Tourism – Putnam County Business Council

$3.5 Billion in Assistance for Small Businesses | MEMORIAL DAY Events & Festivities PUTNAM

Thu, 27 May 2021 17:01:43 +0000

$3.5 Billion in Assistance for Small Businesses

$800 Million Small Business Recovery Grant Program to Provide Funding to Small Businesses to Help Them Recover From the Economic Impact of the Pandemic; Online Applications Accepted Starting June 10

Phase Two of the Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew Campaign Launched on Tuesday, May 25 to Make Small Businesses and Residents Aware of the Many Relief and Recovery Programs Available

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $3.5 billion in assistance for renters and small businesses experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The small business recovery grant program makes up to $800 million in funding available for small businesses to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Applications for the program will be accepted starting June 10 for small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic. Flexible grants up to $50,000 will be made available to eligible small businesses and can be used for operating expenses, including payroll, rent or mortgage payments, taxes, utilities, personal protective equipment, or other business expenses incurred during the pandemic. Over 330,000 small and micro businesses are potentially eligible for this program, including 57 percent of the State’s certified MWBEs.

Governor Cuomo also announced that starting Tuesday, May 25, phase two of the Reimagine, Rebuild, Renew campaign will launch to make small businesses and residents who have been financially impacted by the pandemic aware of the many relief and recovery programs that are available in New York State. Print ads will run in local community newspapers across the state and social media ads will be featured on Facebook and Linked in with additional digital video ads advertised across the internet.

“New Yorkers and small businesses in every corner of the State were devastated by the pandemic, and as we continue to recover and rebuild we need to make sure they have the resources they need get back on their feet and succeed in a new, reimagined economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “This critical funding will help ensure New Yorkers who are experiencing financial hardship through no fault of their own will not be thrown onto the streets, while also providing stability for small businesses so they can help play a role in New York’s economic resurgence.”

Small Business Recovery Grant Program

The small business recovery grant program will provide funding to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations to help them recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, with priority being given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners, including minority- and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses, and businesses located in economically distressed communities.

Grants will be for a minimum award of $5,000 and a maximum award of $50,000 and will be calculated based on a New York State business’ annual gross receipts for 2019. Reimbursable COVID-19 related expenses must have been incurred between March 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021 and can include:

Payroll costs
Commercial rent or mortgage payments for NYS-based property
Payment of local property or school taxes
Insurance costs
Utility costs
Costs of personal protection equipment (PPE) necessary to protect worker and consumer health and safety
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) costs
Other machinery or equipment costs
Supplies and materials necessary for compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols

ESD has created a website – NYSBusinessRecovery.ny.gov – to highlight the various resources available to support small businesses seeking pandemic relief. The website will be continuously updated as more details and funding information as it becomes available.

The ESD Board of Directors approved $10 million in technical assistance grants for New York’s statewide Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers and Small Business Development Centers to help small businesses and for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations secure COVID-related financial assistance and grants available through existing state and federal programs.

This network of service providers will work directly with small businesses, guiding them through available funding sources and helping them navigate the application process. Recognizing that pandemic-induced economic hardship has disproportionately affected micro and small businesses, and that application processes can be difficult to navigate – especially due to a language barrier – the partners will use these funds to hire or contract more staff for one-on-one, direct counseling services. Education materials and applications will be offered in 12 languages in addition to English. This support, along with increased technical assistance staffing, will position these providers to better assist businesses and organizations in applying for funding through the New York State’s COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program, the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or any other available federal economic recovery program, catalyzing our state and local economies as more businesses and communities reopen.

MEMORIAL DAY Events & Festivities PUTNAM

Events, COVID updates & Message from Chairwoman

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 19:43:57 +0000

A Message from the Chairwoman – Rethinking Regulations Could Spur Organic Growth in Putnam County

This devastating pandemic has resulted in so many lives lost, others negatively impacted, and businesses have taken a wallop. Landlords are struggling to fill spaces being left empty by businesses closing their doors. Each day yet another business announces that they are closing due to COVID-19.

