Town Hall Biz Feedback: Access to Affordable PPE & Better Clarity on Reopening Guidelines Needed

Putnam County Businesses Representing Phase I through Phase IV Industries Cite Lack of Reopening Guideline Clarity and Access to Affordable PPE, other Safety Equipment and Services as Key Challenge

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY (May 18, 2020) — The Putnam County Business Council (PCBC) announced today that the organization’s Reopen Putnam Safely task force hosted its first virtual Town Hall meeting at 9am this morning. More than 300 businesses from across the county joined via Zoom and Facebook Live to listen and discuss their needs to reopen safely. Attendees represented a wide range of industries, including construction, retail, hospitality, real estate, nonprofit, recreation, health and wellness, automotive, fitness, beauty, among others. 

“As Putnam County’s advocacy organization for local business, the PCBC has rolled out numerous COVID-19 initiatives to keep our members and the business community at large updated and armed with actionable information and resources to help them through this economic upheaval,” said Jennifer Maher, PCBC chairwoman.

In addition to affordable access to PPE, signage, and sanitization products and services, the overwhelming majority of Town Hall attendees cited a lack of clear understanding relative to what they need to do to comply with health and safety protocols, particularly businesses falling into Phase II and III of the reopening plan.

Watch a REPLAY of the Town Hall

While New York State has provided useful and specific industry guidelines for Phase I businesses, a set of easy to understand Phase II – Phase IV industry guidelines have not yet been made available from the State. The PCBC has solicited the County and Putnam EDC’s assistance in contacting Governor Cuomo’s office to communicate Putnam businesses’ requests for Phase II through Phase IV guidelines as soon as possible. 

“Our Phase II and Phase III businesses, which include Professional Services, Retail, Administrative Support, Real Estate / Rental & Leasing, and Restaurants / Food Services, are working hard to get their businesses ready now, so when we hit our benchmarks, they are ready to service customers immediately,” adds Maher.  

The PCBC is compiling a resource list of local providers who can fulfill PPE needs. Please check our website for updates and sign up for our weekly “Business Talkback” webinars, Leadership Series, COVID-19 eblasts, and upcoming events — virtual and traditional — at putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com or Facebook @PutnamBiz. For additional information, please email info@putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com.

Each re-opening business must develop a written Safety Plan outlining how its workplace will prevent the spread of COVID-19. A business may fill out this template to fulfill the requirement, or may develop its own Safety Plan. 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 made available to the New York State Department of Health (DOH) or local health or safety authorities in the event of an inspection.

CLICK HERE to access the Template

In addition to keeping you informed, we know how important it is to connect with colleagues, associates, and business prospects. So, we’re kicking isolation to the curb and hosting a virtual networking reception!

As we begin to re-open, it’s time to start engaging with fellow business professionals, exchange ideas, and promote your brand without leaving the comfort of your home or office.

Join the Putnam County Business Council, Brewster, Mahopac/Carmel, Kent, and Cold Spring Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Putnam Valley Business Network, and future members to meet and connect at this virtual networking extravaganza!

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED — Register BELOW before we reach capacity!