Webinar – Putnam County Business Council https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com Advocate. Support. Grow. Sun, 19 Sep 2021 13:54:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/image-1-36x36.jpg Webinar – Putnam County Business Council https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com 32 32 Webinar- Insurance Considerations for Small Businesses https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/webinar-insurance-considerations-for-small-businesses/ Sun, 19 Sep 2021 03:56:49 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3745 #top .av-special-heading.av-ktra5hh5-b043b77e506c04c3503b8f6fee75ce12{ padding-bottom:10px; color:#000000; } body .av-special-heading.av-ktra5hh5-b043b77e506c04c3503b8f6fee75ce12 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-ktra5hh5-b043b77e506c04c3503b8f6fee75ce12 .special-heading-inner-border{ border-color:#000000; } .av-special-heading.av-ktra5hh5-b043b77e506c04c3503b8f6fee75ce12 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Insurance Considerations for Small Businesses

“

Insurance Considerations

for Small Businesses

Thursday, Sept. 23 |12:00 – 1:00pm EDT

Guidance to Not Only Operate but

to Adequately Protect your Business

Register Now

Overview:

  • The session will focus on insurance issues that small businesses should consider. Our expert will guide you to consider coverage to not only operate but to adequately protect your business.
  • Provide you with an introduction and guidance on the topic, especially as you consult with your professional insurance broker.

We will cover:

  • Property coverage – including a discussion of in-home businesses
  • Liability coverage – protection should you injure someone or cause property damage.
  • Employer-related coverage – including a discussion of employee vs independent contractors.
  • Other coverage businesses should consider – cyber related coverage, financial guarantee coverage insurance and more.

PRESENTER:

Patrick Moore, CPCU, retired partner of Antalek & Moore Insurance Agency, LLC and a SCORE Business Mentor.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd | 1:00 – 2:00pm EDT

Register

Steps

SCORE CARES

SCORE’S CARING VOLUNTEERS ARE AVAILABLE FOR

MENTORING TO ASSIST AS ALWAYS

BY EMAIL, PHONE & VIDEO

CONTACT YOUR NEAREST CHAPTER

WWW.SCORE.ORG | www.putnam.score.org

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. We have been doing this for more than 50 years.

Because our work is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and thanks to our network of 10,000+ volunteers, we are able to deliver our services at no charge or at a very low cost.

Find out more about our Mission, Vision and Values

“

]]> New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program | REPLAY of the COVID-19 Vaccine & Wellness Roundtable for Employers https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/new-york-state-covid-19-pandemic-small-business-recovery-grant-program-replay-of-the-covid-19-vaccine-wellness-roundtable-for-employers/ Sun, 13 Jun 2021 16:04:27 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3613 #top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-db1ac4a42e488c4424348d07ad4b7ea3{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-db1ac4a42e488c4424348d07ad4b7ea3 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-db1ac4a42e488c4424348d07ad4b7ea3 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program

The application portal for the $800 million New York State COVID-19 Pandemic Small Business Recovery Grant Program is now open and accepting applications.
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Governor Cuomo’s press release on the program is available here; it also highlights legislation expected to be finalized today that would exempt these grants from NYS income-based taxes. https://tinyurl.com/dhbezn57
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Program requirements and application instruction are all online. Eligible small businesses are defined as:
  • Those with 100 or fewer employees, organized under the laws of New York State, is independently owned and operated, and not dominant in its field.
  • Eligible “for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations” are independently operated live-performance venues, promoters, production companies, or performance-related businesses located in New York State with 100 or fewer employees, excluding seasonal employees.
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Eligibility requirements include:
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Entities must have begun operation on or before March 1, 2019 and continue to be in operation as of the date of application (may be shuttered due to COVID restrictions), have to show a reduction in gross receipts of at least 25% from 2019 to 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or compliance with COVID-19 health and safety protocols which resulted in business modifications, interruptions, or closures.
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Show gross receipts between $25,000 and $500,000 for 2019 and 2020, and a positive net profit for 2019.
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They must not have qualified for assistance programs under the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 or other available federal COVID-19 economic recovery or business assistance grant programs above certain thresholds (received more than $100,000 of a PPP grant or loan).
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Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000 based on the entity’s annual gross receipts.
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Interested businesses are urged to submit applications as soon as possible, due to limited funding. This is not a “first come, first serve” program. Instead, applications will be evaluated based on business attributes set by the legislature, and priority will be given to socially and economically disadvantaged business owners including, but not limited to, minority and women-owned business enterprises, service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and veteran-owned businesses, or businesses located in communities that were economically distressed prior to March 1, 2020.
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All program information, including a program FAQ, detailed information on application requirements, and other program information is available here. https://nysmallbusinessrecovery.com/