Life will go on despite the terrible heartbreak, physical and emotional toll. New businesses will emerge and a “new” normal will emerge. However we have seen that to thrive post-COVID, there is a need to shift. Municipalities must rethink antiquated zoning codes that are designed for big box retail, in order to thrive and preserve vibrant main streets. Entrepreneurs are begging for small scale retail opportunities, residents desperately seek amenities. People want to play, shop, get quality health care, and find employment within close proximity of their home, in an affordable, accessible manner. It’s becoming increasingly clear that municipalities who can deliver the above are the ones who will enjoy a competitive edge as we emerge from the pandemic-induced economic crisis.

Mixed-use zoning is a viable solution for our hamlets. Kids once grew up in Carmel and walked around after school, visiting the variety of family-owned and operated stores and restaurants. What a magical time. I have even considered making an apartment in the 6000 square feet that my real estate company and my fiance’s law office occupy. A post-COVID world is inviting much contemplation of different models for life and work and many are retro in the ways of zoning.

On every “main street”, even if the proprietor doesn’t live in the residential space, having other dwellers in the commerce corridors supported by proper zoning enforcement (to ensure ample parking, etc.) creates a beneficial and affordable, mutually-supportive ethos. Why are we afraid of affordable housing? It’s not a symbol of class differences; it’s a lifestyle that many have adapted to, opting for travel or expensive hobbies instead of high housing costs.

Putnam County has so many corridors that are struggling because, with the exception of the villages of Cold Spring and Brewster, they do not have what Main Street needs to survive: residents with money to spend.

With so many businesses closing and job losses, wouldn’t homeowners have more opportunities for careers if they could start a business out of their home in a residential neighborhood? Wouldn’t encouraging this boost our own economy? When one starts considering commercial space into their budgets on top of housing costs, many just can’t afford to get started.

It’s time to rethink what needs to be regulated and what we can allow to organically grow in our beautiful county. I am not talking about allowing industrial use in residential areas, I am talking about low-impact, mom and pop, homeowner-driven businesses that could strengthen the social and economic fabric of our neighborhoods. Just food for thought. Please write to me, I’d love to hear your input!

Jennifer Maher

Chairwoman, Putnam County Business Council

Jenn@putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com

Santa Skate – Sunday 20th December from 12-45

NYS Coronavirus Update: NY Vaccine Task Force Approval

New York’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force unanimously approved the FDA vaccine panel’s decision to recommend the Pfizer vaccine. The Task Force, which is chaired by Nobel laureate Dr. Charles Rice, was able to review data on the vaccine concurrently with the FDA, allowing for a thorough review for New Yorkers.

This added level of approval should give New Yorkers additional confidence in the vaccine. As we prepare for the great task of administering the vaccine, we simultaneously continue to act to slow the spread of the virus and to ensure hospital capacity. We are constantly calibrating our strategy with the goal of maintaining as much economic activity as possible, while protecting public health. Today we took several new measures to that end.

Vaccine Implementation

PCDOH has variations on vaccine deployment plans that account for distribution determinations made at the State level. The county has submitted to the State preliminary plans that adhere to State guidance for distribution and implementation. As the Governor has shared, priority will be the Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities, followed by a tiered implementation (see below). Our health department is prepared to run community immunization sites, similar to what was done for H1N1.The PCDOH has initial deep freezer storage for up to 6,000 doses, or 3,000 residents to receive two-doses of the Pfizer vaccine. We have additional freezer and vaccine-grade refrigerator capability to store the Moderna or an alternative vaccine as they become available. All vaccine implementation plans are subject to change based on state mandates and guidance.

COVID News & Updates

To protect hospital capacity, New York will implement new metrics to determine micro-cluster zones.

