SUNY Empire State College students, alumni, faculty, and staff are creating opportunities to support those in need in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. From sewing masks to organizing blood drives and donating computers, to establishing a fund to assist students, the SUNY Empire community is ramping up its efforts across the state, officials said.

“It’s incredible how people have found helping others as a way to cope with this situation,” said college President Jim Malatras. “The giving back, the genuine concern for our neighbors, and the outpouring of support is overwhelming, and I expect it will only grow in the weeks to come.”

As reports of a global personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage began to come in, SUNY Empire alumnus David Theobald, CEO of Stat Staff Professionals (SSP) in Saratoga Springs, and his team not only donated their remaining N95 masks, they began to create hand-sewn masks. These colorful masks have been shared with SSP staff, family members, and clinical staff throughout the community.

BY BRIAN M. JOHNSON, MBA, CLTC

The COVID-19 crisis is an event like no other in our lifetime. It is forcing us to live life in a new way. In some cases we feel we have lost control of our future and lives.

Fear of the unknown and perceived loss of control are just two of the issues all of us are dealing with in our personal lives and in business. It’s now safe to say there will be no going “back to normal.” Instead, what we are currently experiencing IS the new normal and it will be this way for a while. So, how do you protect your business, operate during this unprecedented crisis, and emerge stronger on the other side?

There are myriad of insurance policies that address this concern such as business interruption coverage, disability insurance and business overhead expense insurance to name a few. However, I’m talking about an insurance that protects your most valuable asset, your people. Everyone in an organization plays integral role in the survival of a company.

BY MICHAEL BITTLE

In just one short month, our community has changed due to COVID-19. We have completely changed the way we work, interact and live. Many businesses are on hiatus due to executive orders and guidance, others are running as “essential business” only. Everyone is looking for that magic answer on when this will be over, and when can we get back to normal.

I have seen so many people step up and answer the call to this challenge and help each other and our community. The selfless passion that I have seen in this region has shone brightly over the past month. From people donating masks, to our health care systems, to others donating food, time and money. Our front-line workers have expanded beyond healthcare, law enforcement and fire. Those working at restaurants, day care, food stores, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and retail stores are but a few on the front line.