presented by Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance

June 23rd, 2020

Quotes of Day

	“We’re excited to see the positive impact that Split The Bill NY will have on our local restaurants in the Village. Even as we enter the next phase of reopening, restaurants are still hurting from the last few months and this will be a huge help in driving business.” - Hon. Peter Cavallaro, Westbury Village Mayor
	“It is great to see the Sidgmore foundation invest in our Main Streets particularly during the economic shutdown that has severely impacted our small business community. We are hopeful their successful efforts will motivate others to bring resources to our local downtowns” - Eric Alexander, Director, Vision Long Island/LI Main Street Alliance
	“Local restaurants are struggling. Split The Bill NY is a way for locals to support these restaurants and their community, in a mutually beneficial way.” - Randi Sidgmore, Founder and Director of the Sidgmore Family Foundation
	“We are waiting to reopen. People who come to bakery want to sit inside, people are very good at practicing social distancing – it’s fantastic.” - Jack Foster, manager of Beach Bakery Cafe in Westhampton

Please join us for the
2020 Complete Streets Virtual Summit
on June 25th & 26th

Registration for this event is open here.

You can view a pdf version of this flyer here.

A message from Vision Long Island and the Long Island Main Street Alliance...

Helping Main Street through the
Coronavirus Shutdown

Day 100 of Coronavirus Economic Shutdown –
Tuesday June 23rd, 2020

The Coronavirus economic shutdown is on day 100.  Small businesses are very excited about Phase 3 reopening that is tomorrow and includes limited indoor dining, tattoo parlors, nail salons, and many others.  The “Split the Bill” program is coming to Westbury on Wednesday the 24th so a perfect time to head to participating restaurants there.  Billions are still available in the SBA PPP program and the Federal government has relaxed many rules that were a barrier to some businesses.  Many small businesses still don’t know about this opportunity and the program will close out on June 30th. 

Here are some updates:

• Really great lineup for the 8th Annual LI Complete Streets Summit now virtual on June 25th and June 26th.

• Here is some info on Split the Bill – we have been helping guide these guys to different downtowns – Westbury is tomorrow - Wednesday the 24th. So in short a great opportunity to head to a participating downtown restaurant tomorrow!
Split The Bill NY, an initiative designed to help drive business to local restaurants that are experiencing economic hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, by paying for 50% of customers' receipt total, up to $30.
The pilot phase of Split The Bill NY took place in the Village of Farmingdale in May, and the Village of Valley Stream earlier this month and it successfully drove nearly 70,000 in retail spend to local restaurants in just three days. Tomorrow, Split The Bill NY is taking place in the Village of Westbury and there are plans to expand the program to more towns in the pipeline.
For more information check out https://www.splitthebillny.com/

• Please find attached the flyer that can be shared on the New York Forward Loan Fund. The NYFLF is a new economic recovery loan program aimed at supporting New York State small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords as they reopen after the COVID19 outbreak and NYS on PAUSE. 
The application for NYFLF is available at this link: nyloanfund.com
Additional resources, such as PowerPoint presentation and FAQ can be found at: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforwardloans-info

• As you may already be aware, gatherings are currently limited to 10 people or less.  Governor Cuomo announced that when the Long Island region enters Phase 3 tomorrow, the gathering limit will increase to up to 25 people.  Currently, houses of worship can open with 25% capacity with strict social distancing measures in place.   Phase 3 is anticipated to begin on Wednesday, June 24th.  