Under these updated metrics, Red, Orange and Yellow Zones will now be determined as follows: A Red Zone will be implemented when a region reaches a critical hospital capacity—that is, when 90 percent of beds are full (after measures to increase capacity have been taken). An Orange Zone will be implemented if an area has a 4 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is located in a region that has reached 85 percent hospital capacity. A Yellow Zone will be implemented if an area has a 3 percent positivity rate over the past 10 days (on a 7-day average) and is in the top 10 percent in the state for hospital admissions per capita over the past week and is experiencing week-over-week growth in daily admissions. It sounds complicated—but the basic idea behind these metrics is to ensure that hospital systems are not overloaded.

Starting Monday, December 14th, indoor dining in New York City will be suspended.

This is in response to the continued increase in positive cases and hospitalizations, in addition to recently issued CDC guidance emphasizing the high risk of indoor dining. Outdoor dining, delivery and takeout will remain in place. This suspension will continue to be re-evaluated based on updated data over the coming weeks.

The State Department of Health is directing New York hospitals to take additional steps to help keep capacity below 85 percent.

Under the directive, hospitals must either add additional capacity, reduce elective surgeries, or a combination of both, in order to remain under 85 percent. This measure expands on the previously announced “Surge and Flex” protocol.

Gyms and personal care services will be permitted to open in Orange Zones with limited capacity.

Starting Monday, December 14th, gyms, fitness centers, salons and barber shops—which are currently closed in Orange Zones—will be allowed to operate at 25 percent capacity. Employees must be tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis. This is good news for establishments in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, among other Orange Zone locations—and a testament to the success these industries have had across the state in keeping patrons safe.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will sign an Executive Order extending the State’s moratorium on commercial evictions.

This moratorium will provide support to small businesses and other tenants during these difficult times. These businesses need help now more than ever, and Congress must include support for bars and restaurants in the next stimulus package.

Reminder | SBA Webinars on PPP Forgiveness

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is hosting four webinars on the topic of PPP Loan Forgiveness.

They have asked that those interested in attending send an email to SBA representative Man – Li requesting one of the below dates to attend. (Registration link has been updated)

Monday, December 21 | 12:30 PM
Monday, December 28 | 12:30 PM

The webinars are FREE, but you must contact the SBA to pre-register.

Member Spotlight: Hospitality Heroes

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 01:11:34 +0000

Throughout the month of November, more than a dozen local eateries joined the Putnam County Business Council as Executive level members. To learn more about these inspiring restaurateurs and eateries, check out our Restaurant Rally video series.

Bucci Bros. Deli & Catering

Payin It Forward

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 18:23:41 +0000

A Message From The Chairwoman – Payin’ It Forward

For seven consecutive Small Business Saturdays, County Executive Maryellen Odell and I visited 5-6 businesses countywide to shop and promote Putnam County retail in one day. Normally we would take pics and post, doing our best to get the word out. This year was a little different. Since Maryellen was visiting family, she was unable to join us. To fill her giant shoes, this year I was joined by other Chamber leaders and elected officials: Legislators, Amy Sayegh, Bill Gouldman and Nancy Montgomery, Assemblyman Byrne, Henry Boyd, Carmel/ Kent Chamber, Bill Nulk of the Business Council (PCBC), Jason Kormes of the Putnam Valley Business Network and Jackie Annabi of the Putnam Valley Town Board as well as Senator Serino’s office.

We decided to go BIG and transform our visits into 3 days of tours, stopping at 14 stores plus a few restaurants we dined at along the way. The 3 days of photos and videos will be turned into a winter long campaign promoting Putnam County Retail. We will run this alongside our restaurant promotion through January.

To help fund the promotion we again ran a membership promo. Retailers that joined at any level up to our Executive Level (up to $295), would become a PCBC member, be included in this Holiday/Winter promotion PLUS another event planned in 2021. This drive raised the money to cover the video production and advertising.

Just like the response to our Restaurant promotion, people decided they wanted to step up and support Putnam County Businesses. The Carmel/ Kent Chamber of commerce sponsored four businesses, Putnam Valley Business Network Supported two, Kent Countryside Nursery and Landscaping joined and sponsored two, Carmel Flower shop who was sponsored, paid it forward and sponsored one.

