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Rockland Community College Announces New EMT-B Training Program in Partnership with Rockland Paramedic Service, The Workforce Development Board of Rockland County, and Rockland Works Career Center

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Front Row (Left to Right) – Grant Valentine, Community Outreach Liaison to Rockland Community College’s Board of Trustees; Jean M. Leandre, Ed.D, Dean of Career and Professional Development, Rockland Community College; Dr. Stephanie Compasso, Director, Rockland Works Career Center; Mike Lawler, New York State Assemblyman; Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, New York State Senator; Dr. Michael Baston, President, Rockland Community College; Ed Day, Rockland County Executive; Aney Paul, Rockland County Legislator; Deborah Studnitzer, Business Liaison Workforce Development Board of Rockland County.

The three-month licensing program will help to fill an ongoing paramedic shortage in the region and set unemployed and underemployed workers on the path to a new career.

Suffern, N.Y. (December 2, 2021) Rockland Community College (RCC) hosted a press conference on Tuesday, November 30 in the Nelson Mandela Room of the Student Union Building to announce a new Emergency Medical Technician training program established in partnership with Rockland Paramedic Services, the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County, and the Rockland Works Career Center. All three organizations were on hand, with Rockland Community College President Dr. Michael Baston, Rockland Paramedic Services CIO Timothy P. Egan, Workforce Development Board of Rockland County Business Liaison Deborah Studnitzer, and Rockland Works Career Center Director Dr. Stephanie Compasso sharing insights about their roles in the new program. Notable attendees included Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, New York State Senator; Mike Lawler, New York State Assemblyman; Ed Day, Rockland County Executive; Aney Paul, Rockland County Legislator; Lucy Redzeposki, Director, Rockland County Department of Economic Development and Tourism; Deborah Studnitzer, Workforce Development Board of Rockland County Business Liaison; Dr. Mark Geller, CEO, Montefiore Nyack Hospital; and Patrick J. Schmincke, COO, Good Samaritan Hospital, Bon Secours Charity Health System.

“At Rockland Community College, we take great pride in ensuring that our students are Real World Ready for jobs in critical and emerging industries that pay a family supporting wage. We are proud to partner with Rockland Paramedics and the Rockland Works Career Center to offer this EMT program to meet the needs of our community and provide life-saving training for incoming first responders,” said Dr. Michael Baston, Rockland Community College President.

This important new program, slated to start on January 24, 2022, and continue into the next academic year, was designed specifically to fill the needs of EMT professionals in Rockland County and offer training to the unemployed or underemployed population impacted by the pandemic. The Emergency Medical Technician program leads to NYS Certification as an EMT-Basic. Students are trained to provide care in life-threatening or potentially life-threatening conditions and to prevent further harm before a patient is moved or transported. Students complete a rigorous course including didactic and practical instruction as required by New York State. Students who successfully complete the course and pass the final written and practical exam will be eligible to take the New York State Certification Exam on the last day of the program.

“By jumpstarting careers in healthcare this collaborative effort will play an important role in saving lives in the Hudson Valley. I am proud and happy to be working together with Rockland Community College, the Workforce Development Board, Rockland Works, Montefiore-Nyack and WMC Good Samaritan Hospital to provide meaningful employment to people looking for career opportunities,” said Timothy P. Egan, Chief Information Officer of Rockland Paramedic Services.

“Rockland Works and the Workforce Development Board of Rockland County are excited to partner with RCC and Rockland Paramedics to establish a talent pipeline and contribute to the growth of the Rockland County workforce,” said Dr. Stephanie Compasso, Director of Rockland Works Career Center, at the press conference. Compasso noted that the Emergency Medical Technician program will help do the following:

The three-month-long program culminates with on-the-job training as an EMT professional at Rockland Paramedics Services, which has already committed to hiring those students who complete the program. The program cost is $6,997, but is free for individuals who qualify for assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

By completing the link below, prospective applicants will receive an appointment convenient for them to receive assistance through the process. Individual appointments will be held on Thursdays during the month, starting December 9th. It will be held on campus at Brucker Hall, Room 6102. Cost, dates, times and etc. are within the link. 