• Statewide guidelines have been released for the activities and businesses set forth below.  Additional guidelines can be found on the NY Forward website under "statewide guidelines" or, click on this link: https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. 
Child Care and Day Camps (day camps can reopen on June 26th) 
Lakes and ocean beaches 
Religious and Funeral Services 
Racing activities 
Dentistry (which includes orthodontics) 
Auto Racing 
Professional Sports Training Facilities 
Public Transportation 

• Guidance for higher education has been posted on the NY Forward website under "phase 4." The guidance can be accessed at this link: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries

• Vision’s Director will join Newsday's Joye Brown and James Madore as a panelist in their next discussion on the next phases of reopening businesses in our local communities. The program is Thursday at 7:30pm and the link is in the attachment to register.
Newsday's Associate Editor Joye Brown and Economics Writer James Madore will moderate an informative discussion and interactive Q&A on what businesses are doing to protect their employees and customers, plus how you can be safe while going out around town and more. Join Dr. Uzma Syed,Infectious Disease Specialist, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Eric Alexander, Director Vision LI/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance, and Kristen Jarnagin, President and CEO of Discover Long Island, for this crossover discussion on health and business safety.
Have your voice be heard. Submit your questions and suggestions in advance using the question box below.

• Through funding from the federal Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program, the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc. is offering financial assistance to eligible individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding originates from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Financial hardships/need include mortgage assistance, rental assistance, help with utility bills, food costs, transportation, funeral costs, medical expenses, etc. Applicants’ household income must not exceed 200 percent of poverty guidelines. 
For information on how to apply, please contact: Halim Kaygisiz at hkaygisiz@eoc-suffolk.com or (631) 241-2119.

•  Island Harvest has launched a free food package distribution program specifically to help out our seniors in need. Food packages include items like cereal, rice, pasta, beans, canned vegetables and fruits, canned proteins, cheese, shelf-stable milk, juice, peanut butter, and soup. To qualify, you must be 60 or over, a NY State resident (US & Non-US citizens are eligible) and verify your income. To see if you qualify, contact marilyn@islandharvest.org or call 631-873-4775

• There is a website that provides training materials for Certified Nursing Assistants, and one of the skills that CNAs must demonstrate properly before being certified is handwashing.
It is a good idea to put together a handwashing guide page on our website using material from CNA training resources to help better educate the public on the proper steps for handwashing to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

• Safely accessing public transportation is critical in getting back to work and back to normal.   Here is a guide from the NY Public Transit Association on the safety measures they are undergoing.   Important for public to know what they are doing to help make riders have a safe experience.   https://nytransit.org/images/19853_NYPTA_COVID19_Recovery_and_Resoration_Report_R6_1_.pdf

• Great news that allows support in the form of grants and loans for truly small businesses with under 50 employees. Kudos to Nassau IDA's Richie Kessel, other IDA's and the many folks who supported this change in policy. Vision and the LI Main Street Alliance provided letters of support on this. Chalk this up as a victory for the little guy!

• Vision was a co-sponsor of a transit chat with US Senator Chuck Schumer who committed to securing $4billion from the federal government to assist the MTA and spoke of his efforts to combat fare hikes and support all forms of transit and walkability in general.  Check out the video of the session.

• We had a great call with the LI Main Street Alliance Tuesday and kudos to Richie Kessel Chairman of the Nassau IDA and Jon Kaiman Deputy County Executive who both share their respective County initiatives to helping Main Streets. We had over 30 different downtowns represented on the call that are working on reopening safely.
One new resource was previewed from John Keating, Director of Economic Development at PSEG for a new grant program for local Main Streets. This grant will help local businesses build their outdoor venues for dining.
PSEG Long Island is providing grants of up to $5,000 to reimburse the purchase of materials including, but not limited to: outdoor seating, tables and lighting; durable safety materials; signage
Funding is limited and is available first come, first served. Eligible grantees include Chambers of Commerce and Business Improvement Districts and will consider grants of higher amounts on a case-by-case-basis.
This is a great opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of and kudos to PSEG Long Island for helping local during this difficult time: https://www.psegliny.com/inthecommunity/revitalization/chambers

• This illuminating cover story in LI Business News speaks to the challenges businesses face sorting out what language to use in very polarizing times.