Gratitude, generosity and camaraderie were the themes of this year’s Small Business campaign. Everyone we visited had a whole different take on business and life than in years prior. Business owners seemed cautiously optimistic, reflecting recent news reports. According to CNBC, “The National Retail Federation expects 2020 holiday sales to rise between 3.6% and 5.2% year over year, amounting to between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. NRF President and CEO Matt Shay said he expects the industry could have a “strong finish” to 2020, in spite of the challenges from the coronavirus pandemic. Americans have more money to spend that they were previously using on things like travel, NRF said, while there is also renewed hope for the distribution of an effective Covid vaccine.”

Retail stores have made arrangements for safer shopping, either from home or curb side pickup. The secret to success is to be “top of mind” to your community. People have more time and (according to CNBC) more money to shop locally, so they need to know where to go for the items they desire. Our promotion is aimed to jumpstart the holiday season and get people thinking of how they can shop local before they hit Amazon. Together we can be the heroes of our own local economy.

NYS Coronavirus Update: The Winter Plan, Explained

We are entering a new phase in the war against COVID, and therefore a new strategy is required. We need to ensure that hospitals have enough capacity and enough staff to deal with the fall and winter surge that is upon us. Tonight’s update will be longer than usual, so bear with us, as the details are significant.

The Winter Plan to combat the COVID surge is multi-tiered and puts to good use the hard-won lessons we learned from the spring. First, we will manage hospital capacity to enhance and equalize care. Second, we will increase and balance testing resources and availability. Third, we will keep schools open safely. Fourth, we will try to prevent viral spread that stems from small gatherings. And fifth and finally, we will operationalize an equitable and safe vaccination program. (You can read more about the plan here, but many key aspects of it are included below.)

A vaccine is coming and this crisis will end. But until that happens, we must not overstress our hospital systems so we can save lives. That is the point of the Winter Plan, but it’s also a mission we all must get behind. We’ve been through the worst but we’re not done yet.

The State Department of Health is implementing new emergency hospital measures to manage capacity.

Hospitals are directed to identify retired medical staff, prepare to add 50 percent bed capacity, and confirm they have the mandatory 90-day stockpile of PPE, among other measures.

The State will refine the criteria for Yellow, Orange and Red Zones.

The refinement will take into account important factors including the rate of hospitalizations, available hospital and ICU beds, and hospital staffing, and is part of our larger strategy of protecting hospital capacity. These changes will be implemented after experts evaluate any “post-Thanksgiving effect” in the COVID numbers.

If a hospital system is overwhelmed, we can pull an “Emergency Stop.”

In addition to the three existing micro-cluster zone levels (Yellow, Orange and Red), New York will add a new “Emergency Stop” level, which will effectively put that area under the NY on PAUSE guidelines from the spring. This new level would be used if a hospital system in that area was at serious risk of becoming overwhelme

The State will encourage school districts to keep schools open, particularly K-8 schools.

Our efforts will be focused on keeping K-8 and Special Education open as long as it can be done safely—using sustainable, ongoing testing. While local school districts are able to close at levels under the State’s mandatory closure rule, they are urged to keep K-8 schools open whenever it is safe.

Small gatherings have now been identified as the number one spread of COVID-19.

At least 65 percent of all cases come from these settings and sixteen states, including New York, have already limited gatherings to no more than 10 people. While the government’s ability to monitor small gatherings is limited, public education on the safety concerns of small gatherings is crucial. Help us spread the word on the danger these gatherings pose.

It will likely be months before a critical mass of vaccinations becomes available.

Even though a vaccine is expected to be released in the coming weeks, we’re still a while away from having a vaccine that is widely available. As the State operationalizes vaccine distribution, we continue to base our plan on three pillars: Fairness, Equity and Safety.

