At about noon, we'll be talking with Tom Turnbull, president of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.
Press release:
St. Ann’s Community has announced that it will give approximately $400,000 in bonuses to 875 employees this week in a major show of appreciation and support. The organization’s workers are helping to provide around-the-clock care to residents and patients – the most vulnerable and at-risk populations of the rapidly spreading coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic.
“The extraordinary performance of our employees during these unprecedented times deserves appreciation and recognition,” said St. Ann’s Community President and CEO Michael McRae. “We can only hope that the bonuses, along with other measures, help acknowledge their service and sacrifice. We would not be able to provide care to those most in need without our dedicated and brave healthcare workers.”
Appreciation bonuses will be paid on Friday, March 27, to all full-time and part-time workers. Full-time workers will receive $500 and part-time workers will receive $250. Senior managers are excluded from the bonus.
In addition to the bonuses, smaller measures are also being implemented to show support for staff members. St. Ann’s is providing complementary food to all workers while on duty, and has also relaxed the uniform and dress code for all employees.
“Our team members are balancing work with the support and care they need to provide to their own families, especially during this anxious and difficult time for all of us,” McRae said. “They are incredible, and we are completely in awe of their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.”
NOTE: St. Ann's operates in Le Roy what was formerly known as the Greens of Le Roy.
The Genesee County public health briefing for March 20, 2020.
Key points:
EDITOR'S NOTE: With this update, moving this post back to the top of the home page.
Today, spokeswoman Deanna Cohen provided an update:
Yesterday we received 532,000+ site visits from New Yorkers filing UI claims.
Today we received 475,000+ calls.
Our dedicated staff is doing the best they can and are committed to serving every single person, no matter how long it takes.
Press release:
Earlier today, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced he is signing the "New York State on PAUSE" executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone.
It includes a new directive that all nonessential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.
Guidance on essential services under the executive order is as follows:
ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, including any for profit or nonprofit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure, are not subject to the in-person restriction.
(Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health).
This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation. With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and nonessential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restrictions.
For purposes of Executive Order 202.6, "Essential Business," means:
1. Essential Health Care Operations, including:
2. Essential Infrastructure, including:
3. Essential Manufacturing, including:
4. Essential Retail, including:
5. Essential Services, including:
6. News Media
7. Financial Institutions, including:
8. Providers of Basic Necessities to Economically Disadvantaged Populations, including:
9. Construction, including:
10. Defense
11. Essential Services Necessary to Maintain the Safety, Sanitation and Essential Operations of Residences or Other Essential Businesses, including:
12. Vendors that Provide Essential Services or Products, Including Logistics and Technology Support, Child Care and Services:
If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business.
Houses of worship are not ordered closed however it is strongly recommended no congregate services be held and social distance maintained.
Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet.
Requests by businesses to be designated an essential function as described above, should only be made if they are NOT covered by the guidance.
To request designation as an essential business, please click here (PDF).
Restrictions on requesting designation as an essential business:
For Guidance on cleaning and disinfection of facilities, refer to the New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and Private Facilities for COVID-19 here (PDF).
For further information: New York State Department of Health's COVID-19 webpage.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.
Local health department contact information can be found here.
Press release:
In an effort to assist current business customers with unexpected financial burdens faced during the current COVID-19 crisis, and on the heels of its recently announced relief for consumer loan customers, Tompkins Financial has implemented a loan assistance program for its eligible commercial clients.
Tompkins’ new Loan Assistance Program provides up to 60 days of deferment for all commercial loans.
“We understand that companies, including our small business customers, are the backbone of the U.S. economy and that they need our support during this critical time more than ever,” said Stephen Romaine, president and CEO. “As a community bank, it is our duty to assist businesses in the best way we can, which includes taking a market-leading position on loan deferment that we hope will inspire others to do the same during this time of unexpected hardship.”