Link to the appointment page: https://forms.gle/e5Co2mmrNLJYreKWA

 

RCC and its community partners are proud to take this step toward alleviating the ongoing shortage of certified EMT professionals that has been both a regional and a national issue. A study done in December 2019 by the New York State Emergency Medical Services Council found 62%of agencies reporting that the shortage in the number of qualified paramedics diminished their ability to cover their calls or scheduled shifts. And the New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS reports that the number of certified EMS providers in New York has declined 9% in the last 10 years.

At the press conference, RCC also highlighted 13 other workforce programs launching this spring within in-demand fields through the Division of Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation at Rockland Community College, all with an average starting salary of $40,000 upon graduation. Examples of these programs include Class A Truck Driver (CDL), Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), and Barber Operator.

Mid-Hudson Economic Development Updates

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News From Governor Hochul

Governor Hochul Celebrates the Start of Winter Travel Season with New and Exciting Activities for Everyone

  • Winter Festivals, Cozy Eateries, Ski Mountain Upgrades and New Lodging Offer Countless Opportunities for Seasonal Fun Across New York State

ICYMI: Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers to Shop Locally

  • Supporting Local Businesses Year-Round Strengthens Communities and Boosts Local Economies
  • Watch the New York State Department of Labor Small Business Saturday Video Here

 Upcoming Events

TODAY: Clean Tech & Advanced Materials Job Fair – December 1, 2021, 11am – 2pm

  • Job Fair connecting New York State jobseekers to companies with available opportunities within the fields of Clean Technology, Energy Storage, Battery Manufacturing, Advanced Materials and more
  • Entry-mid level, experienced and management positions are available. Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR), NY Ventures, and NYBEST are proud to support innovative companies across the state provide sustainable energy sources, expand manufacturing capabilities and ensure a resource efficient future within a thriving New York State economy
  • Register HERE for the Clean Tech & Advanced Materials Job Fair

Doing Business in China E-Commerce Webinar – December 9, 2021, 9am-11am ET

  • Empire State Development’s Global NY Division will be hosting a no-cost webinar on Tuesday, December 7, 9-11 am ET.
  • Global e-commerce has become even more important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Join Global NY’s China office and industry experts to hear the latest insights on how New York State businesses can export to and work with one of the world’s largest markets.
  • View the event flyer to learn more.
  • Register to attend HERE.

Innovating Forward 11th Annual New York State MWBE Forum – December 14-16, 2021

  • The 11th annual New York State Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Forum is the premier opportunity for MWBEs from across industries to forge new professional connections and become more competitive in an ever-changing market.
  • Hybrid Event: In-Person & Virtual Forum Experiences
    • Day 1: Laying the Foundation
    • Day 2: Roadmap to Success
    • Day 3: Boundless Opportunities
  • Register HERE to attend the MWBE Forum 

Economic Development Opportunity Highlights

NEW: The NYSCA FY2022 Capital Projects Application Portal is now open and accepting submissions!

  • Before you start your application, we encourage you to review the following resources:
  • The NYSCA team will be holding two more virtual office hour sessions in December and answer questions regarding the application process. These office hours are not recorded.  Please note that each session can accommodate 40 participants.
  • NYSCA asks that you please only register for a session that you know you will be able to attend.
  • Thursday, December 9, 2021, 11AM-11:45AM: Register here!
  • Thursday, December 9, 2021, 3PM-3:45PM: Register here!
  • These registration links are also available on the NYSCA FY2022 Opportunities page, here.

SBA Announces Updated Guidance Regarding Applicant Deadlines for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

  • Agency Strongly Encourages Submission of Supplemental Advance Applications by December 10; All Applications Due by December 31
  • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available. Since its inception, the COVID EIDL program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from the pandemic, especially hard-hit sectors such as restaurants, gyms, and hotels, has approved nearly $300 billion in relief aid. Specifically, the following updated guidance is being provided:
  • EIDL loan and Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31 and will continue to be processed after this date until funds are exhausted.
  • Supplemental Targeted Advance applications will be accepted until December 31; however, the SBA may be unable to process some Supplemental Targeted Advance applications submitted near the December 31 deadline due to legal requirements. The SBA cannot continue to process Supplemental Targeted Advance applications after December 31 and strongly encourages eligible small businesses to apply by December 10 to ensure adequate processing time.
  • Borrowers can request increases up to their maximum eligible loan amount for up to two years after their loan origination date, or until the funds are exhausted, whichever is soonest.
  • The SBA will accept and review reconsideration and appeal requests for COVID EIDL applications received on or before December 31 if the reconsideration/appeal is received within the timeframes in the regulation. This means six months from the date of decline for reconsiderations and 30 days from the date of reconsideration decline for appeals – unless funding is no longer available.

