The plan to reopen businesses in New York State in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic is called NY Forward. All businesses must adhere to it. Employees and the general public must do their part as well to keep the economy open. The objective is to keep moving forward now – with no backtracking.
The only way to keep moving forward is to continue to follow all regulations and health and safety guidelines to continue slowing the spread of the virus. The plan is based on risk mitigation and specific health metrics by region and by business sector. It is specifically designed to minimize the risks to employees and customers, and to limit liability to businesses.
It is imperative that each business have a plan in place that meets the basic regulations outlined by the NY Forward plan by sector. It is also imperative that each business read and affirm the detailed guidance for their sector and print and provide information for employees. The affirmation is a simple online form. All documents can be found at https://forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase.
If your business needs assistance in creating a plan that meets the state requirements, we have some helpful tools and templates online at https://www.chautauquachamber.org/restarting-our-economy.html. On that page you’ll also find links to a class being offered online by JCC Workforce Readiness to help you create a plan for reopening, and links for procuring personal protective equipment for employees where it’s required.
If your business needs training for staff, the Chamber/MAST has some simple videos available through the Zywave Learning Management System, all available to any member business as a benefit of membership. New courses have been added related to Coronavirus prevention, Respiratory PPE, and more.
This truly is a time to move forward, and we can do that safely when we all work together to follow the health regulations. Please wear a mask as needed and required, wash your hands, continue social distancing, and clean and disinfect surfaces. The responsibility for moving our economy forward sits squarely on the shoulders of each individual. Let’s do the right thing for our businesses and our community as we work towards Phase 2 of this economic reopening.
Business Weekly Webinar to feature Empire State Development
The next Chamber/MAST Business Weekly Webinar will feature a guest from Empire State Development to discuss the NY Forward Loan Fund as well as the requirements for businesses as Western New York prepares to move from Phase 1 to Phase 2 of the NY Forward plan. Empire State Development is the umbrella organization for New York State’s principal economic development financing entities which facilitates business growth and job creation statewide.
The Business Weekly Webinar is held Mondays at 3:30 p.m. via GoToWebinar. You may pre-register or join the event just prior to its start time. Please use this link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2883247549711698959. Attendees can use their computer audio, or call in at +1 (213) 929-4212, Audio Pin 713-239-477.
The Business Weekly Webinar is sponsored by Digitell, FORECON, and the Law Offices of Sheila Starky Hahn. All local business people are welcome to attend this free and informative session.
.Chamber and MAST offer improved employee training services
The Chamber and MAST have added courses in our new Zywave Learning Management System to help all members during the COVID-19 pandemic. These courses include Safe Work Practices, Respiratory PPE guidance, Safety Training, and more. This is in addition to the existing and required HR Compliance program to meet the ongoing New York State Workplace Harassment mandates. Each existing Zywave client with the Chamber/MAST has either already received, or will shortly be receiving, an email to get them started with this new course material.
The HR360 library of informational resources is also still available at hr360.com for all members. The library includes helpful tips and resources for all human resource professionals.
These services are provided through your membership investment in the Chamber/MAST. If you have questions, please email Sheila Webster at [email protected]
Chamber County Executive Breakfast online June 5
The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present its annual County Executive Breakfast Online, with County Executive Paul “PJ” Wendel, Friday, June 5 at 8:30 a.m. We encourage all attendees to get up and get out and find your favorite local breakfast or coffee takeout restaurant, and then head home to join us online for this informative event.
Our sponsors for this event are Chautauqua Institution, DFT Communications, Jamestown Mattress Company, Lawley Insurance, Media One Radio Group, OBSERVER, Phillips Lytle LLP, The Post-Journal, Serta Mattress, Southern Tier Environments for Living, University Advancement at the State University of New York at Fredonia, and UPMC Chautauqua. Please support our sponsors and register online for this event at www.chautauquachamber.org. This is free for all to attend, but if you feel inclined the Chamber of Commerce can use your donation at registration at this time to help offset our ongoing expenses.
Questions may be submitted in advance by email to [email protected] or during the event by using the Question feature in GoToWebinar.
