A Message from the Chairwoman – Entering Phase 4 — What a Long, Strange Trip it’s Been | COVID News & Updates

It’s only July, and our entire community has experienced more than a year’s worth of change, challenges, and crises. As a business advocacy organization, our mettle was tested on every front, but through adversity we found strength, clarity of mission, and hope for the future.

The Business Council started off 2020 with a rebranding strategy and a plan for organizational growth. Within a week of announcing our new logo and redesigned website, COVID-19 surfaced as an unprecedented threat to our lives and economy. We didn’t have time to blink, much less craft a plan, but we jumped in chasing down any and all reliable information, resources and news to help shepherd the business community through the frightening unknowns of a pandemic.

A comprehensive communications effort unfolded, which featured daily posts and eblasts reporting on NY on PAUSE updates. Virtual communication became the norm and we added weekly ‘Business Talk Back” Zoom webinars, featuring elected officials and representatives from State, Federal, and Local agencies, including Putnam County EDC, IDA, Tourism, SCORE and legislators..

When the CARES Act designated stimulus money and disaster funds for businesses, we shifted to generating awareness for and access to PPP and EIDL loans. This was a tough endeavour as the rules changed constantly, businesses faced obstacles in gaining approval, and money kept running out. We spent weeks trying to help businesses focus on applying for loans, and helping them assess if the Payroll Protection Program was the way to go vs. EIDL — or should they just wait it out.

We saw our role as the facilitator of what businesses could do, rather than what they couldn’t. That meant drawing focus away from obtaining loans, which would only be a temporary fix, to helping Putnam County Businesses figure out how they could operate remotely, curbside and via the internet and social media.

We asked businesses who had managed to pivot successfully to pay it forward by sharing their tactics with struggling businesses through a Leadership Webinar Series.

To provide a reliable source of information and supportive action for the business community, the Business Council initiated a Reopen Putnam Safely Task Force, made up of 30 business owners, community leaders, and town and village officials. We held two Town Halls to give voice to businesses relative to needs and challenges associated with reopening safely. We used this information along with findings from our task force to write a report to Governor Cuomo and the County Executive to apprise them of our recommendations and needs that the business community voiced as critical to reopening their businesses.

Now that we are moving into Phase 4, it’s time to rebuild and we need to grow our base of supporters to get our economy back to good health. To that end, we are looking for community leaders to join us in continuing our efforts. We have created a special COVID Leadership membership with contributions starting at $50 so anyone can afford to be part of the Business Council.. Sign up on our website, and get involved with the economic healing of our county (https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/memberships/). If you are interested in a higher level of leadership and exposure, I would be happy to meet and discuss those opportunities.

In response to increased rates of COVID-19 transmission in certain states within the United States, and to protect New York’s successful containment of COVID-19, the State has joined with New Jersey and Connecticut in jointly issuing a travel advisory for anyone returning from travel to states that have a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.

Restricted States have now been updated to include California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee.

Reopenings: NYC will not have indoor dining included in the Phase Three opening.

Guidance Clarification: Farmers Markets can follow the outdoor seating guidance for food services.

Masks: For those who cannot medically wear a face covering they are to work with their employer if accommodations are required.

Schools are allowed to let individuals or groups access their fields and grounds if they are able to restrict gathering size, maintain social distancing and ensure cleaning and disinfection if required. Not for organized sports or recreations activities hosted by the school. (Putnam specific question)

On March 18, 2020, New York State enacted legislation authorizing sick leave for employees’

subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19. The law provides paid and unpaid sick leave with access to expanded paid family leave and

temporary disability depending on the size of the employer. All employees, regardless of the

size of their employer, are entitled to job protection upon return from leave.

Click HERE to see view the guidance