REGISTER for the NYS Covid-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program – June 16, 2021 11:00 AM

Join us for a webinar on the NYS Covid-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program!
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DATE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2021
TIME: 11:00 AM
REGISTER

REPLAY of the COVID-19 Vaccine & Wellness Roundtable for Employers

PCBC vaccine roundtable brought to you by Lawley
In case you missed it, here is the replay of the COVID-19 Vaccine & Wellness Roundtable for Employers presented on June 8, 2021.
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If you attended, or are just watching for the first time now, we hope you will reach out to us with any questions you might have.
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This presentation is hosted by Marj Ciucci, Senior Benefits Consultant with Lawley and Clare Hunter, Clinical Account Executive with Lawley-Arxcel.
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Topics discussed include:
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  • Vaccine hesitancy | CLICK HERE for Dr. Parkerson’s presentation, “What is Vaccine Confidence?” | CLICK HERE for pandemic information
  • An update on the COVID-19 vaccine as of June 2021 | 00.02.08
  • Employer strategies | 00.25.44
  • Employee/employer vaccine discussion | Employer strategies related to mental health | 00.47.20
VIEW webinar HERE
]]> REMINDER TO REGISTER – COVID-19 Vaccine & Wellness Roundtable for Employers, 8th June | Emergency Rental Assistance Program Available to Putnam County Tenants and Landlords https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/reminder-to-register-covid-19-vaccine-wellness-roundtable-for-employers-8th-june-emergency-rental-assistance-program-available-to-putnam-county-tenants-and-landlords/ Sat, 05 Jun 2021 14:32:26 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3588 #top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-ebd6fe28726f20d1e499f7956cb16132{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-ebd6fe28726f20d1e499f7956cb16132 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-ebd6fe28726f20d1e499f7956cb16132 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

REMINDER TO REGISTER – COVID-19 Vaccine & Wellness Roundtable for Employers, 8th June

Join Lawley and Arxcel for an in-depth discussion with leaders and stakeholders in healthcare, manufacturing, and education about the issues surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
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This webinar will be broken into 4 sessions and will include the following:
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* An overview of vaccine hesitancy
* Update on COVID-19 vaccine
* Employer Strategies Discussion
* Employee/employer vaccine discussions
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DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021
TIME: 12 PM
REGISTER

Emergency Rental Assistance Program Available to Putnam County Tenants and Landlords

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell is pleased to announce that the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is now available for tenants in Putnam County who have been unable to pay their rent due to loss of income as a result of COVID-19.
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If you or a member of your household lost income or received unemployment benefits due to loss of work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible.
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To see if you are eligible, and to apply for these funds visit OTDA.NY.GOV/ERAP or call (844) NY1 Rent (844 691-7368).
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If you are having difficulty completing the on line application, Hudson Valley 2-1-1 will be able to assist you. To get special help call (914) 993-3719.
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Contact Information:
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Michael Piazza
(845) 808-1500 ext. 45201
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Theresa M. Oliver
Confidential Secretary to the County Executive
(845) 808-1001 ext. 49201
]]> Dropping Mask Requirements, While Welcome, Leaves Many Questions | Consolidated Funding Application Workshops/Info Sessions https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/dropping-mask-requirements-while-welcome-leaves-many-questions-consolidated-funding-application-workshops-info-sessions/ Wed, 26 May 2021 17:26:59 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3564 #top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1c05a49aa02df63f7477989d83f3d3ce{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1c05a49aa02df63f7477989d83f3d3ce .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-1c05a49aa02df63f7477989d83f3d3ce .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Dropping Mask Requirements, While Welcome, Leaves Many Questions