• The New York State Department of Financial Services has reached an agreement with New York's credit reporting industry to help New York consumers facing hardship caused by COVID-19 to avoid unjustified negative impacts on consumers' credit reports. DFS also urges New York State-regulated financial institutions to furnish credit information in ways that minimizes negative impacts on consumers.
As part of this agreement, credit reporting agencies will:
Provide one free credit report each month through November 2020;
Inform financial institutions of procedures that allow institutions to report missed or delinquent payments in ways that minimize the impact on consumers' credit histories and credit scores; 
Apprise financial institutions of their credit reporting obligations under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which provides relief for consumers; and
Communicate with financial institutions about credit reporting that may not comply with the requirements of the CARES Act.

• The Governor also announced yesterday that the State will issue guidance to colleges and universities to allow some in person instruction and on campus housing for the fall semester. Campuses must develop a plan, which attests to meeting the guidance, and file the plans with the state

• Information about statewide guidelines can be found on the NY Forward website under "statewide guidelines": https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. This link includes guidelines, affirmations, and safety plans for the following:
Child Care and Day Camps (day camps can reopen on June 26th)
Lake and Ocean Beaches
Religious and Funeral Services
Racing Activities
Dentistry (which includes orthodontics)
Auto Racing
Professional Sports Training Facilities
Public Transportation

• Sports and recreation guidance has been posted on the NY Forward website under "Statewide Guidance." It can be found at this link towards the bottom: https://forward.ny.gov/statewide-guidelines. This guidance is effective on July 6th in regions that have reached or surpassed Phase 3 of the State’s reopening.​​ Organizations must read and affirm guidance, as well as complete and print the safety plan.
These guidelines apply to non-professional and non-collegiate sports and recreation activities (e.g. youth sports), inclusive of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation, as well as organized and non-organized sports and recreation.
These guidelines also apply to outdoor sports and recreational activities conducted by gyms, fitness centers, training facilities, and other related facilities. However, gyms, fitness centers, and other such facilities are limited to no more participants than is allowed under the non-essential gathering restriction that is in effect for their region. Gyms, fitness centers, and other facilities are prohibited from conducting indoor activities at this time. Additional guidance on gyms and fitness centers is forthcoming to supplement these guidelines.​

• Some good news that came over Monday - for all independent contractors, gig workers etc the SBA’s EIDL loan applications are back open and a small portion of the loan is a grant that does not have to be paid back. Check it out here.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, posted a revised, user-friendly Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness application implementing the PPP Flexibility Act of 2020. In addition to revising the full forgiveness application, the SBA also published a new “EZ” version of the forgiveness application applying to borrowers who:
Are self-employed and have no employees; OR
Did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25%, and did not reduce the number or hours of their employees; OR
Experienced reductions in business activity as a result of health directives related to COVID-19 and did not reduce the salaries or wages of their employees by more than 25% 
Details regarding the applicability of these provisions are available in the instructions to the new EZ application form.  Both applications give borrowers the option of using the original 8-week covered period (if their loan was made before June 5, 2020) or an extended 24-week covered period.  These changes will result in a more efficient process and make it easier for businesses to realize full forgiveness of their PPP loan. 
Click here to view the EZ Forgiveness Application.
Click here to view the Full Forgiveness Application.

• US Senator Gillibrand is Calling for a $50 Billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to Support Providers Struggling to Stay Open With Limited Revenue Due to COVID-19 Crisis
Confronting shortages of essential child care caused by the outbreak of COVID-19, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for the inclusion of the Child Care Is Essential Act in the next coronavirus relief package. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly half of all child care providers have had to shut their doors and the industry faces a potential loss of more than 4 million child care slots, which would leave millions of families without access to essential child care services when normal work and life schedules resume. The Child Care Is Essential Act would establish a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund to provide grants to stabilize child care providers who are open during the pandemic and would help child care providers that were forced to close to safely reopen.

• The LIRR unveiled a new app for train times with new features.   You can check a demonstration out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghX6B8JPWTs   The fully revamped app - which still contains all your original TrainTime features - is now available for a free download through the App Store

• Governor Cuomo announced that hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks. 

