims and Make Process More Efficient for Claimants

     

    Providing Unemployment Insurance benefits is DOL’s number one priority, and everyone who is entitled to UI benefits will receive them in a timely manner.  Click here to learn more.

    To that end, we are implementing a new more efficient filing system based on the first letter of the applicant's last name (alphabetical order).

  • COVID-19 Informational Resources COVID-19 Informational Resources

    In an effort to stay current with information regarding the Coronavirus, please see the below links and phone numbers. The best thing we can do is to stay informed. We hope that the below information at the County, State and Federal levels are helpful in your informed decision making.
     

    Phone Numbers for County Health Departments:

     

    Warren County - 518-761-6580

     

    Washington County - 518-746-2400

     

    Saratoga County - 518-584-7460

     

    Essex County - 518-873-3500

  • Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 For Retail Stores Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 For Retail Stores

    Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection for COVID-19 For Retail Stores - Issued on March 16, 2020

    To help prevent spread of COVID-19, procedures and supplies should be in place to encourage proper hand and respiratory hygiene as well as routine cleaning and disinfection of high-risk locations. This guidance is provided for essential retail locations (grocery stores and pharmacies) in New York State so that owners, operators and other individuals can incorporate these procedures into their facility protocols.
     
    Click here to view the full document.

  • Governor Cuomo's Tri-State Press Release - Issued on March 16, 2020 Governor Cuomo's Tri-State Press Release - Issued on March 16, 2020

    Governor Cuomo's Tri-State Press Release - Issued on March 16, 2020

    AMID LACK OF FEDERAL DIRECTION, GOVERNOR CUOMO, GOVERNOR MURPHY AND GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCE REGIONAL APPROACH TO COMBATING COVID-19

    The three States will limit crowd capacity for recreational and social gatherings to 50 people - effective by 8 PM tonight.

    Restaurants and bars will close for on premise service and move to take-out and delivery only effective 8 PM tonight.

    Movie theaters, gyms and casinos will temporarily close effective 8 PM tonight.

    Uniform approach to social distancing will slow spread of COVID-19 throughout the tri-state area.

     

    Continue reading this press release here.

  • State Liquor Authority COVID-19 Guidance on Restrictions for Licensees and To-Go & Delivery Sales, and Q & A State Liquor Authority COVID-19 Guidance on Restrictions for Licensees and To-Go & Delivery Sales, and Q & A

    State Liquor Authority COVID-19 Guidance on Restrictions for Licensees and To-Go & Delivery Sales, and Q & A - Effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00PM until Further Notice

    Pursuant to the Governor’s order, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00PM, all licensed on-premises establishments (e.g. restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, arenas, catering establishments, etc.) must cease on-premises sales of alcoholic beverages and/or food.  Additionally, all licensed manufacturers with on-premises privileges must also cease on-premises sales of alcoholic beverages and/or food; however, a licensed manufacturer may continue all manufacturing operations.  This restriction shall continue until April 15, 2020 but may be extended or reduced depending upon the circumstances. 

     

    To aid in prevention of the spread of the coronavirus and assist businesses impacted by the current state of emergency, the Governor has ordered the State Liquor Authority (SLA) to promulgate guidance on new off-premises privileges for licensed businesses with on-premises privileges.

     

    The State Liquor Authority offers the following guidance:

    • Any on-premises licensee and any manufacturing licensee with on-premises retail privileges may sell for off-premises consumption any alcoholic beverages that it is able to sell for on premises consumption under the law.  
      • For example, a tavern wine licensee may sell beer, wine, cider, mead, and wine product, but not liquor, and a farm winery may sell any New York State labeled wine, beer, cider, mead, or liquor, but not non-New York State products unless it has an on-premises license as well.
    • Alcoholic beverage sold for off-premises consumption pursuant to this guidance may be sold in any closed and any sealed original container of any size.  Provided that:
      • The sale of each container shall be accompanied by the purchase of food;
      • Sales should be consistent with municipal open container ordinances.
    • Alcoholic beverages sold for off-premises consumption pursuant to this guidance may be sold for takeout from the licensed premises or may be delivered to the customer’s residence.  
      • Deliveries shall be made in a vehicle permitted by the Authority (e.g., a third-party delivery service), or a vehicle-owned and -operated, or hired and operated by the licensee or its employee.  A copy of the permit or license must be present in the vehicle.  
    • Alcoholic beverages sold for off-premises consumption pursuant to this guidance may only be sold during the on-premises hours of operation of the county in which the premises is located or, if different, the hours of operation set forth in the licensee’s method of operation with the Authority.
    • While this guidance restricts on-premises privileges, this does not modify any off-premises privileges currently included with your license. 
      • For example, breweries, micro-breweries and farm breweries have always had the privilege to sell beer to go to customers at the premises; this privilege is unchanged.  Under the new guidelines, breweries, micro-breweries and farm breweries who do not also hold an on-premises license may take orders from persons not at the premises for delivery of beer, however these orders for delivery must include food.  

    Any licensed business found to be operating in violation of the Governor’s order restricting on-premises sales of alcoholic beverages shall face a monetary penalty (retail maximum of $10,000/manufacturer maximum of $100,000), and/or suspension, cancellation, or revocation of its license.

     


    Q & A Regarding the Shutdown  

    At the direction of Governor Cuomo, in order to alleviate the economic hardships faced by our licensees, the SLA has developed new rules to allow for the sale of wine and spirits for delivery and takeout orders for on-premises licensees.  
    We are receiving several questions from retailers and manufacturers. Below are examples of questions and answers provided to retailers/manufacturers; please check back frequently as we will update as new questions come in.       