A Pre-Holiday Rally for Restaurants & Retail | Open Letter – Villa Barone Hilltop Manor | News & Updates

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 16:29:02 +0000

A Message from the Chairwoman – A Pre-Holiday Rally for Restaurants & Retail

With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, restaurants, shops, and attractions throughout Putnam County have pulled out all the stops to make residents and guests feel safe and secure as they once again venture into the community. The Putnam County Business Council is grateful to the area businesses and non profits who are supporting the fight against COVID-19 by safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all who live, work and play in our beautiful region.

All businesses are required to follow CDC and N.Y. State Department of Health guidelines, including:

Cleaning
Providing employees with training in health, safety and sanitizing best practices
Monitoring employees for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, and mandate they stay home if there is cause for concern
Use protective equipment, including face coverings
Encourage or require customers and visitors to comply with guidelines
Reduce capacity and maintain social distancing in accordance with government mandates
Complete the statewide N.Y. Forward reopening plan.

This is no small undertaking.

Putnam’s economic recovery will depend on our ability to draw people back to the businesses that make our county so vibrant and appealing. These businesses need our help. They need our cooperation and support. All the responsibility does not lie with the business owners. We all need to comply in hopes of avoiding another shut down. Many businesses will not survive that.

We have an idea! Before the holiday season, we want to launch a promotional video campaign to showcase Putnam Restaurants, followed by Retail Shops. The community needs to see how our businesses have adapted and invested to make their businesses safe and convenient. The video will be promoted via social media ads and showcased on our website and via email blast. It will also be referenced here, in our weekly Business Column, and shared by our tourism, economic development and chambers of commerce partners.

How do I sign up?

Since our organization does not have the resources to finance this campaign on its own, we have come up with a win-win solution. When you become a member of our leadership team at the Executive Level or above ($295 or more), you will automatically earn a spot in the video and, depending on the level you choose, you will be included as a registered participant in the Putnam County Business Council’s first ever Restaurant Week in 2021 ($500 value).

This offer is valid through October 15th, 2020. In addition to membership, those interested in sponsoring either or both events, should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this opportunity and how we can help to get you back in the black!

Jennifer Maher

Chairwoman Putnam County Business Council

Open Letter to New York State and Governor Cuomo – Villa Barone Hilltop Manor

Open letter to New York State and Governor Cuomo I have had it. My husband is always bothered by my “rainbows and unicorns” attitude. It’s an innate quality of mine to look for the smallest bit of positivity and the bigger picture in every situation. But even I have reached my limit.

My family owns a large catering venue in NY, and we, along with the rest of the hospitality industry, large event venues, and arts and theater sectors are still being majorly affected by New York States policies regarding COVID 19. The lack of answers, transparency, and total disregard for an entire sector that is beyond suffering is so disappointing. We are shut down, with no foreseeable opening in sight and no plausible answers or solutions to how we can progress forward.

Back in March, 2 weeks to stop the spread has come and gone. The 4 phases of NY Forward have long been implemented and some of us, 8 months later are still left hanging, doors locked, businesses closed, facilities laying dormant.

This does not by any means negate the tremendous loss of the beautiful lives of those who have succumbed to this virus. My heart breaks for the families who have lost loved ones and for all those who have suffered.

But life must go on with an inherent need to regroup and rebuild what we have so painstakingly created. You have left an entire sector of New York to drown, with no answers, no plan of action, with nothing.

Give us guidelines and policies to adhere to. Raise the gathering number with rules and regulations on how to proceed forward in this new normal. Let us start to rebuild and swim ourselves to the top again.

My family’s business has been established for over 40 years. We are fortunate enough to survive this, honestly starting from the bottom, but we’re still here. However, a lot of businesses have not, basically locking the doors for the final time and turning over the keys to establishments that started as a dream and with hard work and sacrifices, came to life.

We’re not asking for sympathy. No one is looking for a hand out. What we want is to be able to start our lives again and get out of this stagnant space. What we deserve is the same confidence and respect that other sections of New York have been given. Because while the other sectors around us are fighting tooth and nail for their businesses and rebuilding their livelihoods, we are not even allowed to join the war, instead having to sit back with our arms tied, watching EVERYTHING we have worked so hard for slowly die.