• Governor Cuomo announced that gatherings of up to 25 people will be allowed in phase three of reopening. Full press release below.  Long Island is currently in phase two. To review information about phased reopening, please visit the NY Forward website: https://forward.ny.gov/

• This statement from NYS Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker announced that sleep away camps in NYS will remain closed this year. Statement can be found at this link: https://health.ny.gov/press/releases/2020/2020-06-12_overnight_camps_statement.htm

• Great to see some economic activity in downtown Riverhead with the advancement of a 4 story 36 unit apartment building proposed by Greg DeRosa. Lots of hard work from multiple levels of government and the private sector have gone into making Riverhead revitalize through the years and the Coronavirus shutdown was very damaging. Important to see this project stay on track.

• The Village of Lynbrook was out with Terwilliger and Bartone to begin the demolition of the old Capri motel to make way for an 80 unit apartment development with the support of the local community.

• There are now over 800 locations statewide where New Yorkers can get diagnostic testing, and in order to make sure more New Yorkers are getting tested, Governor Cuomo has further relaxed the criteria for who can get a test and created some helpful online resources. 
If you are concerned you might need a test, but you’re not sure if you meet the criteria, take the online self-assessment at https://covid19screening.health.ny.gov/ 
To locate a testing site near you, visit https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you and enter your address to view a list and a map view of the nearest testing sites. The state has also partnered with Google Maps to display testing site results when you search "COVID testing near me" on Google Maps.
Please remember you must always schedule an appointment to get a COVID-19 diagnostic test by calling 1-888-364-3065 or your healthcare provider.

• For Town of Oyster Bay Residents: Supervisor Saladino and the Town Board announced a Drive-In Concert Series for town residents this summer. All concerts are free, open to residents only and begin at 8pm in the parking lot at TOBAY Beach. Concert goers will experience a wide variety of genres that range from country to rock, providing free family-fun entertainment for all music lovers. Residents are invited to bring a cooler and the entire family. For more information and the full schedule, visit http://oysterbaytown.com/town-announces-free-summer-drive-in-concert-series-at-tobay-beach/
Concerts not your thing? There are drive in movies for TOB residents too courtesy of the town! More info at http://oysterbaytown.com/drive-in-movies-to-return-to-town-of-oyster-bay-for-first-time-in-22-years/

• For TONH residents: Supervisor Bosworth and the Town Board are holding free drive in movie nights for town residents on weekends! Get more info and register at https://northhempsteadny.gov/drive-in

• Nassau has partnered with the Nassau County IDA’s sister organization, LEAC and Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, to introduce the “Boost Nassau” initiative which launched two new programs specifically designed to support small businesses and non-profits during this challenging time:
- Small Business Recovery Loan Program for eligible small businesses, non-profits, and MWBEs.
- PPE Kit Giveaway for eligible small businesses and non-profits, fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Apply for both programs at: www.boostnassau.net

• Guidance for Phase 3 industries has been posted on the NY Forward website. Phase 3 includes restaurant/food service and personal care. As per the guidance, personal care includes "non-hair-related personal care  businesses and services including tattoo and piercing facilities, appearance enhancement practitioners, massage therapy, spas, cosmetology, nail specialty, UV and non-UV tanning, or waxing." Phase 3 guidance can be found at this link: https://forward.ny.gov/phase-three-industries​.
Ahead of Long Island entering Phase 3, businesses should go to the website, read the guidelines, submit an affirmation, and complete and print the safety plan.
Outdoor, low-risk recreational activities are permitted so long as social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting measures are in place:
- tennis;
- non-motorized boat use and rentals, such as row boats, kayaks, canoes; 
- golf and driving ranges, except miniature (mini) golf, with food and retail services subject to the restrictions that are currently in effect within the region;
- racket games, such as badminton, pickleball, racquetball;
- toss/bowl games, such horseshoes, bocce, bean bag toss, croquet;
- flying disc games, such as disc golf and frisbee;
- shuffleboard;
- aerial rope courses or zip lining;
- rope courses including aerial rope courses;
- batting cages;
- shooting ranges; and
- swim classes and swim instruction.​
Link to the essential business guidance: https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026