List of Economic Development Resources

Funding Opportunities:

  • Business Pandemic Recovery Initiative
  • Regional Economic Development Council Round 11
    • Funding is still available through the open enrollment programs, including the ESD Capital Grant Fund.
    • Interested parties are encouraged to apply by December 31, 2021.
    • Learn more about the funding programs at www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov/mid-hudson
  • New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) FY2022 funding
  • Workforce Development Initiative
    • Second Round of Funding Makes $48 Million Available to Help New Yorkers Find Quality, Well-Paid Jobs and to Meet the Short and Long-Term Workforce Needs of Businesses
    • Find the 2021 Guidebook, Program Guidelines and Webinars HERE
  • Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program
    • The $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program provides an incentive to COVID-impacted restaurants to bring restaurant staff back-to-work, and to increase hiring at NYS restaurants.
    • Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new worker hired, up-to $50,000 per business. 
    • The Program is open to eligible restaurants located in New York City, or in an area outside of New York City that was designated an Orange or Red Zone for at least thirty consecutive days.
  • Global New York
    • Global NY helps New York businesses enter or expand their presence in the global marketplace.
    • Programs connect companies with sales agents and distributors abroad and offset the costs of exporting with grants and loans.
    • By participating in our trade missions, New York businesses can create and reinforce global connections and partnerships.
  • New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) ReCharge NY Program
  • NYSERDA
  • Utility Economic Development Programs
  • Federal Grants
    • Federal Economic Development Funding – EDA American Rescue Plan Programs
      • Good Jobs Challenge: $500 million for Industry-led training programs, designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. Three project types: System Development, Program Design and Program Implementation.
        • Deadline: January 26, 2022
        • Eligibility: State & local governments, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations
      • Economic Adjustment Assistance: $500 million available through EDA’s most flexible program. Wide range of technical, planning, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and public works and infrastructure projects are eligible for funding under this program.
        • Deadline: March 15, 2022 (suggested; applications reviewed on a rolling basis)
        • Eligibility: State & local governments, higher education institutions, not-for-profit organizations
      • See all the EDA American Rescue Plan Programs HERE

Technical Assistance for Businesses:

Workforce Development Resources:

Resources for Employers:

  • NY State of Health: Shop here to see what health insurance options are available to you, your family, and your business
  • Child Care:Parents in need of free child care resources and referrals are encouraged to visit www.HVChildCare.org, where they can enter their zip code to immediately find the name and contact information of the agency that serves their location.
  • NYS DOL Shared Work Program: New York State’s DOL Shared Work Program helps businesses manage business cycles and seasonal adjustments. Shared Work lets businesses keep trained staff and avoid layoffs. Employees can receive partial unemployment insurance benefits while working reduced hours. Full-time, part-time and seasonal employees are eligible.

Data and Reports:

STAC Students Call “All Aboard the Happy Fleet!”

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St. Thomas Aquinas Students to Host Holiday Car Parade on December 5 to Support the Penguin Plunge and Seriously Ill Rockland Children. 

St. Thomas Aquinas College Communication students will lead a police-escorted “Happy Fleet” car parade from the STAC parking lot to 7 Gary Lane in Orangeburg NY, on Sunday, December 5, at 1:00 PM to raise awareness for the not-for-profit Penguin Plunge of Nyack, as part of a semester-long public relations service-learning project. “We are so impressed by the work these students have produced over the last couple months,” says Barbara Noyes, Executive Director, and founder of Penguin Plunge. “We love their enthusiasm and dedication and already see many positive results of their efforts to raise awareness for our organization and this year’s ill children, 5-year-old Teagan Walsh and 2-year-old Jhenaé Fairclough.”

