With Canadian testing requirements set to change on April 1st, the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau (VCB), a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, is excited to once again be able to welcome our Canadian visitors to the area for the upcoming tourism season. The ability to invite and host our Canadian visitors once again on the Adirondack Coast, after over 2 years of separation, will be huge not only to our economy but to the vitality of our community.
“The message is simple but important to express after two years of separation,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “We have missed our friends and neighbors and are really looking forward to seeing and welcoming them. Just as we are anxious to get back to places in Canada we so enjoy, our mountains, lakes, shops and businesses are ready and waiting here. We have dubbed April 1st Reunion Day for Canadians and Americans so let the reunion begin.”
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is welcoming indications that the U.S. will begin to allow vaccinated Canadians to drive across the northern land border on November 1st. That has been the date for beginning entry by international air travelers from Europe and elsewhere with proof of vaccination, leading to strong calls from the Chamber and others to include the Canadian land border.
“After more than eighteen months of unprecedented separation and frustration, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel,” says Garry Douglas, Chamber President. “There are important details to be clarified by Homeland Security and by the CDC, but policy making is in play at last. After more than eighteen months of unprecedented separation in a vacuum of planning, we may finally be seeing light at the end of a long tunnel. The network of partners that has grown up around this challenge in both countries has been incredible and will be of lasting value. And we must thank our federal and state partners who have been determined all along the way and will continue to engage as this process continues, including Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and the Northern Border Caucus in Congress, Assemblyman Billy Jones and Senator Dan Stec, among other active advocates.”
“We cannot replace two lost summers or the long impact on families and business, but if this goes forward as indicated, we can share Christmas and welcome our Canadian travelers at Plattsburgh International Airport in time for the upcoming winter travel season,” notes Douglas. “Most importantly, we will be able to at least start the long process of reconnecting.”
The Chamber is continuing to follow final elements of the emerging plan and will continue to advocate for reasonable standards and then for planning for subsequent phases of border normalization.
A Multi Organization Effort to Stress the Importance of following State Safety Guidelines
In response to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the North Country Region, the North Country Chamber of Commerce along with the Clinton County Health Department, Plattsburgh YMCA and the United Way of the Adirondack Region have created a #maskupnorthcountry social media campaign to reinforce the importance of following state guidelines to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The social media campaign, which kicked off on Wednesday, features pictures and quotes from regional community leaders, including Assemblyman Billy Jones and Town Supervisor Michael Cashman, stressing the importance of wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing.
The group also created a webpage featuring fresh signage for businesses to hang stressing the importance of face coverings, maintaining safe distances and handwashing. They can be found on northcountrychamber.com by clicking on “Collateral”.
Garry Douglas, President/CEO of the North Country Chamber of Commerce: “”It’s the simplest thing we can all keep doing to come through this challenge, and also a key way to support our local businesses. Higher numbers could bring new restrictions, which none of us want to see happen. So mask up and maintain safe distances. For yourself, for everyone you meet and for the future of our businesses.”
The North Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting a tele-town hall meeting with New York State Comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, taking place from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2.
This meeting is part of a series of webinars this week organized by the chamber to help facilitate re-opening, including sessions designed for campground owners and office managers on Wednesday, June 3. View the complete schedule here: http://northcountrychamber.com/
Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m.:Conversation with our Legislators (Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, Senator Betty Little, Assemblyman Dan Stec, Assemblywoman Carrier Woerner), hosted by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, May 13, 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.: Back to Business: What You Need To Do Before You Reopen, hosted by the North Country Chamber of Commerce. Register ahead for the morning training or the afternoon session.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce and ROOST (Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism) have announced the endorsement of one another’s plans to assist with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
ROOST recently released its “Adirondack Tourism Strategy: Pathway Forward,” outlining strategies and approaches to transform the way it markets the northern Adirondack region as the state begins to move toward eventual economic reopening, including resumed travel activity.
In place of their annual live event, the North Country Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a virtual job fair this month. Throughout a three week campaign, potential employees will be directed to the Chamber’s Now Hiring/Virtual Job Fair Page, where job seekers will be able to find offerings and links to applications.
If you are a business that wants to take part in this virtual job fair, email Becky Drollette at beckym@northcountrychamber.com with your company’s name, position available, and website and contact information.
Are you a small business owner negatively impacted by the coronavirus outbreak? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering some ways to help.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce and SCORE have teamed up to host a webinar from 11 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, March 24, for small business owners to learn more about their options.
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