• The Governor also announced he would issue an Executive Order allowing commercial buildings to conduct temperature checks for anyone entering the building as office workers begin to return to the workplace. That executive order can be found here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/no-20238-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency

• If you’re a small business owner who offers paid family leave and medical leave to your employees, and you have an employee unable to work due to the coronavirus, you may be entitled to receive a credit in the full amount of the required sick leave and family leave. Learn more at go.usa.gov/xVwTS

• The President has signed a bill into law that will give PPP recipients more latitude in how they spend funds received through the program. The new law extends the amount of time borrowers have to use PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24. It also extends the deadline to rehire laid-off and furloughed employees and still qualify for loan forgiveness from June 30 to December 31. Additionally, it reduces the amount of PPP money that must be spent on payroll and expenses for the loan to be forgiven completely, from 75% to 60%. And finally, it gives borrowers five years to repay the loan instead of 2.

• Nassau County began accepting applications from small businesses for free face masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protection equipment. Owners of businesses that have been open at least one year, have 20 or fewer employees and gross revenue of less than $3 million are eligible for the free "PPE starter kits" from the county. Each kit comes with a no-contact digital forehead thermometer, five face shields, 400 face masks, 100 pairs of gloves, 1,800 sanitary wipes and two gallons of hand sanitizer. The one-page application may be found at boostnassau.net.

• We would like to make you all aware of the Suffolk County Small Business COVID -19 Supply Request Information. You can find the form here.
Submission of this form is an agreement with Suffolk County that this business will use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided by Suffolk County only for the purpose of addressing the threat to the public health posed by Covid-19 in compliance with State Executive Orders and guidance for reopening businesses. PPE provided will consist of two reusable cloth face coverings per employee and one gallon of hand sanitizer per business/organization.

• Outdoor movies are happening around LI as the movie industry has to change its operations.

• The New York State Liquor Authority has posted new guidance on outdoor expansion of licensed premises. This is following the Governor's early announcement that outdoor dining is permitted in phase two of reopening.​ SLA guidance can be found at this link.

• The Town of Babylon sets aside a $2.5 million fund for its local small businesses.

• The Nassau County BAR Association is accepting emails for COVID-19 related legal inquiries. Emails should be sent to Covidhelp@nassaubar.org.  Member volunteers are helping residents with a variety of issues, especially landlord/tenant and employment.  They can also help answer questions about Federal Small Business Administration loans. 

• A new bill led by Rep. Carolyn Maloney would create a federally backed business interruption insurance fund to cover losses from a pandemic.

• As we begin to slowly reopen our communities, its important that no New Yorker feel unsafe at work or be put into harms way unnecessarily. If your employer doesn’t make appropriate accommodations for your safety, for the safety of the public, or fails to provide you with PPE to do your job safely, you’re urged to call the state coronavirus hotline at 888-364-3065

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“Split the Bill” Promotion Coming to Westbury Tomorrow for One Day Pilot Program

Split The Bill NY, a charitable initiative created by the Sidgmore Family Foundation, announced the next phase of their campaign which aims to drive business to local restaurants struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Taking place tomorrow, June 24th, in the Village of Westbury, Split The Bill NY encourages locals to order takeout, delivery, drive-through or dine-in (at the restaurants that are now offering outdoor seating) at any of the Participating Restaurants listed on the Split The Bill NY website. After customers have enjoyed their meal, they can then submit a Reimbursement Form confirming purchase of their meal, and within 3-7 days they will receive a reimbursement for 50% of their restaurant receipt, up to $30. The deadline to submit a Reimbursement Form is 11:59 PM on June 24th, the day of the program.

Past Split The Bill NY campaigns have driven over $66,000 in total retail spend to participating restaurants in the Village of Farmingdale and Village of Valley Stream. Several restaurants in the Village of Westbury are participating in the program in the hope of driving more business to their restaurants.