STAC students are working with the Penguin Plunge to support this year’s two “penguins” (recipients) of the organization’s fundraising efforts. “We are so thankful for the support of the Penguin Plunge and continue to hope for a cure for our beloved daughter,” states Jessica Walsh, mother of Teagan Walsh. Walsh was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in July 2018 at just two years old. “Because of the Penguin Plunge, my family now has hope that Jhenaé will continue to get the care she needs.” says Kirk Fairclough, whose daughter has been facing a tough battle since a few days after her first birthday when she was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. “We are so thankful for this precious gift of charity.”

The “Happy Fleet” is open to all and will convene in the St. Thomas Aquinas College parking lot behind the Lougheed Library at 1:00 PM for car decorating. The fleet will depart and travel with police escort to 7 Gary Lane, in Orangeburg NY, home of Teagan Walsh. “I’m so happy to have the opportunity to participate in this event and put smiles on the faces of these sick children with my ice-cream!” states Marci Ruanova, owner of The Coney Express Ice Cream Truck. Ruanova will provide free ice cream for the children. The “Happy Fleet” will come to a stop at the Walsh home where STAC students dressed as penguins, Santa, and elves will sing and dance and present Walsh and Fairclough with holiday gifts.

Since September, STAC communication arts students have created social platforms, designed engaging content, developed a comprehensive public relations and digital marking plan, and organized promotional events intending to build awareness for the Penguin Plunge. Communication Arts Professor Elaine Winship leads students through similar projects every semester. “Service learning allows students to build marketable skills and gain real world experience, while supporting not-for-profit organizations within the community,” she explains. “The immersive aspects are intense, preparing students for future internships and employment opportunities.” By focusing heavily on video and social platforms, the STAC students have considerably increased Penguin Plunge’s Instagram content in little more than a month. The “Happy Fleet” parade is the culminating event of the semester. Communication Arts senior, Michael Parrot adds, “This service-learning project has allowed me to build my PR skills and bolster my resume while giving back. It’s a win-win all around and I’m grateful for the experience.”

For more information, please contact Elaine Winship, 914.419.0241 or ewinship@stac.edu.

St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college located on 72 acres in Rockland County, NY, which provides education at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The College’s approximately 2,000 full and part-time students can choose from more than 100 different majors, minors, specializations, and dual-degree programs across four Schools: Arts & Social Sciences, Business, Education, and STEM. The College is recognized by U.S. News & World Report in the Top-Tier for Regional Universities, by Colleges of Distinction in both its New York and Catholic editions, by Affordable Colleges Online as a top College in New York for Return on Investment, and is included as a Military Friendly School®. St. Thomas Aquinas College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; its School of Education is a candidate for accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), and its School of Business is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). For more information, visit www.stac.edu.

About Penguin Plunge Inc.
Penguin Plunge Inc. is a nonprofit organization that helps the families of three seriously ill local children each year to meet their medical and support costs as they focus on their children’s health. The organization was started in 2008 by Barbra Noyes and Mike Lynch, and has raised over $600,000 for their sponsored children over the course of the past fourteen years. The Penguin Plunge is their main annual event that gives people the opportunity to take a memorable dip into the icy waters of the Hudson while raising money for a good cause; however, the organization also holds a variety of events in area restaurants, businesses, and schools to bolster fundraising efforts. To learn more about Penguin Plunge Inc., visit their website at https://www.penguinplungeny.com/

About The Coney Express
The Coney Express is an Ice Truck that serves as a mobile retail outlet for ice cream. They sell prepackaged ice cream throughout the neighborhood and during events such as birthdays, block parties, fundraisers, school events, weddings, etc. The Coney Express is run by local mom, Marci Ruanova, who always dreamed of owning an Ice Cream truck. Ruanova’s favorite part of her work is seeing children smile when they see The Coney Express coming. Contact The Coney Express at 347.674.4421 / TheConeyExpress5@gmail.com / Facebook: The Coney Express / Instagram: @the.coney.express

ROCKLAND COMMUNITY POWER: December 2, 2021: Virtual Information Session

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One year after the launch of the Rockland Community Power program, this innovative program has delivered cost savings to residents and small businesses. The program also gives each of us a way to choose clean energy, while also keeping costs down.  

Join us to get answers to your questions. This Information session is open to all new, prospective and current customers. Thursday, December 2, 2021 – 7 pm

https://tinyurl.com/RCP2Dec

Meeting number: 2556 027 2587

Password: rcp4

Or call +1-415-655-0001

Access code: 255 602 72587

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