Putnam County Economic Development Corporation Announces Response to COVID-19 Economic Crisis
Carmel, NY – The Putnam County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) today announced that it will be shifting into “response and recovery” mode to address the economic fallout wreaked by COVID-19.
The PCEDC is committed to helping county businesses survive and recover from the financial disaster incurred by business shutdowns necessitated to diminish the spread of the coronavirus.
“It’s a new world. Our team is dedicated and we are nimble enough to address changing needs in this unprecedented time,” stated Kathleen Abels, President of the PCEDC. “The Main Street businesses are an essential part of the fabric of our community. We must make every effort to help them.”
The PCEDC is a non-profit organization funded by Putnam County that acts as the county’s external marketing agency for the economic and employment development. Normally, the PCEDC works to attract appropriate new businesses, retain and grow employment opportunities and broaden the tax base in order to enhance the quality of life in Putnam County.
Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell joined Abels and her team on a conference call Friday to brainstorm ideas for assisting local business in this difficult time.
“Putnam County relies on our Main Street economy to offset property taxes, provide employment opportunities and foster our caring community values,” Odell said. “These businesses constantly work behind the scenes to support our non-profits, including local sports clubs, veterans groups, cancer support events like Relay for Life and much, much more. They have always been there for our community, now we need to be there for them.”
The PCEDC has added a COVID-19 Related Business Resources banner to the opening page of its website, www.putnamedc.org, to direct businesses and not-for-profits to the most current programs available to assist them. These will be updated as needed and presently include:
- Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which is administered by financial institutions and which provides small businesses with funds to pay up to 8 weeks of payroll costs including benefits.
- The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Debt Relief Program and Express Bridge Loans to help business owners navigate through this labyrinth of uncertainty.
- Community Capital of New York’s Emergency Express Loan of up to $10,000 for Small Businesses in the Hudson Valley impacted by COVID-19.
- Congress’ Small Business Owner’s Guide to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The PCEDC remains grateful for the continued support of Putnam County and urges everyone to patronize local businesses. Below are a few suggestions:
- Thank essential businesses and their employees for remaining open to serve us. While most of us stay at home, these dedicated individuals are working hard to perform extra cleaning and other services to keep customers and employees safe
- Order Take-Out – many area restaurants deliver; patronize them as often you can
- Purchase Gift Cards – for a friend or family member
- Tip More Generously – help businesses retain their employees
- Shop Putnam/Local Online – buy what you can and help them remain open
- Spread the Word! – go to social media pages and post a positive comment or recommendation, and share it with others
- Take an online class – from local gyms, health clubs and yoga studios
- Check area businesses’ websites and social media pages for updates and services
- Check area arts and non-profit organization’s websites and social media for additional online content
About Putnam County Economic Development Corporation
The Putnam County Economic Development Corporation is a 501(c)(6) Public-Private Corporation formed in 1996 to promote the economic vitality of Putnam County. It acts as a facilitator, bringing together businesses, government agencies and resources.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Putnam County Economic Development Corporation
Contact Name: Kathleen Abels
(845) 808-1021
Kathleen.Abels@putnamcountyny.gov