“Local restaurants are struggling,” explained Randi Sidgmore, Founder and Director of the Sidgmore Family Foundation, the private family foundation behind the creation of Split The Bill NY. “Split The Bill NY is a way for locals to support these restaurants and their community, in a mutually beneficial way.”

 “We’re excited to see the positive impact that Split The Bill NY will have on our local restaurants in the Village,” said Westbury Village Mayor Peter Cavallaro. “Even as we enter the next phase of reopening, restaurants are still hurting from the last few months and this will be a huge help in driving business.”

You can show your support to Westbury Village's wide variety of participating eateries - restaurants, bakeries, delis - and receive a refund for half of your receipt total, up to $30.  Go to SplitTheBillNY.com for a listing of participating restaurants and program details. If you have any questions about this program, send an email to: contact@SplitTheBillNY.com.

Please note: This is a one-day promotion (6/24 ONLY) and you must have a Venmo or PayPal account (it's easy to set one up).  Go to either PayPal.com or Venmo.com to set up your free account.

Split The Bill NY is hoping to expand their initiative to areas all over the country with the help of corporate or private foundations who are willing to fund a campaign in their town or city. If you are interested in funding a Split The Bill NY campaign in your area (can be outside of New York), send an email to contact@splitthebillny.com. In your email, please include some details about your foundation or organization.

Split The Bill NY is an initiative created by the Sidgmore Family Foundation, that aims to support local restaurants, their hardworking employees and the community during this time of economic hardship caused by the coronavirus pandemic. They will reimburse 50% of your restaurant receipt, up to $30 per order, when you order takeout, delivery, drive-through or dine-in (at the restaurants that are now offering outdoor seating) at any of their partner restaurants in the Village of Westbury.

Long Island to Enter Phase 3 of Reopening Tomorrow

Long Island is set to enter Phase 3 of New York’s reopening plan tomorrow, which will ease more restrictions that are currently in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new phase will for restaurants to reopen both indoor and outdoor space so long as tables are set at least six feet apart and mask wearing protocols are in effect.  Bar and standing areas can also be opened so long as they allow for social distancing.

Phase 3 will also for the opening of non-hair-related personal care businesses and services, including tattoo and piercing facilities, massage therapy, spas, cosmetology, nail specialty, UV and non-UV tanning, or waxing.

“We are waiting to reopen,” said Jack Foster, manager of Beach Bakery Cafe in Westhampton, “People who come to bakery want to sit inside, people are very good at practicing social distancing – it’s fantastic.”

New York State has released a list of eligible businesses and restrictions that you can view online here.

You can read more at Long Island Business News.

Calendar of Events

Complete Streets Virtual Summit to be Held on June 25th & 26th

Please join us for the 2020 Complete Streets Virtual Summit on June 25th & 26th from 9:00 to 10:30 AM each day. This event will feature two days of conversation on how to make our citizens and Main Streets healthier places to live.

Day 1 will feature conversations with Denise Carter and Paula Flores from Greenman Pedersen, Bernard Macias from AARP, and Keishia M. Pollack Porter from Johns Hopkins. Day 2 will feature Elissa Kyle from Vision Long Island, Hon.Ralph Ekstrand, Mayor of the Village of Farmingdale, Hon. Margot Garant, Mayor of the Village of Port Jefferson, Rich Vandenburgh from the Village of Greenport BID, Clariona Griffith from the Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and Jacob Dixen from Choice for All.

Complete Streets can help to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle. Since the onset of the Coronavirus, people have been using our streets for walking and biking more than ever. In addition, our Main Streets need to allow space for outdoor dining as well as room for shoppers to safely social distance. How can we ensure our streets can fulfill these roles and support public health?

Newsday to host Panel on Reopening on June 25th

Vision's Director Eric Alexander is happy to join Newsday's Joye Brown and James Madore as a panelist in their next discussion on the next phases of reopening businesses in our local communities. The program is Thursday at 7:30pm. Join us for this special free virtual event to gain more insight during the coronavirus pandemic and get expert answers to your questions.