According to NPR news, large US retailers such as Target, Walmart and Costco have all dropped their mask rules for fully vaccinated people, except where state or local laws apply. “Face coverings will continue to be strongly recommended for guests and team members who are not fully vaccinated,” Target said in a statement to NPR.
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At both the state and federal level, compliance basically falls to an honor system, since it becomes very hard for places of business to police such activities. Large companies such as Walmart have said (according to NPR) that workers simply have to answer a vaccination question on a daily health assessment to be eligible to go maskless. Fully vaccinated employees no longer have to wear masks. Throughout the pandemic, small businesses at least were able to point to state or local laws requiring mask usage, which made it easier to obtain compliance. As things change, they are now left to their own devices. If during COVID you had to quarantine your business you know how difficult this can be. Plus, liability for anyone who gets sick is still unclear. COVID is not covered by insurance.
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Independent shop and restaurant owners, for example, now have to figure out a course between safety versus revenue needs and concerns and the recent CDC ruling has small businesses once again struggling to operate. First of all, not everyone is comfortable leaving the mask off. Second, while the state allows the honor system to dictate who is and who isn’t required to wear a mask, it only does so while the venue (such as a restaurant) is occupied at the roughly 50 percent capacity limit of the six-foot spacing required at the height of the COVID-19 crisis. To fully occupy a restaurant, the owners must either (1) require everyone to show proof of vaccination at the door, (2) segregate the establishment into vaccinated and non-vaccinated sections, or (3) require mask usage of all patrons. As you can see, these are problematic choices, indeed.
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The Excelsior Pass is a possible solution, as would be a government mandated vaccine, but again both of these create additional problems. For one, many remain skeptical of the vaccines and are reluctant to get them. For another, the idea of a government-controlled list that separates people into an acceptable group versus an unacceptable one is likewise fraught with concern. There are no easy answers, but the public seems to be expecting them as they return to some pre-COVID dining and shopping habits. The best advice seems to remain patient until the situation becomes more clear.
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Jennifer Maher
Founding Chairwoman
Putnam County Business Council

Consolidated Funding Application Workshops/Info Sessions

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The eleventh round of the Consolidated Funding Application is now open with over $750 million in funding available through more than 30 state programs.
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Beginning June 2 the Empire State Development (ESD) staff will begin offering virtual CFA information sessions. These workshops will be hosted by ESD team members ready to answer questions about the CFA process.
REGISTER for the events HERE

In addition, there are 25 recorded webinars currently available on demand.

