Yorktown Chamber The President’s Column July 2020

Yorktown Chamber of Commerce President's Column as published in the July 2020 Newsletter on July 1, 2020

First, I would like to start by wishing everyone a very Happy July 4th .

I truly hope everyone will enjoy spending time with their family and friends as well as enjoy some well needed downtime. As the world seems to be spinning up once again, I have witnessed the hustle and bustle of daily life begin to return to a pace we all were used to in the pre-pandemic universe.

Next, I want to wish the Graduating Classes of The Yorktown High School, Lakeland and Walter Panas the very best as you truly begin your life journey that will lead you to accomplishment, success, and happiness. I have spoken to many graduating seniors and am continually impressed by their steadfast commitments and determination.

It is an exciting time for all of you and a very heart wrenching time for all your parents as they begin the process of letting you go!

Our local business community is once again thriving as we enter Phase 4 of the New York “UNPAUSE” initiatives.

I am proud to see our local businesses begin to open their doors while steadfastly adhering to the NY State mandated guidance. Throughout my travels within the local business community I have witnessed many Chamber members not only adhering to such necessary guidance but going above and beyond.

One member that comes to mind is JILCO Windows and Doors who (along with the appropriate markers, barriers, and social distancing practices) hands out gloves to all visitors to keep contact with surfaces to a bare minimum. It is this type of action which will ensure a smooth and continuous reopening.

The PPP Loan program is moving into the forgiveness phase and I have received many questions as to how and when that will work. Your lending institution will reach out to you when it is your turn to apply for this very important forgiveness and new guidance has yielded a short form that some business may qualify for. The two forms are the short form (Form 3508EZ) and the long form (Form 3508) which can both be found online.

To qualify for the short form you must meet one of the following criteria: You are self-employed and have no employees; you have not reduced salaries or hours of your employees by more than 25%; or you experienced reductions in business activity due to Covid-19 directives and kept your employees on at no less than 75%. Please remember to wait for your lending institution to reach out to you as I am sure more guidance is coming!

Members, please remember to take advantage of our many great member benefits such as advertising, promotion on the LED sign which is included in your renewal, member spotlights, on premises social media promotional videos, Thursday e-blasts, and of course our business advocacy.

Let the Chamber be your liaison to town government, we are here to help.

For those of you who are not members, consider joining today!

Lastly, we share in the sadness raised by recent events around the country and pray for all the families affected by these events.

Sergio Esposito, President

Yorktown Chamber of Commerce
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 632 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Phone: (914) 245-4599

Email:        info@yorktownchamber.org 

www.yorktownchamber.org