    I operate a tavern with limited food, can I deliver/sell for takeout alcoholic beverages with orders of food consisting of items such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, etc.?  
    Yes, if this is the standard food requirement for your license, you may sell alcoholic beverages for takeout or delivery with these items.

     

    Can I sell mixed drinks for takeout or for delivery sales?  
    Yes, provided the beverage is placed in a closed container.  All sales must be consistent with municipal open container ordinances.


    Do private clubs, VFWs, Elks Clubs, American Legions, etc., fall under the shutdown for on-premises sales?   
    Yes, private clubs fall under the shutdown guidelines.  

     

    I operate a micro-brewery, farm brewery or brewery, can I sell beer to go without the customer ordering food?  
    Yes, if the sale takes place on your premises.  However, under the new guidelines, while breweries who do not also hold an on-premises license may take orders from persons not at the premises for delivery of beer, these orders for delivery must include food.  

     

    I operate a distillery, cidery or winery, can I sell products I produce without the customer ordering food?  
    You may for sales that occur in person at your premises; for orders from persons not at the premises, these orders for delivery must include food.

     

    I have received orders for food in addition to ten (or more) mixed drinks, is this permissible?  
    Yes, the guidelines do not include restrictions on the quantity of alcoholic beverages, again provided they are in sealed containers.  

     

    A craft manufacturer may currently sell closed containers of its beer, wine, or spirit (depending on license type) for off-premises consumption without an attendant food sale. The guidance released today mentioned that an attendant food sale is required for off-premises sales. Can you confirm that this requirement does not apply to manufacturers who are already permitted to make off-premises sales without an attendant food sale?
    The guidance relates to sales that are not made under the current off-premises privileges of your license.  So if the sale is to someone not at the licensed manufacturing premises or the sale is of a product not in an original bottle, for example, then food must be included in that sales transaction.

     

    Can a manufacturer launch a website where customers may purchase closed containers of the licensee’s beer, wine, or spirit for pick up at a scheduled time from the manufacturer’s licensed premises?
    Yes, this is permissible.

     

    Any questions can be emailed to the Authority at web.master@sla.ny.gov

     

  • Message from ARCC President Archive Message from ARCC President Archive

    Blessings

    I sign each and every email, letter and correspondence with the closing of “Blessings”.  I don’t have it as an automatic closing, I actually sign or type it each time I write something.  Every time I write “Blessings” it reminds me of one thing; I wish you well (or good).  Whatever well means to you that is what I wish upon you.  No hidden agenda, no secret code, just Blessings, just “be well”.
    During this time that is effecting all of us, I wish you Blessings.  I wish you well.  I see difficult times around us, but also I see so many blessings.  From the many phone calls and emails, we receive each day, the stories and actions of the people of our region are incredible.  What our community is doing, as individuals and collectively, is nothing short of amazing.
     
    We wish blessings upon those whose businesses are interrupted and those who are out of work during these times.  We wish blessings upon our healthcare workers, our law enforcement, emergency medical workers and all those on the front line.  Those front lines have expanded to so many people, they are everywhere now.  Those working in stores and our farmers who still work hard to grow and provide us food.  Those working in non-profits who continue to provide to those in need.  Those working in manufacturing, in government, and so many other places are out there serving us all on the front lines.  There are so many others who continue to provide us blessings through this time. 
     
    The most important blessings I have for you is to be safe and healthy.  Please take care of yourself and your family. Please remember to check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.
     
    Please know that we are here for you, we will help you in any way we can.  Member or non-member, it doesn’t matter.  We are here to help.
     
    We are in this together and we will get through this together – better and stronger than ever.
     
    Blessings,

    Michael Bittel
    ARCC President & CEO

    We are in this together



    Those words hit me the first day I started at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce almost two years ago.  Being a local guy and involved in our community for years, I thought I had a good handle on the pulse of our community.  On my first day on the job, I was blown away as I witnessed several times from our members and our community that we live among some of the most passionate, loving and caring people anywhere.  

    We are in this together. 

    People asked me what is the mission of the ARCC?  We (Amanda, Tricia, Cheryl and me) quickly realized it was more than our mission statement of “Helping local companies succeed, grow and thrive and expand economic opportunity throughout the region.” Our mission really is to love and to serve.  We love our community and we are here to serve YOU. 

    We are in this together. 

    We quickly realized that it wasn’t the community that had to get on board with the ARCC, it was the ARCC that had to get on board with the community.  The loving heart and servant’s heart are already thriving in our community.  From the volunteerism, to the giving, to the care that our employers have for their employees and the community, we are all blessed to live here.

    We are in this together. 

    Please know, we are here for you.  We are here with a loving heart and a servant’s heart.  If you have questions, if you need a connection, if you need information, if you need an ear, we are here.  We hope to be of help and service during these times, because we know one thing:

    We are in this together AND we will get through this together.

    Be well.

    Blessings,
     
    Michael Bittel
    President & CEO
    Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

  • ARCC President Michael Bittel Video Interview with LookTV

    Join Look TV as we sit down with Michael Bittel, President and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. We discuss the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses and our community, and what the government is doing to help. Many thanks to Jesse Jackson, and his team at LookTV, for this interview opportunity. Click here to watch the interview.

  • Advocacy. Education. Connection. Collaboration.