VIEW webinars HERE

SBA Grants for Organizations Help Underserved Communities

SBA Launches ‘Community Navigator Pilot’ Program Application
$100 million competitive grant program to strengthen outreach to businesses in underserved communities enacted through the American Rescue Plan
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that it is accepting applications for its new Community Navigator Pilot Program. This new initiative, established by the American Rescue Plan, will leverage a community navigator approach to reach our nation’s smallest businesses, with a priority focus on those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, as well as women and veterans. SBA will accept applications through July 12, 2021, and anticipates making award decisions by August 2021. The Biden-Harris Administration has made delivering equitable relief to hard-hit small businesses a top priority and will continue to take steps to ensure equitable distribution of relief.
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“The Community Navigator Pilot Program is a crucial addition to our SBA programs because it helps us to connect with small businesses that have historically been underserved or left behind. These businesses – the smallest of the small in rural and urban America, and those owned by women, people of color, or veterans – have suffered the greatest economic loss from this pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. “We’ll be using a hub and spoke model in local regions across the nation to bridge the gap between local entrepreneurs and SBA’s resources and programs. If we’re going to build back better, we need to ensure that all entrepreneurs have the support they need to recover.”
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In February 2021, Congress met to provide a blueprint on assistance to small businesses with provisions under the American Rescue Plan. Members of Congress met with constituents to discover at local levels, the impact of the pandemic and the effect it is having on businesses that may have been left out in early rounds of relief.
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“I’ve spoken to small businesses in every corner of Arizona. Far too many of them, especially tribal and minority-owned businesses and those in rural communities, have been unable to get the support they need,” said Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. It’s why I fought to include the Community Navigator Program in the American Rescue Plan because it will help meet Arizona small businesses right in their communities, including providing assistance for Spanish-speakers, and get them the relief they need to keep their doors open and workers on payroll.”
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“As someone proudly representing one of the most diverse congressional districts in the country, I am glad the Community Navigator Pilot Program will soon be launching,” said Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux of Georgia. “We have already seen the difficulties diverse communities face in accessing critically-needed relief resources, from securing PPP funds to rental relief. Through targeted outreach to small businesses in underserved communities, we can ensure that everyone is able to take advantage of the resources offered by the American Rescue Plan.”
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The Community Navigator Notice of Funding Opportunity will be open to applications from nonprofit organizations, state, local, and tribal governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations.  Selected partners will engage in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved communities to help small businesses get the resources and support they need to get back on track as the economy continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“Our small business owners—especially those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, people of color, women, veterans, and Native Americans—they need us the most, and they need us now,” said  SBA Associate Administrator for the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid. “This initiative underscores our Agency’s commitment to connecting distressed small business resources with SBA resources and grant funding.”
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“The SBA understands the importance of partnering with organizations as well as smaller, local institutions that are already embedded in the fabric of the Main Street business communities they serve,” said Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership Natalie Madeira Cofield. “Community Navigators are the backbone of aiding underserved and underrepresented communities across the nation with recovery.”
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Making a Difference in Underserved Small Business Communities.  Key in this initiative are partners and people in the community, serving as a two-way information stream, enabling enterprising business owners to receive the help needed from the SBA. Serving as the foundation of America’s economy, these underserved businesses have areas of concern that need to be addressed. Community Navigator Pilot will provide counseling, networking, and the assistance needed during this time of economic recovery.
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Competitive grant awards will range from $1 million to $5 million for a two-year performance period. Applicants have until July 12, 2021, to submit their applications at grants.gov. Performance periods are projected to commence in September 2021. Those eligible to apply must meet and demonstrate abilities to support the requirements of this funding opportunity.
For more information on the Community Navigators Initiative, please visit www.sba.gov/navigators.

The Memorial Day Tire Event at Park Ford Of Mahopac

]]> Government Affairs Council Update | New York State to adopt New CDC Guidance on mask use and social distancing for full vaccinated individuals https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/government-affairs-council-update-new-york-state-to-adopt-new-cdc-guidance-on-mask-use-and-social-distancing-for-full-vaccinated-individuals/ Tue, 18 May 2021 16:03:33 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3536 #top .av-special-heading.av-kou7s09z-c0384706867a0b13ab1260aaae9ee69f{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-kou7s09z-c0384706867a0b13ab1260aaae9ee69f .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-kou7s09z-c0384706867a0b13ab1260aaae9ee69f .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Government Affairs Council Update – Upcoming Events

Two Government Affairs Council meetings have been scheduled for the next few weeks. Join us for a discussion of last-minute legislative issues as the session comes to a close.

DATE: Monday, May 24
TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

REGISTER

DATE: Monday, June 7
TIME: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

REGISTER

Impact of Indian Point Closure

With the shutdown of the final electric generating unit at the Indian Point Nuclear Energy Center on, April 30, New York State and the New York Metropolitan area specifically, embarked on a new and uncertain era in maintaining and assuring an adequate and reliable electric power supply.
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Richard Ellenbogen and John Ravitz have spent the last 10 years looking closely at the impact of closing of shutting down the source of some 25% of the Metro region’s power, and the political, societal and economic consequences that come with it. Rich, who is a BCW member, serves on the BCW’s Gas Moratorium Task Force and was one of the first businesses to receive the Green Business Certification from the BCW’s Green Business Partnership Program.
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The accompanying opinion piece, which was distributed to the media, offers an honest, readable and provocative look into what the future holds. So far, the Op-Ed has been published by several prominent media outlets including Crain’s New York.
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Below are links to the coverage.
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Click here to read the full Op-Ed