Tompkins announced late Wednesday that it would provide this program as well as loan relief options to retail customers, preceding New York State’s announcement Thursday. Loan customers who are experiencing challenges with loan repayment should contact their banker via phone or email immediately, or reach out to Tompkins’ Customer Care Center at 1-888-300-0110 to review options that may be available to them.
About Tompkins Financial Corporation
It is a financial services company serving the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Ithaca, NY, Tompkins Financial is parent to Tompkins Trust Company, Tompkins Bank of Castile, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Tompkins VIST Bank, Tompkins Insurance Agencies Inc., and offers wealth management services through Tompkins Financial Advisors. For more information on Tompkins Financial, visit online.
Press release:
This is a challenging time for everyone. In light of the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation and to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants, all Genesee County Master Gardener programs and speaking engagements have been cancelled through April.
If you have registered and paid for any of our programs you will get a refund. We will resume our regular programming as soon as we can.
Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and to do our part to help limit the spread, the Master Gardener Helpline will not be available to walk-ins through May 1.
Master Gardener volunteers will not be in the office during this time. We hope to reopen to the public on Monday, May 4.
With gardening season at our doorstep, we want to be available to help you. If you have gardening questions you may continue to contact us through our email at geneseemg@hotmail.com. Photos may be sent for plant and insect identification.
If you are on Facebook you can also leave a question on the CCE Genesee Facebook page.
Stay up to date with our Master Gardener program by visiting our website.
Please take all precautions to stay safe and healthy.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you in the near future.
Public Notice
By order of the Town Supervisor a State of Emergency is hereby declared in the TOWN OF PAVILION, effective at 3 p.m. today -- March 19, 2020 -- due to the ongoing viral pandemic of COVID-19 and the existing States of Emergency at the Federal, State, and County level.
This State of Emergency is declared in an effort to protect public health and safety and will remain in effect for 30 days or until rescinded by a subsequent order.
As the Chief Executive of the Town of Pavilion, County of Genesee, State of New York, I, Robert J. LaPoint , exercise the authority given me under Section 24 of the New York State Executive Law, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being, and health of the citizens of this Municipality. I hereby direct all departments and agencies of the Town of Pavilion to take whatever steps necessary to protect life and property, public infrastructure, and provide such emergency assistance deemed necessary.
Robert J. LaPoint
Town Supervisor
Town of Pavilion
March 19th, 2020
We have an interview scheduled for 3 p.m. with Matt Gray, owner of Alex's Place and Eli Fish Brewing Co.
UPDATE: A couple of people wanted more information about the small business loans Matt and I discuss in the interview. Here's a link to the Forbes article that is the source of the information.
Press release:
The Woodward Memorial Library is closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in effect as long as deemed necessary.
Our online resources are available 24/7. E-books, e-audiobooks, comics, videos, music, and digital magazines are available through Overdrive, Hoopla, and RB Digital. These are all available as free apps that can be downloaded to smart devices or links are available through the library’s website.
The library’s Wi-Fi works well from the grounds 24/7. No library card necessary.
We will keep you updated through our Facebook page, Instagram, and website. We will also be posting storytime videos and craft tutorials to our Facebook and Instagram stories. Follow us on Instagram @wmlib. Our website is www.woodwardmemoriallibrary.org.
We look forward to reopening as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
Stay safe and well,
Betsy Halvorsen
Library Director
From the U.S. Small Business Administration:
Given the trying times we’re dealing we wanted to give you some updates you can pass along to your businesses. The first question businesses should be asking is of their current bankers and landlords. Are they able to defer payments for a few months? On current SBA Loans banks do have the authority to provide a deferment. Given the situation, we hope that landlords and other lenders would provide deferment as well.
Next, New York State has been approved and declared a State eligible for C for the novel coronavirus. Businesses can apply for these loans at: www.sba.gov/disaster
It is a good idea for folks to have 3 years of tax returns, P&L from last year, Balance Sheet, Monthly Cash Flow and a listing of their liabilities (Mortgages, loans, etc.) together before applying. These loans do not replace lost sales but can cover fixed costs such as rent, utilities and payroll (if keeping employees).