Newsday's Associate Editor Joye Brown and Economics Writer James Madore will moderate an informative discussion and interactive Q&A on what businesses are doing to protect their employees and customers, plus how you can be safe while going out around town and more. Join Dr. Uzma Syed,Infectious Disease Specialist, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Eric Alexander, Director Vision LI/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance, and Kristen Jarnagin, President and CEO of Discover Long Island, for this crossover discussion on health and business safety.

You can register to join in on this event here.

The INN Organization will Hold Second Curbside Food Drive on June 27th

The INN organization will hold its second curbside food drive this coming Saturday, June 27th from 10 am to noon at the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen, 100 Madison Avenue in Hempstead.  This will be a safe, no-contact drive where donors will place donations on a table with a masked volunteer standing at a safe distance.  The volunteer will then retrieve the donation after the donor leaves.

If you’re interested in donating you can view a full list of items they are accepting here.  For any questions, please call 516-732-6009.

The following is a list of upcoming and ongoing calendar events. Check back on each publication for updates:

• Virtual Walks: The Health Education Council will be holding Virtual Walks every Monday at 12:30 pm EST and Wednesday at 3 pm EST, with a Spanish language virtual walk each Friday at 3 pm EST.

If you're interested in taking a walk with friends while still practicing social distancing you can head to the the website here to sign up for a virtual walk. A Spanish speaking version is available here. You will then receive a zoom link and all you'll need is a smart phone and a good pair of shoes and you'll be in business!

• The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will hold a one-day, virtual joint monthly meeting of the MTA Board and the Board’s committees on Wednesday, June 24, at 10 a.m. 

Chairman Patrick J. Foye will convene a joint meeting of the MTA Board and the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, New York City Transit, MTA Bridges and Tunnels, Finance and Capital Program Oversight Committees. Materials for the monthly meeting of the Capital Program Oversight Committee will be posted online only. New Yorkers are encouraged to visit https://new.mta.info/transparency/board-and-committee-meetings/june-2020 to view the meeting online. 

• Legislative response to COVID19 with NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins - Leader Stewart-Cousins will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and the State Legislature’s package of COVID-19 related bills, the future state and recovery of manufacturing in New York, and then answer questions from members on various state-related topics.

The Webinar will take place on Thursday, June 25th at 2:00 PM - Register Here

• Employee Retention Credit: An Alternative to PPP Loans

The CARES Act created the Payroll Protection Program Loan Program, which afforded relief for many companies. However, not all companies are eligible for PPP loans. Fortunately, for some, the Employee Retention Credit may be an option. The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) allows a refundable payroll tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee. Tax and business professionals will learn who is eligible and how credits are computed.

This course will provide an understanding of the Employee Retention Credit program’s history and purpose, explain which companies are eligible for the credit, describe how to calculate the credit, and discuss how to apply for the credit

The event will take place on July 8th at 1:15 pm. You can register for the event here.

• In these times of uncertainty, cancer patients and their families need our help. Critical research has been put on hold, treatment plans have been disrupted, and surprise medical billing has financially crippled families who have loved ones fighting for their lives. All of this creates serious risk to the current and future state of cancer cures.

Survivorship is one curve I don’t want to see flatten. It needs to continue to increase. LLS stands out to me because it is an unapologetically patients first organization and one example of this is the LLS COVID-19 Patient Financial Aid Program. This program delivers financial relief to blood cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of their disease and circumstances related to the pandemic. As of June 10, 2020 LLS has given $4,526,000 to over 18,104 patients since April 1, 2020. And long before COVID19 – for over 70 years - LLS works each day to create a world free of blood cancers through research, advocacy and ongoing patient support.

So the reason as to why I chose to support this cause despite it being even more difficult because of the state of the world is simple…cancer hasn’t stopped because of the pandemic so we need to ensure cures don’t either.

You can help by being MY GUEST @ LLS’s Light The Night Virtual Business Community Kickoff on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 8am-9am Eastern via the Zoom Platform.