New York State to adopt New CDC Guidance on mask use and social distancing for full vaccinated individuals

Governor Cuomo announced that beginning Wednesday, May 19th, 2021, New York State will adopt the CDC’s “Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People“ for most business and public settings.
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Consistent with the CDC guidance, Pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings will continue to follow State’s existing COVID-19 health guidelines until more New Yorkers are fully vaccinated.
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Please find the announcement from the Governor’s Office here.
]]> Reputation Matters: Protect Your Greatest Asset https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/reputation-matters-protect-your-greatest-asset/ Fri, 14 May 2021 15:37:45 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3531 #top .av-special-heading.av-koohe2di-a660ddb772329b042e994244eecfad6b{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-koohe2di-a660ddb772329b042e994244eecfad6b .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-koohe2di-a660ddb772329b042e994244eecfad6b .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Reputation Matters: Protect Your Greatest Asset

REGISTER
]]> A New Decade of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/governor-cuomo-launches-a-new-decade-of-the-regional-economic-development-council-initiative/ Wed, 12 May 2021 16:35:25 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3517 #top .av-special-heading.av-kolowdz6-0a05cb812892a704345f3a0fe44b5bad{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-kolowdz6-0a05cb812892a704345f3a0fe44b5bad .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-kolowdz6-0a05cb812892a704345f3a0fe44b5bad .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

A New Decade of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today launched Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off a new decade of economic development in a post-pandemic recovery. The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources. You can find the announcement here.
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Since 2011, the first year of the REDC initiative, the CFA has enabled businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits and members of the public to apply for multiple sources of funding from dozens of state agency programs through a single application, for projects that create jobs and help to revitalize communities.
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All of the 2021 guidelines and resources documents can be found on the REDC website at https://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/.
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Here are direct links to the materials:
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 Important Dates:
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  • CFA Opens: May 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM
  • CFA Deadline for many programs: 4:00 PM SHARP on July 30, 2021
  • Note: The deadline does not apply for open enrollment programs, which will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis.

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The next Mid-Hudson REDC Public Meeting will be held on

DATE: Tuesday, May 18th, 2021,

TIME: 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

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Click Below to REGISTER
REGISTER
]]> Get Voting! – 94th Assembly District Best in Business 2021 | Easing of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/get-voting-94th-assembly-district-best-in-business-2021-easing-of-covid-19-pandemic-restrictions/ Mon, 10 May 2021 18:20:50 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3501 #top .av-special-heading.av-kolp4pni-736e7b95fa9680b6034777bf89ad4a4d{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-kolp4pni-736e7b95fa9680b6034777bf89ad4a4d .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-kolp4pni-736e7b95fa9680b6034777bf89ad4a4d .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Get Voting! – 94th Assembly District Best in Business 2021

We are proud to announce a brand-new initiative this year in honor of our extraordinary local businesses. This past year, we witnessed businesses continue to proudly serve our communities with dedication despite facing incredible challenges. This has inspired us to launch Best in Business 2021 to recognize these amazing local establishments.
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We are looking to highlight businesses that demonstrate their dedication to the people of the 94th Assembly District. These businesses would be described as having excellent customer service, curating valuable relationships within their communities, and going above and beyond for their customers. If you have a local business/businesses you feel fit this description you can use the submission form below to submit your vote to recognize and honor them within their respective categories.
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  • Voting is open exclusively to local residents in the 94th Assembly District for the towns of Carmel (including the hamlet of Mahopac/Mahopac Falls), Patterson, Putnam Valley, Yorktown, Somers and Southeast (including the village of Brewster). Each resident may only vote once per category and will be automatically entered in a drawing to receive a donated gift card from one of several local businesses. Voting will end May 31.
VOTE HERE