I am doing a webinar with the Better Business Bureau and Lynn Oswald from our NCCC SBDC on Wednesday, March 25th from noon to 1 p.m. Please join us from the webinar as we’ll explain more about the Disaster Loan program and give other tips and resources for business survival in this trying time. Link to register.
Our Small Business Development Centers, SCORE Mentors and Women’s Business Center are operating during this time. Most are doing appointments via phone or web conference, but are available for businesses who have questions.
Please let me know if you need anything or have any further questions.
Best regards,
Small Business Administration
Public Notice
A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the Town of Pembroke, New York for a period of five days beginning at 5 p.m. today -- March 20, 2020 -- with possible extension if needed.
The State of Emergency has been declared due to the continuing nationally declared state of emergency, the New York State declared state of emergency, and the County of Genesee declared state of emergency due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.
Such conditions threaten or imperil the public health or safety of the citizens of this municipality.
As Chief Executive of this municipality, I have exercised the authority given to me under New York State Executive Law 24, to preserve the public safety and hereby render all required and available assistance vital to the security, well-being and health of the citizens of the Town.
Town offices are hereby closed to the Public and all nonemergency functions will be postponed. A drop box will be made available outside the Town Hall for the public to drop off important business.
The scheduled three-year assessment revaluation has been postponed until 2021.
Town meetings scheduled for next week are canceled.
For the duration of the State of Emergency, Town employees are being directed to work from home to the extent practicable and can access email and phone messages from home.
Town Clerk, 585-762-4105, town-clerk@townofpembroke.org
Please mail all payments/paperwork to: 1145 Main Road, Corfu, NY 14036. Receipts will be mailed back to you. All March and April Dog License renewals will have until May 31st to renew. Funeral Directors, please call to file a death certificate. If you need to renew a handicap permit, please call and one can be mailed out to you.
Town Assessor, 585-356-2150, assessor@townofpembroke.org
Call for appointment.
Building and Zoning, 585-762-4108, zoning-codes@townofpembroke.org
Town Court, 585-599-4817, ext. 5
Town Court will be CLOSED until further notice. Please call with questions.
Town Supervisor, cell 585-762-4107 or 585-409-8429, supervisor@townofpembroke.org
Please call with questions, concerns.
Highway Superintendent, cell 585-506-2690, highway@townofpembroke.org
Thomas C. Schneider Jr.
Town Supervisor
We're talking with Genesee County Sheriff William Sheron.
From Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:
I hope that this message finds you and your family safe and in good health. Over the last week, we have seen our lives and schedules turned upside down. From mandatory business closures and workforce reductions to school closures and travel restrictions, everyone has been impacted by the recent COVID-19 outbreak in New York State.
In addition to our daily lives, the current budget process has been significantly disrupted. Making matters worse is the fact that the state was facing a projected $6.1 billion deficit, prior to the current pandemic. This is expected to grow significantly due to the sharp decline in economic activity across the state.
I am hopeful that everyone will act responsibly and work towards enacting a straightforward, transparent budget. With ever-increasing uncertainty, I do not believe that it is appropriate to be advancing new “bold” programs or loading the budget with unrelated policy initiatives.
Furthermore, we must do all we can to protect critical public health programs and avoid balancing the budget with measures that will increase costs drastically for hard working families and small businesses, who are facing unprecedented financial uncertainty. Striking this balance will not be easy but is essential.
I will continue to monitor these situations closely and do all I can to advocate for Western New York families and small businesses during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michael H. Ranzenhofer
State Senator
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For more information regarding how to best protect you and your family, visit the CDC website or call the NYS Department of Health toll free at 1 (888) 364-3065.