At this event, you’ll get to experience an hour of hope and inspiration, which I know we all can use right now. You can register for this event here.

Island Harvest Searching for Government Relations Liason and Social Media Specialist

Island Harvest is currently looking to fill two positions in-house at their organization, including a Government Relations Liaison and a Social Media Specialist.

The Government Relations Liaison will develop and coordinate all government relations activities, maintain all relationships with electeds and their staff, and leverage potential funding and legislative opportunities to enhance our hunger-relief work.

You can read the full duties and requirements for the Government Relations Liaison position here.

Meanwhile, the Social Media Specialist will support our communications, public relations/marketing program by assisting in the execution of Island Harvest’s brand voice across all channels, including digital ads, website, social media, electronic and print materials.

You can read the full duties and requirements for the Social Media Specialist position here.

New York League of Conservation Voters is Hiring a Development Manager

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is one of the state’s leading environmental organizations. Together with their sister organization, the NYLCV Education Fund, they advance a bold agenda to combat climate change, protect public health from air and water pollution, and preserve our state’s open spaces and abundant natural resources. In recent years, NYLCV and NYLCV Education Fund have played a major role in securing passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, a $3 billion environmental  bond proposal for voter approval this November, congestion pricing in New York City, a statewide plastic bag ban, and more. They educate voters, elected officials, and the business community about our state’s most pressing environmental policy issues and convene forums that bring together stakeholders from all sectors.

And now they are hiring a Development Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Development Manager will support a range of fundraising efforts for NYLCV and NYLCV Education Fund’s general operations and programs. This position will play a key role in the organization’s success by assisting with the following activities:

• Building organizational capacity by conducting prospect research on foundations, companies, and individuals.
• Helping the organization expand its portfolio of foundation supporters through grant writing, relationship building, and strategizing. 
• Managing existing grants and ensuring program deliverables are met and reports are submitted. 
• Supporting efforts to increase our mid and major gift programs.
• Helping to grow our Corporate Partners program through researching new companies and maintaining relationships with existing partners.

For further information on responsibilities and qualifications as well as how to apply, head on over to their website.

New York State Accepting Applications for NY Forward Loan Fund

New York State has opened pre-applications for the New York Forward Loan Fund. Loans from this fund are available to small businesses, nonprofits, and small landlords in New York State that did not receive a loan from either the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for COVID-19 in 2020. New York Forward loans must be fully repaid over a 5-year term with fixed annual interest rates of 3 percent for small businesses and landlords.

Small businesses may apply for the lesser of $100,000 or up to 100% of the average monthly revenues in any 3-month period from 2019 or the first quarter of 2020. This loan can be paid back over five years with first year being interest only.  However, if small businesses have received either a PPP loan or an EIDL loan from SBA, they would not be eligible to apply. NYS has set a goal of 18% of total funds under this Program for Long Island

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as industries and regions reopen however, priority for New York Forward Loans will be given to industries and regions that have been reopened. Resources are available to assist in preparing applications for small businesses, landlords and nonprofits in industries and regions that have not yet reopened.

CDC Guidelines on Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

Know how it spreads

• There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Everyone Should...

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
  • Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
  • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
  • Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
• Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectantsexternal icon  will work.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
  • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
  • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.

Our Daily Sponsor

H2M Architects + Engineers

Since their early roots, H2M’s focus has remained steadfast: to provide quality service with sound judgment and to serve as an honest professional resource to their clients. With a dedicated, responsive staff and multiple service offerings under one roof, they blend “can-do” with “can-be,” developing real, workable solutions with a dose of innovation. Their diverse in-house expertise reduces the need for sub-consultants and ensures that their architects and engineers develop a comprehensive understanding of every project. 

Providing solutions to a wide variety of markets, H2M brings the combined expertise of architectural design and building systems engineering to make your project a reality. With in-house MEP and structural teams, they’re able to take a holistic approach to project design that combines a practical approach with creative results.