A message from the Chairwoman

Five weeks ago, I shut down our Real Estate and Law offices to street traffic, and we began working from home a week later.  Courts have been closed, home showings are not permitted, but we have enough in the pipeline to survive and move forward once this is all over. We have shifted our models, adapted to Zoom and other forms of digital communications.  We pray the NYS Bar Association adopts a remote business model to match the “new normal”. This would reduce wait times, crowded meeting rooms and courtrooms.

The Putnam County Business Council has been doing its best to keep businesses informed. We are working closely with the EDC, IDA, Tourism and Economic Development Chair Bill Gouldman to keep information flowing. The PCBS is also collaborating with United Way and 211 to bring food and support to the county. We have been in touch with every level of government weekly to get the latest COVID-19 information to the business community — an overwhelming task as it changes rapidly. 

Town Hall style Webinars are hosted every Friday at 4pm to bring all the latest information, including updates on SBA Loans and EIDL disaster relief money. You may register for our Webinars at Putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com or view the replay on our website or our Facebook page @putnambiz. 

Restaurants and delis are continuing take out and delivery, although the number that are still in operation is dwindling as fear of the virus spreads and people actually get sick. Staff are reduced to skeleton crews and it is hard to keep up with demand.  Shoppers at grocery stores seem to avoid eye contact and have a look of anxiety on their faces. Too many are still going out without gloves and masks.

Still, so many in our community are supporting those in need. Kei Reing of the “Mask Makers Guild,” a group formed recently in Putnam County, said, “In the past two weeks we have donated over 2,000 masks to first responders, healthcare providers, and other essential workers in Putnam County and beyond. Our farthest donation went to NYC Dept of Corrections Central Booking in the Bronx whose officers didn’t have any masks. We are currently working on putting together a 2,000 mask donation for FDNY EMS.”  Kei is moved by the support received from the community, and relies on donations of materials and funds to make masks. “It has been overwhelming seeing this community come together to create and donate masks to those serving on the frontlines against this virus,” says Kei. These kinds of uplifting stories bring hope for the future.

We at the Business Council know that many will struggle and some will be devastated. We are committed to being there for all. I continue working from home on a schedule, exercising, meditating, and end many days reading to my six-week old granddaughter from outside her window.

Stay safe, stay productive.

Jennifer Maher
Chairwoman, the Putnam County Business Council, “A business advocacy group” 
Putnam County Business Council
P: 845-228-8595
F: 845-445-6592
info@putnamcountybusinesscouncil.com