Easing of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont recently announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
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Written guidance is not yet available, and all updates are subject to New York State issuing official guidance.
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Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New York. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.
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A quick guide to the updates that impact Putnam County:
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  • Offices can increase capacity to 75% beginning 5/15.
  • The outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people on 5/10.
  • The indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people on 5/19.
  • The outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people is removed as of 5/19.
  • The indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people on 5/19.
  • Large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30% capacity starting 5/19.
  • Hair salons, barber shops and other personal care services will expand to 75% capacity beginning 5/7.
  • The 12 AM food and beverage curfew will be lifted for outdoor dining areas beginning 5/7 and for indoor dining areas beginning 5/31.
  • The 1 AM curfew for catered events where attendees have provided proof of vaccination status or a recent negative COVID-19 test result will be lifted on 5/17, with the curfew for all catered events to be lifted 5/31.
  • Large-scale outdoor event venues, including professional and collegiate sports and live performing arts & entertainment, can increase capacity to 33% beginning 5/19.
  • Gyms and fitness centers outside of NYC can increase capacity to 50% beginning 5/15.
  •  Casinos and gaming facilities can increase capacity to 50% beginning 5/15.

$5 Billion in Child Care Funding for Working Families

New York State announced this week that the recently enacted New York State Fiscal Year 2022 Budget includes a $5 billion investment in child care through both state and federally funded initiatives. The Business Council President & CEO, Heather Briccetti, was a member on the New York State Child Care Availability Task Force that helped in securing the funding.
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Upcoming Events

Workshop on Clean Environment Amendment

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The Business Council is working with the New York Water Environment Association to offer a free presentation discussing concerns with the proposed amendment to the New York Constitution that “Each person shall have a right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment,” that will be on this fall’s ballot.
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Wednesday, May 12
1:00 – 2:00 PM
REGISTER

Fighting Unemployment Insurance Fraud

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As a follow-up to our recent joint committee meeting discussion on UI issues, we are hosting a session with NYS Department of Labor to take a deeper dive into what the Department is doing to address fraudulent applications and awards, and the steps that business and employees can take in response to fraudulent claims.
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Thursday, May 19
1:00 – 2:00 PM
REGISTER

Meet the Mayoral Candidates

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This year’s biggest election is for Mayor of New York City. We have arranged for half-hour meet the candidate sessions with three of the leading contenders, and we are working on sessions with other candidates as well. (Our apologies, you will have to separately register for each session you would like to participate in.)
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Eric Adams
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Tuesday, May 11
2:30 – 3:00 PM

REGISTER

Maya Wiley
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Wednesday, May 19
3:30 to 4:00 PM

REGISTER

Ray McGuire
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Tuesday, May 25
2:00 – 2:30 PM

REGISTER

Legislative Update

HERO Act

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Governor Cuomo has signed S.1034-B/A.2681-B, dubbed the “HERO Act,” with a commitment on a number of chapter amendments that are expected to be passed within the next several session days. The Business Council and other employer advocacy groups opposed this legislation as unnecessary to address workplace hazards and as an undue burden on small business. The bill has three major components. First, it directs the Department of Labor, with input from the Health Department, to issue workplace protocols to protect employees and customers from airborne pathogens that pose a significant risk to public health. Employers would have to adopt implementation plans within 30 days of their issuance. Second, it authorizes employees to sue employers for alleged violations of these protocols. Third, it requires employers to “permit” employees to create joint labor-management safety committees at each worksite with at least ten employees. We were able to secure several late concessions that will limit adverse impacts. Most significantly, the bill requires notice to employers and a 30 day “cure period” before any litigation can be commenced, and it eliminates the ability to recovery liquidated damages (which were up to $20,000 per violation in the original bill). These, and several other lesser amendments, were pushed by the Administration based on our input, and while the Senate was open to some of our proposals, the Assembly was generally non-responsive. We will be providing additional details once the chapter amendment legislation is introduced.