For businesses with questions regarding the Governor’s recent Executive Order, I encourage you to contact Empire State Development Corporation.
Press release:
Currently, we are open, at our normal business hours. Starting Monday, March 23rd our hours will change to 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours will remain 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
First and foremost, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy, and in good spirits.
At CountryMax, we’re hard at work ensuring our community will be able to get the essential food and supplies for their pets and livestock in these uncertain times. We take our responsibility as an essential community resource to keep pets and livestock fed and healthy extremely seriously, while also putting the health and safety of our team members, customers, and community at the top of the list.
We’d like to address a few key points about our stores and operations at the current time -- while also knowing that with an ever-changing world we may need to modify these at any time.
First, CountryMax Stores will remain open as an essential business. As mentioned, providing the community with an essential source of food for pets and livestock necessary for survival is literally what we’re here for on a daily basis, and it is heightened even more in this time of uncertainty. Our hours of operations have been reduced to those cited above. Store staffing has also been reduced where possible, but we will remain operational to make sure we can provide this essential animal health service.
Next, we know that our role in informing the public of anything health related is very virtually zero-government and health organizations are (and should be) everyone’s source for anything public health related. Still, we are distributing signage throughout our stores to remind team members and customers to practice recommended guidelines, including “The Five” and social distancing.
Finally, we ask that everyone in our stores -- team members and customers alike -- remember that we are all in this, and will get through this (coronavirus pandemic), together. We’re working as hard as we can to carry out business functions normally, but delays and temporary out of stocks are going to be part of life right now and we hope everyone can understand.
If you do not feel well or choose not to visit our stores, please remember we have at-home delivery or “buy online, pickup in-store” options available on our website.
Thank you for choosing CountryMax, and we are all hoping you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
About CountryMax
It is a local, family-owned retailer, carries a large selection of healthy pet foods and pet supplies, barn and stable feed and supplies, small animals, home, lawn and garden, and wild bird supplies. CountryMax, in business for more than 35 years, operates 17 locations across New York State, including one in Batavia.
We're going to talk with John McKenna, CEO, and president of Tompkins Bank of Castile about programs available to assist small businesses and homeowners.
How is the current soft quarantine affecting you? If you're sheltering in place, how are you keeping yourself busy/entertained? What has the experience been like for you? If you're working from home, do you miss your coworkers? Do they miss you? Are you able to stay on task? What adjustments did you need to make or new things did you need to learn? How are you coping with the kids not going to school? Are you getting the help you need?
Whatever you're story, please grab your smartphone and make a selfie video about your experience and email it to howard@thebatavian.com (you can also use WeTransfer.com).
Start your video by introducing yourself.
And if you're one of the people under a health department-directed quarantine and are willing to go on camera for an interview (Skype, live stream), email howard@thebatavian.com and we can discuss it.
Press release:
Genesee Chorale, in light of coronavirus concerns, has canceled its spring 2020 season, including its previously scheduled May 1 and 3 concerts.
“Upon consideration of the safety of our members as well as the potential number of rehearsals to put together a concert in early May (if we are even able to assemble at that point), we have decided that this is the best decision for us at this time,” Chorale Director Ric Jones wrote in an email sent out to members Thursday.
Chorale Board of Directors members were unanimous in deciding to cancel the season, and also unanimous in their sadness at the necessity of doing so.
“Although I really love rehearsals and performing with the choir and I hate to see us lose out on the work we’ve done so far,” said Board Member Lindsay Edwards. “I think canceling the spring season is probably the best and safest move given the unknown nature of what is to come.”
Board members will be meeting at a later, safer date, to discuss future plans. The cancellation of the spring season is a “sad but wise decision,” said Board President Janine Fagnan, who urged members to stay healthy and safe.
Jones said the Chorale has some exciting things coming up for the fall season, including an invitational.
“At this time,” he advised singers, “please focus on your safety and that of your loved ones. I look forward to making music together soon.”
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