New York has long prided ourselves for the arts and cultures we possess, for the beautiful souls that live here, for the experiences to be had, all while representing freedom and possibilities. I’ve always loved NY, it’s in my heart, in my soul, but today, I’d rather live anywhere else but here. The blatant refusal to allow some sectors to survive is disheartening and frankly disgusting. The “heart” of New York and all of the joy and life it represents is being snuffed out.

Bottom line- give us a chance to survive, to rebuild, to provide for our families, and to bring a little happiness back to New York.

Sincerely,

Janine Crecco

Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, Mahopac, NY

COVID News & Updates

Find COVID-19 Hot Spot Zones by Address

Yesterday 145,000 tests were reported to the state — a record high number. We’re focusing our testing efforts in two areas — statewide and then we are doing additional testing in hot spot ZIP codes. The positivity rate in the hot spot ZIP codes is 5.8 percent, while the statewide positivity rate, excluding these ZIPs, is 1.01 percent. Our robust testing efforts allow us to narrow hot spot areas down to the range of a block. As part of our Cluster Action Initiative, there are new restrictions in six clusters in the State, which allows us to stop the spread from these clusters and protect our progress in the fight against COVID-19.

Look up your address using the button below to see if you live in a COVID-19 Hot Spot Zone and take precautions as always.

LOOKUP ADDRESS

October 9th, is the last day New Yorkers can register to vote for the 2020 Election

Gov. Cuomo is encouraging all New Yorkers to register to vote for this year’s upcoming election. You must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the State and the county, city or village in which you are registering for at least 30 days before the election; and be at least 18 years old on or by November 3.

Learn how you can register to vote HERE

Check to make sure you are registered HERE.

This year, “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF” will be held virtually.

UNICEF’s iconic trick-or-treating collection box has been a cherished part of Halloween festivities for 70 years. This year, parents and teachers can participate in UNICEF’s event through a virtual collection box. Children around the U.S. can enjoy Halloween-themed events and earn virtual coins that add up to real-life earnings, which can be donated to wherever kids would like to see them, allowing kids to see for themselves the positive impact they’re having on children around the world.

Learn more HERE.

It’s New York’s Annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused declines in organ donations. With so many people awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, Gov. Cuomo encourages New Yorkers to become organ donors and JOIN the NYS Donate Life Registry.

Tourism For Profit – Can It Help Putnam County?

Michael Bucci — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 13:03:49 +0000

Much has been happening in the news lately, but economically speaking 2020 is off to a very good start for Putnam County. Our real estate market is really hot, it looks like the long-awaited hotel is finally open and I am hearing rumors of a big sports and commercial recreation company interested in doing something HUGE in Putnam County.

The Business Council did a feasibility study 10 years ago or so to see what industry clusters would succeed here in Putnam County. Commercial recreation was Number 1, therefore I am very excited to learn more about this potential project.

A breakfast will be held on March 24th at the Putnam County Golf Course, 7:30-9:30am, to provide details on this possible project and more. It promises to be a very informative and powerful event. To register, visit http://www.Putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/events and buy your tickets.

Former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Putnam County Executive Maryellen Odell will be leading a conversation entitled “Tourism for Profit”. Our hope is to spark a relationship between the business community to these eventvenues and places that are bringing people into our county, to encourage economic development and success. This type of symbiotic relationship between tourism, recreation and the rest of the economy is very successful in other parts of New York State.

Lastly, we are looking for event sponsors. We are having a fundraiser during the breakfast in the form of a silent auction, and will be auctioning off “Adventure Putnam” packages that consist of combinations of Putnam-based dining, visits to local attractions, and activities. Our goal is to raise $50,000 in 2020 for the Honorable James F. Reitz Scholarship Fund.

We will also be making some exciting new announcements at the breakfast! There will be a new logo, website plus new board members. We look forward to seeing you there.

-Jennifer Maher, Chairwoman, the Putnam County Business Council, “A business advocacy group”