Executive Orders Repealed

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Among the provisions of legislation adopted this March (S.5357/A.5967, Chapter 71), the legislature is authorized to terminate COVID-related Executive Orders at any time by concurrent resolution of the Senate and Assembly. The legislature has made first use of this this authority this week, with both houses introducing and passing three resolutions.
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  • Concurrent Resolution 216 would repeal Executive Order 202.52, which requires that a food item purchased along with any purchase of an alcoholic beverage when served on premise or for certain off premise consumption purchases.
  • Concurrent Resolution 215 repeals provisions of Executive Orders 202.88 and 202.89, which impose requirements on entities administering COVID vaccines, including a provision that all vaccines received by such entities are administered within a week of their receipt, and one that mandates entities to require persons to attest that they are a member of an eligible priority group before they receive a vaccine, as well as the civil penalties related to violations of these provisions.
  • Concurrent Resolution 214 repeals provisions of Executive Orders 202.6 and 202.7, which exempts persons hired (or who serve in a voluntary capacity) in response to the COVID emergency from various requirement of the Public Officers Law
]]> Restaurant Revitalization Grant Fund Information | Re-evaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/restaurant-revitalization-grant-fund-information-re-evaluation-of-a-targeted-eidl-advance-application/ Fri, 23 Apr 2021 15:32:48 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3468 #top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc15ec5625e546c9bf8cc91d52ec42db{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc15ec5625e546c9bf8cc91d52ec42db .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-cc15ec5625e546c9bf8cc91d52ec42db .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

Restaurant Revitalization Grant Fund Replay and Information

The US SBA is targeting April to launch a phased rollout of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The American Rescue Plan Act, P.L. 117-2, created the RRF to provide restaurants with grants – not loans – potentially equal to pandemic-related revenue losses, up to $10 million per entity, or $5 million per physical location for a certain periods during the pandemic. Restaurants and bars have been among the hardest hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and this program is targeted specifically for them.
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Click the video below for the replay of the Webinar held on Wednesday, April 21st.
Please Click HERE to view and download more information.

Re-evaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application

Effective immediately, applicants can send a request for reevaluation of a Targeted EIDL Advance application that was declined to the following email address: TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov
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Applicants should follow these instructions when requesting a reevaluation:
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  • Send email to TargetedAdvanceReevaluation@sba.gov
  • Use subject line “Reevaluation Request for [insert your 10-digit application number]”
  • Be sure to include in the body of the email identifying information for the application including application number, business name, business address, business owner name(s), and phone number.
Important: Please also include an explanation and any documentation that addresses the reason for the decline, if available. SBA will contact applicants if additional documentation is required to complete our review.

REGISTER For The PCBC Legislative Priorities “Town Hall” – Thursday, April 29th @ 7:30AM

Thank you very much for your help and assistance in the past for your work with the Putnam County Business Council serving on the task force for “Re-opening Putnam County safely”. Your time is valuable and we appreciate your input and time.
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Because of your leadership we would like to invite you to participate in the PCBCs “Legislative Priorities” Meeting. We plan to have a “town hall” style meeting sharing the input we have from our membership survey along with the legislative items we’ve identified over the last year. Attached is a draft of that document for your review. We would love your input prior to the event as well as to add to the discussion. The plan is to present the draft of priorities at the meeting and to gather feedback and additional input from our membership as well as local business owners.
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We hope you find this an informative and interactive meeting that will continue the push for the success of the business community in Putnam County. Below is the registration information – we hope you can join us!
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DATE: Thursday, 29th April
TIME:  07:30 AM
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Please click below to REGISTER
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
REGISTER
]]> REGISTER for the Preliminary Overview of the Restaurant Revitalization Grant Fund – Wednesday April 21st @ 8:30 AM | Commercial Real Estate and The Potential Marijuana Impact https://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/register-for-the-preliminary-overview-of-the-restaurant-revitalization-grant-fund-wednesday-april-21st-830-am-commercial-real-estate-and-the-potential-marijuana-impact/ Mon, 19 Apr 2021 16:50:02 +0000 http://putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com/?p=3452 #top .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-8bb9a3aed620736250acaf1fc7bfdd34{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-8bb9a3aed620736250acaf1fc7bfdd34 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-av_heading-8bb9a3aed620736250acaf1fc7bfdd34 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; }

REGISTER for the Preliminary Overview of the Restaurant Revitalization Grant Fund

Join us for a Preliminary Overview of the Restaurant Revitalization Grant Fund
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The US SBA is targeting April to launch a phased rollout of the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). The American Rescue Plan Act, P.L. 117-2, created the RRF to provide restaurants with grants – not loans – potentially equal to pandemic-related revenue losses, up to $10 million per entity, or $5 million per physical location for a certain periods during the pandemic. Restaurants and bars have been among the hardest hit businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and this program is targeted specifically for them.
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While the information is still early and subject to change this webinar will be looking at how and what we will likely need to prepare to apply, what sort of information will be required and how the RFF may interact with PPP (First or Second Draw) and EIDL or other programs our bars and restaurants may have utilized.
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DATE: Wednesday, April 21st
TIME: 8:30 AM
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Join us via Zoom or Playback on Facebook/Website
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Click Below to Register
REGISTER

Commercial Real Estate and The Potential Marijuana Impact

According to the National Association of Realtors the demand for industrial space and land will remain strong compared to other types of properties. The trends of working from home, the want and need to get outdoors and have a place to breathe, and the continuing expansion of E-Commerce will continue to be the primary drivers of the commercial real estate market. Multi-family dwellings are still in demand even with investors worried about the ability of renters to pay rent. Hospitality and lodging will continue to suffer until the Vaccine starts to make a difference, travel increases, and in-person business begins to resume.
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The legalization of Marijuana will be an interesting development for The commercial Real Estate industry. Another recent survey by the National Association of Realtors indicates that “states where medical and recreational marijuana have been legalized for more than three years have seen more increases in demand for commercial properties.” As the NAR report indicates, 42% of those states have seen an increase in demand for warehouses while managing a 27% increase in demand for storefronts and a 21% increase in demand for land.
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Many fear the Impact on the residential community as a whole. Years after the legalization of marijuana in California, that same NAR report found that ”60% of Realtors reported no change in property values while 8% reported a slight increase, and 4% reported a significant increase. Between 8-27% of members polled did see a decrease in residential property values near dispensaries, but these results do not comprise the majority opinion.” While property value and demand are only one way to measure the impact of the legalization of marijuana on a community, it seems to be an important one.
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A very interesting move by New York State is allowing the municipalities instead of the county to decide if the Town/Village/City will participate with the program. Putnam County has made it very clear that it does not support the legalization of marijuana so it will be interesting to see what the local leaders decide. New York will set a 9 percent sales tax on cannabis plus an additional 4% county and local tax. If a municipality opts in, will the county still collect its portion of the sales tax?
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Jennifer Maher
Founding Chairwoman of the Putnam County Business Council
COO J. Philip Real Estate
info@putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com

REGISTER For The PCBC Legislative Priorities “Town Hall” – Thursday, April 29th @ 7:30AM

Thank you very much for your help and assistance in the past for your work with the Putnam County Business Council serving on the task force for “Re-opening Putnam County safely”. Your time is valuable and we appreciate your input and time.
p
Because of your leadership we would like to invite you to participate in the PCBCs “Legislative Priorities” Meeting. We plan to have a “town hall” style meeting sharing the input we have from our membership survey along with the legislative items we’ve identified over the last year. Attached is a draft of that document for your review. We would love your input prior to the event as well as to add to the discussion. The plan is to present the draft of priorities at the meeting and to gather feedback and additional input from our membership as well as local business owners.
p
We hope you find this an informative and interactive meeting that will continue the push for the success of the business community in Putnam County. Below is the registration information – we hope you can join us!

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DATE: Thursday, 29th April
TIME: 07:30 AM
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Please click below to REGISTER
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After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
REGISTER
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